Endeavor 17 by Steve Killing, a wood strip kayak.Page 2.

TonyBear guarding leftovers. My New Boat.
By, Captain F. Michael O'Lary
(Captain Fuzzy) no! really!

Atlantic White Cedar & Black Walnut >wow<

You have to admit, it even sounds beautiful. I am no wood expert, but I am told the white cedar is among the lightest practical woods for what is intended as a kayak that actually gets used . . and abused. If that is so, then the Black Walnut has to be among the heaviest. I picked up a dimensional 1x6x6 and almost hurt myself. It is clear that this wood will be used sparingly if this boat is to be portageable (is that a real word?). In my case I think that will be fine. I have formed a better idea of what I would like the kayak to look like thanks to my anonymous guide and guardian having just built a smaller boat out of the same two woods. He claims coincidence, but I mentioned the wood combination before he ever set up the molds for the kayak. That bum.

Atlantic White Cedar has a light blond color. That is the very best description I can offer you in words. It is beautiful. I wanted to stay away from the traditional red hues of sooo many wooden kayaks, it is not that I don't like them. For goodness sakes, that Captain title I claim is from boats. I have varnished more mohogany, oiled more teak, and polished more brass than most people have ever seen - I love traditional boats. I just don't want one right now.

Black Walnut ummmmmm, just sounds nice doesn't it?
This wood I personally know a little more about. My Guide and I did some consulting and I did some reading. Our conclusions? HOLY COW THIS IS BEAUTIFUL WOOD! It is also hard, I do mean hard wood. Michael, . . woops; my Guide had some concerns about being able to bend it for the front and rear stems without the need for block and tackle, but as it turned out a little extra time in the steamer was all it took. But remember to work fast - have everything set up and plenty of clamps on hand before you open the steamer because it sure doesn't stay easily bendable for long.

Oh, I was right about the smell of the woods in the steamer - it alone almost makes the whole project worthwhile. That leaking steam has got to be one of the most pleasant scents I have ever experienced. I think I singed my nose.

| Home Page | Page 4 |

Comments, contributions, or complaints please contact Mike: ctfuzzy@canopy.net

Atlantic White Cedar & Black Walnut >wow< You have to admit, it even sounds beautiful. I am no wood expert, but I am told the white cedar is among the lightest practical woods for what is intended as a kayak that actually gets used . . and abused. If that is so, then the Black Walnut has to be among the heaviest. I picked up a dimensional 1x6x6 and almost hurt myself. It is clear that this wood will be used sparingly if this boat is to be portageable (is that a real word?). In my case I think that will be fine. I have formed a better idea of what I would like the kayak to look like thanks to my anonymous guide and guardian having just built a smaller boat out of the same two woods. He claims coincidence, but I mentioned the wood combination before he ever set up the molds for the kayak. That bum. Atlantic White Cedar has a light blond color. That is the very best description I can offer you in words. It is beautiful. I wanted to stay away from the traditional red hues of sooo many wooden kayaks, it is not that I don't like them. For goodness sakes, that Captain title I claim is from boats. I have varnished more mohogany, oiled more teak, and polished more brass than most people have ever seen - I love traditional boats. I just don't want one right now. Black Walnut ummmmmm, just sounds nice doesn't it? This wood I personally know a little more about. My Guide and I did some consulting and I did some reading. Our conclusions? HOLY COW THIS IS BEAUTIFUL WOOD! It is also hard, I do mean hard wood. Michael, . . woops; my Guide had some concerns about being able to bend it for the front and rear stems without the need for block and tackle, but as it turned out a little extra time in the steamer was all it took. But remember to work fast - have everything set up and plenty of clamps on hand before you open the steamer because it sure doesn't stay easily bendable for long. Oh, I was right about the smell of the woods in the steamer - it alone almost makes the whole project worthwhile. That leaking steam has got to be one of the most pleasant scents I have ever experienced. I think I singed my nose.
\| Home Page \| Page 4 \|