Building Tandem Kayak (or triple)

I am researching building a tandem or triple kayak. It will be my first such undertaking but I'm not a novice woodworker. Stitch and glue or strip, tandem or triple? I don't have excellent tools but can get access if needed. Would strip be cheaper if I do all the ripping and routering as opposed to buying ogoume (sic?) plywood? I also realise that plywood is quicker to assemble and not as much work but is the strip worth it? I can only find the one Pygmy triple - I like the idea of having room for a child (coming sometime soon but not soon enough for my wife) but does this severly restrict storage? Is it possible to pack for a long weekend for 3 in a triple? Suggestions for good plans? There are so many to choose from. A lot of questions I know, so input on any or all is appreciated. Thanks

Try this website for a nice double kayak.
http://www.royfolland.com/models.htm#Thunderbird

Hans

'Peter (Lobster Eggs) Roe' wrote:

For some nice pics of good boats, try:
http://www.clcboats.com/chesapeakedb-trp.php3

Plywood is light, strong, good looking, cheap, and fast. It's better in almost all ways that strip, in my opinion, except for looks (which is a toss-up). Strip can be built with round bilges, plywood is angular bilges, but with enough bilge panels (say three), the difference is mostly cosmetic.

I'd go with CLC kayaks, personally, but YMMV.

Tandem or triple? I would build a tandem and then build a solo. This would give you more flexibility and also more room for your outings. As I'm typing, I am looking at a bird's eye view of the Pygmy Kayaks line and both the triple and tandem are the same lenght (or very close to it) taking lot's of storage room away. As far as material goes, I prefer the cedar strip construction but I'm shure plywood would make a very nice boat also.

Chris. Kingston, CAN.

I don't know where you live but finding wood could be a problem. I'm planning on building a tandem myself and finding wood has been a bit of a problem. I have a source now but I'm still looking at $200.00 or more. Then I have to do the ripping. I do like the looks of the strip. But, I also really like my Pygmy Coho. John Lockwood likes to do tripping and he designs all his boats with that in mind. I would think that his triple (Pygmy) would be more that adequate for tripping with 3 people. The stitch and glue is quick. Pygmy's are well designed and their kits go together well.

Joe