From: dabragg@centuryinter.net
To: baidarka@lists.intelenet.net, DWYER@uwplatt.edu ("Dr. Howard Dwyer")
Subject: Re: Sewing vs tacking
Date: Thu, 15 Jan 98 15:04:18 GMT
I built a baidarka last year using Wolfgang's book. I like the sewn skin very
well, and I don't have unsightly lumps on the deck. I'm building two more this
winter and will again use the same method with the same 14 oz canvas skin.
My reasons against a tacked skin.
1) Tacking along the gunales puts a seam at or near the water line-too great a
potential for leaks.
2) I don't think that I could have gotten the skin as tight using the tacking
method-lacing on the deck got mine very tight.
3) the skin needs to be able to move and flex with the frame. To make it rigid
to the gunales will shorten the live of the skin or even cause tears under
severe conditions.(greenland boats are rigid but baidarkas are suppose to flex)
4) A single piece skin sewn on the deck is the traditional method.
5) It was fun and a challenge to sew the skin on with minimal lumps.( Getting
the deck seam straight was a real bear.)
As far as the purpose of the bow design goes-the most commonly accepted reason
is the vertical part is slicing threw the waves and the horizonal part is to
left the bow over the waves. Personally, I just like it because it is
different and was fun to make. I have noticed that it works very well whether
going into the waves or in following seas.
I'm sorry to hear about your knee. I hope that you have an early recovery.
When you can start to get around, I recommend that you build a baidarka. I of
course am biased toward Wolfgang's book as the reference for the project. It
doesn't matter what plans you use as long as it is a sound design. Then you
can have your own reasons for the particular construction methods you used or
decided not to use-as the case may be.
----
Dusty