: You mentioned, "Bruce Lemons baidarkas are a tempting path." I am
: interested in baidarka designs. Is there a site where I can find out more?

You might also check out Eric Schade's website; he has some nice designs for stitch and glue baidarkas. Yes, I know stitch and glue? Well, I went to his house and checked one out. I didn't get to paddle it, but it truly looks like a baidarka even though it is build from plywood. An option might be to build it with a stripped deck.