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Re: North Star/ Shooting Star
By:Doug K
Date: 6/12/2001, 12:32 pm
In Response To: North Star/ Shooting Star (Ken Katz)

Ken,

I built the North Star. It tracks very well. I have not had it in high winds or large waves, but the winds and waves I have had it in didn't effect it near as much as my experiences in the plastic kayaks. It's fast, easy to paddle, plenty of space in the cockpit for comfort, holds gear nicely, and brings lots of complements. Overall I am very impressed with it's performance and am glad I chose this design! I don't have alot of experience in other kayaks though for comparison, but compared with all the plastic ones I've paddled,... the NS does much better!

It did take more time in building due to the need to laminate the bow pieces but in some ways was easier to strip in the bow. The bow required special attention before joining deck and hull to make sure the biforcation was sealed.

The stern added the most in the way of time and difficulty with the steam bending required and the mini-deck. I redesigned my steamer after the project and could have saved alot of problems if I had started with the second steamer (which was built from a length of 6" PVC).

The forms were the only real problem I had from the plans (see the web site for more on this).

This was my first stripper, but I have had experience with building composite structures, wood working, working with tools.

I'm building a Guillemot Exp. now and can't wait to compare them in the water.

For more info and to contact me, visit my web site.

Doug

Messages In This Thread

North Star/ Shooting Star
Ken Katz -- 6/12/2001, 12:29 am
Re: North Star/ Shooting Star
Dave M -- 6/12/2001, 9:12 pm
Re: R2K1?
Shawn Baker -- 6/12/2001, 4:33 pm
Re: R2K1?
Don Beale -- 6/12/2001, 6:26 pm
Re: North Star/ Shooting Star
Steve -- 6/12/2001, 12:47 pm
Re: North Star/ Shooting Star
Jim Kozel -- 6/12/2001, 3:41 pm
Re: North Star/ Shooting Star
Doug K -- 6/12/2001, 5:32 pm
Re: North Star/ Shooting Star
Doug K -- 6/12/2001, 12:32 pm
Re: North Star/ Shooting Star
Scott Fitzgerrell -- 6/12/2001, 12:20 pm
Re: North Star/ Shooting Star
Alex Warren -- 6/12/2001, 8:26 pm