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Re: Seeking advice for minor, I hope, problem
By:Nick Schade - Guillemot Kayaks
Date: 3/26/1999, 10:03 am
In Response To: Seeking advice for minor, I hope, problem (Bernie Farmer)

If the error is primarily above the waterline, it probably will not effect the performance much, so you can probably leave it be. If you want to try to straighten it out, you could saw down the stem between the left and right side so the sides are somewhat free to move relative to each other. Then try to force the twist out with clamps and levers. Once you figure out how to force, remove the clamps and levers and inject some glue into the cut joint. Reapply the force while the glue dries.

You can apply quite a bit of force without wrecking the boat. If seams pop, reglue them. I would only recommend this if you think the twist is enough to make the boat go in circles.

> I'm building a Guillemot as my first kayak building project. I finished
> stripping the bottom of the hull last night and turned over the forms and
> found that the strongback had twisted about 1/2 to 3/4" along the
> horizontal axis during the last month while I was stripping. Consequently
> the stern form and the bow forms are misaligned by about that much, as are
> the first station and the half stations at either point. The twist appears
> to be only the very ends, as the other stations all appear to be in
> alignment. Wondering whether I should simply ignore it, adjust the stips
> on the deck a little to compensate and push on, or whether I should get
> obsessive and attempt to remove the hull from the forms, straighten the
> strongback and alignment, and try to refit it to the forms. Would
> appreciate any suggestions.

Messages In This Thread

Seeking advice for minor, I hope, problem
Bernie Farmer -- 3/26/1999, 9:48 am
Re: Seeking advice for minor, I hope, problem
Nick Schade - Guillemot Kayaks -- 3/26/1999, 10:03 am