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Design Concept

For retired computer-scientist, Dr Andrew Hanish, building a sea kayak from plans, for the first time, presented a totally new and inspiring challenge.  The design had to be easy to build, light for car-top transportation, and versatile for weekend trips away for coastal, or river and lake exploration.

The Cape Ann  Storm designed by Vaclav Stejskal, of One Ocean Kayaks, met the criteria very well and was well-suited to the paddlers weight of 80kgs, allowing for approximately 16 kg of load.  In addition, the design offered superior performance under a variety of conditions.

Construction

The kayak was stripped planked with Western Red Cedar, with some steam-bent Ash for the stems.  The strips were dressed (6 x 19mm) and pre-cut to suitable lengths - up to 5.5m, and each strip was routed on the edge for tight bead and cove profiles.

Frame stations were mounted on a single straight piece of 50 x 130mm timber, spaced at 300mm intervals.  Accuracy in setting up of frames is key to the success of building a fair and precise kayak body.  

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