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If you have not yet cut out your building forms check my webpage with a list of coordinate points for graphing the forms described in Putz's book. It is an easier approach to drawing them, and saves a lot of plywood and layout time.
For his 18.5 footer:
http://www.geocities.com/Eureka/Fund/8265/walrus18.htm
and for the 17 footer:
http://www.geocities.com/Eureka/Fund/8265/walrus17.htm
Putz suggests using the twin tubes of 5 minute epoxy, and in your case I think this is an ideal product. Use it while the temp is high and it will set before the room cools.
There is nothing wrong with using pine! Very commonly available, and if you want to rip it from 2 x 12 stock you can certainly find 18 foot lengths or longer. It may be hard to get clear material for an entire 2 x 12 but you can certainly chose a few good spots where you can rip clear strips from a rather inexpensive plank. Those pieces that are interrupted by knots can be cut down to use for the trestling. Long lengths of white cedar are hard to come by, I hear, but red cedar may be available.
I got red cedar outdoor deck material from the local home center in a 5/4 x 6 size and ripped my strips from that. They are a bit wider than the 3/4 inch specified, but that should just make them a bit stronger. I don't mind if they make the boat 8 ounces heavier.
Go with a table saw if you can get one. Using a circular saw for ripping strips is an exercise in masochism. The only things worse would be ripping them with a saber saw, or using a handsaw. If it is a friend's table saw, then all the better. You'll have help suporting the wood and pushing it through the saw. Two people can do the job, but if you can get a third person then things will go faster. Doing it alone is possible, but first you build the infeed and outfeed tables. Better to get the friend or friends to help. Then buy them a meal or at least a few beverages.
Best of luck with this.
Paul G. Jacobson
This is an archived message from The Kayak Building Bulletin Board.
Guillemot Kayak - High
Performance Wooden Sea Kayak Designs
