> Does anyone have information on plans or kits for building a sit-on-top
> kayak? I have heard these boats are really nice for scuba diving. Many of
> the plastic versions have wells behind the seat to put scuba tanks,
> allowing a diver to paddle out to a dive site without having to swim, but
> giving them a boat that is easier to transport and store than a zodiac.
> Any thoughts?

Steve,

I am not aware of any plans or kits for sit-on-top kayaks. There are a couple of posts on this bulletin board that contain speculation on how to go about building one. Unfortunately, those may be difficult to locate, as they were tangents to other posts. The condensed version is to get the plans for a long, narrow S&G hull, like CLC's North Bay or Patuxent, and trim the hull down lower to the water (take a couple of inches off the side panels). For the deck, there were several options mentioned, but you are basically on your own. The best option (in my opinion) was a strip fore and aft deck, leaving the cockpit area completely open. The cockpit area could then be carved from minicell foam. However, some concerns were addressed about the strength of the boat in the cockpit area, without the deck to add rigidity and strength. But, there's no deck on a strip-built canoe, and those hold together. So maybe some reinforcement at the gunwales?

Anyway, that was just some speculation. Guess it could work. Give it a try and let us know.

Ken