Hi,

We are not regulars on your list, but would really appreciate some help with a problem. We do realise that you a serious group and please excuse/ignore this post if it is inappropriate. We are building a home made quick and cheap outrigger for a raft race at work (a Fisheries Research Institute in Tasmania, Australia). None of us has any kyaking/canoeing experience and we have been challanged by the boys (we are a girls team!). It has to be stable and have enough floatation for 4 people and be as fast as possible. Materials we have available include polydrums, plastic pipes,fishing floats, large plastic containers etc (just about anything we can scavenge). The only rule is that it cannot be composed of any water going vessel (ie: surfboard, existing kyak etc). We realise a shaped front and back is necessary to reduce drag, but are not sure about length/size/distance from the main part for the outrigger bits. Does anyone have any ideas/suggestions/handy hints (dimension/floatation needs etc)? We have searched the web but not really found much on this. Please help us kick the boys' buts!

(race date is 15 Dec 2000)

Thanks.