> I'm wondering if most potential builders of
> either S&G or strip built kayaks have ever actually paddled their chosen
> boat before they build it. Of if they've ever even paddled kayaks before.

Very good point Jack, to which I must confess....guilty. I had not only never paddled a kayak when I bought my kit, I had never even seen one in person other than strapped to the top of someone's car.

The problem was that in my novice mind "How hard can it be"? and "Just how different can one design be from another? They all LOOK the same, right?"

That was a shocking lesson and luckily, as Paul mentions, I was able to make modifications to compensate for my ignorance. Some things I'm still trying to figure out how to fix.

Paddle before you build should be step #1 of every kayak construction project.

Woody