Four kayaks, each with a story.
Blue was finished in 2017 and weighs in at about 30 pounds. It is a Ganymede, a slightly modified design by Nick Schade of Guillemot Kayaks. Nick’s original design has a flat bottom but this one has a V bottom--harder to build but in the end, a much better boat. It tracks well, yet turns with little effort. The cockpit opening is larger than Nick’s other designs and therefore will accommodate a larger passenger. This comfortable, roomy boat will be on display and available for purchase at the upcoming West Austin Studio Tour.
Next to the blue kayak is a boat designed by me. While it is a smaller boat, it very stable and tracks well. It is suitable for a smaller person or young kayak enthusiast. It also is for sale and will be on view over the two weekends of the tour.
The 'S&G Guillemot' (top) is a plywood version of Nick’s Guillemot. It was built in 2008 and is a stable, lively and fast boat. It weighs 35 pounds, good for a 17’ sea kayak.
Finally, up front is the family heirloom, 'La Sirena', built in 1999. It is the first kayak that I built from cedar strips. The strips are ¼” thick and ¾” wide and the kayak weighs 45 pounds--still light for a 17’ kayak! It is a cruiser, stable, comfortable, and a joy to paddle.
Currently, I'm building another cedar strip kayak. This time I’m using 3/16” thick strips which will make for a much lighter boat than the older Guillemot (between 30 and 35 pounds). It will be just as stable, but probably very lively and fast. I will report back after the maiden voyage.
That’s the fleet for now, but stay tuned, more boats are on the way.