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The journey ...

This web documentary records the process of designing and constructing a sea kayak using the wood strip method.



The design process and the selection of locally sourced materials has been informed by the intention of making a vessel that will possess a strong sense of place. It is intended that this kayak will engage meaningfully and harmoniously with the land and seascapes of Australia's east coast.



The principle materials of construction are Australian Red Cedar, Huon Pine, Spotted Gum, Humpback Whale bone, Sydney Turban shell, carbon fibre, kevlar and two pack resin.





The images and text below trace the journey ...











Thursday, February 24, 2011

Episode 40 - Farewell to the formwork.


Yesterday evening the internal formwork was removed from the deck.
With a few strategic severs of the strongback it came away easily.
It's quite a momentous moment in the evolution of the kayak - a bit like an insect shedding some part of its body.

This morning, for the first time in the construction process, I was able to sit within the cockpit.
I'm very relieved that my feet have plenty of space and that my upper thighs lock in sweetly with the deck profile.

Also for the first time I was able to check how the weight of the combined deck and hull is coming along.
At the moment it is weighing in at a delightful 17.5 kgs.

The surface finish is looking a little mottled (too many rums when we laid it) but some careful sanding and a second coat of resin will hopefully deliver a refined glassy surface.
Posted by Eastern Horizon