Kayak Craft

I see several people are having trouble with the offset tables. They are really not complicated at all. The appendix explains exactly how to use this information to create the station molds you will need to begin planking the boat on the strongback (the temporary building jig/frame of the boat). I know they work because I used them to build my boat without the $100 worth of plans. This can be done with ruler and pencil or CAD if you have access to it.If after reading the appendix you still don't understand it, go to the builder's forum on bearmountainboats.com and either search through the history or start a new thread to get your answers. Lots of helpful folks on there willing to answer.Also, there are updates to the offset tables on the website, so you can get the latest updates before starting to layout your station molds! Does that sound like a conspiracy to sell plans?I don't know what the guy who rated this book one star is trying to build, but whatever it is, it's an engineering problem far beyond the scope of this book, or any other book of its type. One would have to get into serious engineering analysis to answer that question. This book is for building touring and pleasure kayaks. If that's what you want to build, this is arguably the best book to do it with. Sounds like Nick Schade's book is really good too. I hope to read it someday.

I've built 3 boats using the techniques taught by Ted Moores that are illustrated in this book. I've found the information well written and detailed. It's nice to know that all the work put into building your kayak will yield a beautiful and STRONG boat that will brings years of enjoyment and envy. Any body with the basic of woodworking skills can build this kayak. Go for it!

Excellent bood for the novice to the experenced. If you are looking for a book full of those little time saving techniques that result into a great kayak, this is the book. Ted takes you through all the steps from setting up a straight jig to applying fiberglass in a way that eliminates most of the sanding. The kayak as presented is strong and durable for most expedition and general kayak use. If one wants to increase the strenght, there are many references on the Internet that would enhance those desires. Notwithstanding, Kayakcraft rates up there as one of the best "how to" books.

Ted Moores has again taken the subject of strip building of personnal watercraft and opened it up to the average builder. By taking the process through step by step explanations, he makes it easy for anyone with average woodworking skills to take on what may seem like a monumental project. The process of strip building is not as difficult as it may seem and Mr. Moores is careful to point out the pitfalls that may accompany such a project. The chapter on kayak design by Steve Killing was informative and a definate plus for the publication. As a builder of a good number of boats using this method, I eagerly awaited this publication and am happy that I have added it to my library.

This is really a great book! I also have "The Strip-Built Sea Kayak" by Nick Schade. These books complement each other very well. "KayakCraft" includes plans for kayaks which are somewhat different in style and construction methods from those in Schade's book. The kayaks differ in style especially with respect to the shape near the shearline, the degree of rocker and the kind of stems. Also, the "strongback" used in construction is basically different. Schade favours a 2X4 inch strongback while Moores prefers a building jig which is a long narrow table. It's good to be aware of the comparative advantages and disatvantages of both approaches are, so that you can make your own choices. I will end up favouring some approaches from one book and some from the other, to suit my own circumstances. I am glad I got both books. The kayaks in "KayakCraft" have very beautiful lines, and from reports on internet bulletin boards, I gather that they are proven designs that perform very well. The plans include the Endeavour 17', Venture 14', Resolute 16.5', and a two seater the Reliance 20.5'. The biggest choice the builder has is to select which kayak to build. This book offers beautiful and significantly different options. Many thanks to Ted Moores. This is a very significant contribution to the craft of building kayaks. It's definitely destined to be a classic!