Hand Made Kayak "Bluefish" in Massachusetts

Recently another improved iteration of my Sabalo design called the Bluefish was completed by the builder Scott in Massachusetts, only one like this exists. He and his son are going to take it out for the 1st launch soon, it's a tandem design. He used graphite powder on the hull bottom for protection and easy maintenance. I'll be doing the same on mine over the winter.
http://jemwatercraft.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=588&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=90

 Wow that thing is sweet! Randall

What does something like that weigh???

The post says 115-120

Very cool... but way too heavy for my taste.

I drop mine enough at 65lbs. That is one beautiful piece of craftsmanship. Very impressive.

.....And I thought the X-Factor is heavy.

Tote,
Do you know any link to the "Roll-Eze" cart? I want to pass that on to him.
He went into the whole project knowing he and his son would be taking it out together most of the time so he focused on accommodating two people comfortably and safely. He could have avoid several pounds by mot doing end-pours of epoxy for handles. His prior experience is with making S&G SIK so that's what he is comfortable doing.
The mass is probably 15% more than a 16ft SOT.
It's an east coast type of wood craftsmanship that sees a lot of harbor and light swell conditions.
Craig

Yea~ Sean at www.GWKC.com will hook him up with a Roleze cart. It IS the only way to go.

The nature I me, says that you can improve on anything that you put your mind to. And the question I have is, Where can a person get some plans to build a SOT yak, and can you build it out of Balsa Wood to make it lighter? I have always looked at things and have always thought that you can improve it or change it to make it better. Just thought I would ask

If balsa wood was better don't ya think all the manufacturers would be doing it????
You have to define what " better" is and go from there. I think wood kayaks are beautiful and I love the craftsmanship that goes into one. I would someday like to build one myself. Do I think is it better than a plastice boat? No. I think plastic is better because there is less maintanance involved, it is lighter, and can take more of a beating. Just my .02 worth.

Very good two cents worth, Tote!!!!!! I like plastic also, and I would also like to build on just as a wall hanger. Anybody have the plans. Thanks 

Rory,

There have been a couple kit DOTs discussed here.  The ones by Jem Watercraft.  And there is another by Cheasapeake Light Craft (http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/bb/index.php?topic=5502.0).  I haven't yet been able to find other kits, although I keep looking.

-Allen

Yes that is the case on SOT plans available, small niche market. Those guys aren't getting rich selling what they do have.
Balsa couldn't take the stress over the frames w/o possibly splitting, marine ply is the standard. Some density and flexibility is required. Mine is 5mm Okuome marine ply that comes only in 4x8ft sheets for about $49 ea and only is available in about 12 suppliers in the whole country.
Craig

Doug bought the rolleze and said he was able to load his 17ft, 120lb kayak on top of his SUV all by himself, he weighs 145lbs. He said it is amazing!