More Pics of Hatch Lip

Estero Bay Test Paddle

"Simple Design and Guillemot L Comparsion

I wanted to compare each kayak design.. The Guillemot is a sea kayak with a lot of bow rise, and the "Simple Design" is a hybrid (recreation/sea kayak) that has a vertical bow and more width.  Guillemot L on the left was built in 2011.  The kayak on the right is the "Simple Design prototype recreation/sea kayak hybrid, just completed.  Both are designed by Nick Schade

Varnishing complete and pool test

I kept the design simple with only a few feature strips on the side and around the cockpit coaming.

Completed deck and hull

Hull and deck are sandwiched together with 6 oz fiberglass tape.  Finally, the kayak building is completed.  For the finish sanding, I used 220 grit.

Footpegs and bulkhead building

The pegs were installed using a mesh plate/bolt embedded in epoxy.  The bulkhead template was made referencing the nearest station and adding cardboard tabs to get the exact inside shape.

Hip Plate build out

The hip plates are made from cedar strips with laminated fiberglass on one side and carbon fiber on the other side for added strength.  Note the reinforced carbon fiber on the backside of the hip plated for added strength.  On the carbon fiber side, to create a strong bond and for asethetic purposes, I used a fiberglass strand fillet.