Hi Craig,

Good... glad I didn't come across sounding too stupid! Actually, as I was writing my post I was thinking about the strength in the surf. I thought of it differently though... I was more worried about the deck collapsing as a wave dumps on it rather than the hull failing. In a 'traditional' SOF the hull is well supported (& the loads distributed) by the closely-spaced ribs whereas the deck is usually built a lot lighter in comparison.

In the link attached to this post are some pics of the designer of the Tyak surfing another of his SOF designs. Maybe you could contact him about his opinion of the suitability of a SOF for a dedicated surf boat.

I didn't think about the need for scuppers... duh. I come from a sit-on-top kayak background so I shouldn't have forgotten about the need. Having a strip/S&G hull, glassing a few bits of ply to the inside of it to build up the cockpit then adding ribs & skinning the remaining open areas sound's like good use of all the available technologies.

Hmmm... makes you start thinking doesn't it.

Regards,

Phil.

: Phil, wild & crazy ideas are what seperate the innovators from the rest.
: I don't know much about SOF's but that one in the link looks sleek. I'm
: not sure an SOF would handle being smashed around in surf but what about a
: timber hull with a skinned deck for & aft of an open Plywood cockpit??
: Now that would be light and having the timber cockpit would allow the
: fitting of such things as scuppers, adjustable footplate/pedals and small
: amount of storage.
: Actually fitting a temporary skin deck might be an idea while trim issues are
: sorted out.

: Cheers, Craig