Kid-sized SOF

[hamiltoncr]

This may be a long shot, but what the heck...

I am thinking about building a SOF for my kids and have my eyes on a Kidarka or Sea Flea 11 -- Tom Yost design. In the event anyone was looking for an excuse to build a kayak for one or more of the kids in their life, it would be fun to build one while someone else was doing the same. No need to build in the same space (although I suppose that is an option)...just hoping to gain insight and inspiration from a concurrent build.

Anyone interested?

[daniel]

Hello Hamilton!

My name is Daniel Lindstrom and I live just outside Gothenburg in Sweden. I've just found this page and yes, I am on my way to build my second kids kayak. The first one I buildt last year to my daughter, but it turned out to be too small for her, at least it will be next summer. Fortunatly I've got a son as as well and he happens to be just the right size so the work has not been done in vane.

Last time I used a plan that I found at Harvey Goldens hompage, but he made it for his 2 1/2 year old son and my daughter is 7. It is acctually quite difficult to size a kids kayak since they grow all the time and also their weight changes as well. In the end I just guessed and I wished I was 7 so I could try it but it looks fine to me.

Now I am just starting my second try and this time I will make a replica but scale ite down to 80% of the original size. Also I am actually start ing a building blog as well. If you are interessted you can check out discokajaken.blogspot.com for som pictures but there's nothing in english though.

Greetings from Sweden, Daniel

[dsides]

Hi Hamilton - A friend and I just completed a kid's SOF for my 9 grandchildren. It is KoG #55 in Harvey Golden's book. 8 of 9 grands fit now, from 2-7 yrs. Sadly the 9-yr-old is relegated to other craft. Three paddles have also been carved, 3', 4', and 5'. Now the "Little Q" needs the outrigger and it will be ready for spring and warmer weather. I am sorry but don't have pics on this laptop but will find them and send if you are interested. Dave

[admin]

I understand that Maligiaq is building a kid's kayak in Greenland right now. I asked him to take lots of pictures.

[hamiltoncr]

Sea Flea 12 (11 seemed a bit small) is now underway. As expected, it is slow going for someone who is not used to this kind of build, but I can sense it will be much easier once I get a bit more practice.

Thanks to all for the encouragement.

Dave -- I hope to bring to HRGF, if I can convince the kids to stop by...

P.S. -- Itchin' to get out to the pond with my grown-up qajaq