From: dabragg@centuryinter.net
To: baidarka@lists.intelenet.net, rpoulin@mail.pris.bc.ca (Rene Poulin)
Subject: Re: Willow framed baidarkas
Date: Fri, 16 Jan 98 16:05:18 GMT
As has been mentioned already-Wolfgang"s book is an excellent source for info
on using willow ribs.
I tried to keep my ribs as small as possible. So, I didn't exceed 1/2 inch on
any of them. The Idea is to keep them about the same diameter as your
stringers. This way the boat will flex evenly, and your are less apt to have
parts break.
Willow works very well and I would recommend it as your first choice for ribs.
However, any sapling, twig or branch that will bent to the shape of the ribs
will work. We all have to use what we have available. I think that is part of
the fun of building these boats.
The boat that I built last year has the horizonal cockpit and is 24 inches
long. I had to make it that long to be able to get in and out of the boat.
But when I have my feet on the foot cross beam, my back is better than 3 inches
from the back beam. I made an adjustable back rest to take care of this
problem. It works well but does require the adjustment every time I get in or
out of the boat.
On the baidarkas that I am building this year, I slanted the cockpits by
flattening out the rear deck beams.(not traditional but functional for me)
I was able to shorten the cockpit to 21 inches and will be able to put in a
non-adjustable backrest that won't need constant attention. Also my cockpits
are modified tear drop shaped-just because that is what I felt like doing at
the time. It is easy to get commercially made sprayskirts to fit a cockpit of
that shape too.
I've only got one season on my canvas baidarka, but I think that it is very
durable. I purposely was rather rough with my boat. I wanted to know how good
the canvas was before I built my next boat. I drug it across rocks to launch,
did seal launches from rocky beaches, and did a lot of landings on rocky
beaches. I've accidently whacked it with boards and a broom handle while it
hangs in my garage. It keeps taking the licking and does not puncture.
Well, I guess that I have babbled enough. Its time to do some more work on my
boats and to think about spring.
----
Dusty