> Yours and Pete's posts have unwittingly started wierd notions to churn in
> my head. Like a deployable skeg design for Pete and kayaks that don't need
> skegs even for surfing. And I know you're right because I've seen flat
> bottomed surfyaks - but - but - but - I also know surfyaks that have
> multiple fins, as well as windsurfers, as well as waterskis, as well as
> surfboards ....... but these guys can't do the stuff that spinning, flat
> bottomed, finless surfyaks do. But :

> What about a variable geometry surfyak?

I have a `variable geometry' boat. It is an inflatable, that shifts it's shape whenever I move around. I assume this is NOT what you meant. Can you sketch some ideas for us and get them scanned and posted?

> Would this be the best of both worlds?

There is always the possibility that it might be, but I'm more of the conservative opinion that it would merely be a compromise: not the best in either world, but you might be able to make it functional in both.

> Would a depoyable skeg stay attached under the tremendous side
> forces anticipated?

If you make it from strong enough material and attach it well it should take any forces you can exert. If you want to design this properly you might find an engineer who could calculate the stresses, and inform you of the minimum materials you would need. If you are of the `experimental' nature, you can skip the engineering and try out as many different designs as you can affprd to build. My guess is that you could make a skeg from a chunk of 2 x 6 stock that would be stronger than the hull you mounted it on -- but I'm no engineer, so this is just a hunch.

> What shape should it be?

Skeg shaped. Find a picture of a skeg from another boat.

> where located?

On the bottom of the boat. Gee this one and the last one were EASY questions. thanks

> Can you strip build a surfyak?

I am not sure what kind of surfyak you have seen that you want to build, but I am fairly certain that you can uses the same stripbuilding construction methods to create a lot of things. It is a matter of making a rib-like structure of forms to curve your thin strips over. If you can draw the design you want, and then cut it into imaginary cross-sections, you can make the forms for almost anything. With really compound shapes you might have to make sections and connect them, but it should be possible.

> Well, well, well, this is just the sort of smaller project that I want to
> start with and test out some of the other ideas I have as well.

`Smaller Project' may be an excellent choice of words here. Think of making models and trying them out. A half scale or quarterscale model gives you a boat that you can load with a sandbag and push around a swimming pool. Or, tow it alongside or behind another kayak on a lake.

Eighth inch strips would work fine. You are not going to be riding in this, so don't worry about fiberglassing it. Just use a waterproof glue in constructing it: a 2-part resourcinol, or some epoxy should do. A coat or two of marine paint should waterproof the wood just fine for your few excursions. Your models should be quick to assemble and cheap. Taht way you can make many experiments without spending a lot of time or money. When you are done, copy and enlarge the measurements oif the best working model, and hang the things over the mantelpiece while you build the full size boat.

> So, inadvertently both your comments have started my quest. And I thank
> you for it. Because I'm going crazy w/ stupid ideas. And I'm having a
> ball!

> - Mike Allen

Mike, as long as they allow kayaking at the asylum you'll be OK. And if they don't allow kayaking, just build smaller models out of wooden coffee stirrers and popsicle sticks, and float them in the bathtub.

Best of luck with this.

Paul Jacobson