So steam bending the oak ribs has been one of the most challenging parts of the kayak build, but also very satisfying. The course video from Cape Falcon Kayaks is incredibly helpful, though nothing beats experience. There is no way to get this experience without breaking a few ribs. I initially started out bending too quickly and with too much force (and I think I may have been over-steaming). The ribs remain super pliable for only about 30 seconds, and then only semi-pliable. Don’t worry too much about getting this wrong: Brian’s building method is genius, and hard to mess up too badly.
The fun part was tying on the keel and stringers, and pegging the bow and stern stems. It’s really starting to look like a boat! And working with hand-tools is so fun. Comes together in just a few days (or a week or so of evenings).
Ribs are mortised into the gunwales.
Cool measuring system that Brian uses to allow scaling the kayak shape according to the size of the paddler.
Testing the size of the mortise joint.
My first bends break, mostly from over-zealousness.
Ready for bow/stern stems.
The keel is lashed on while the ribs are soft.
Lashing on the stem (these get pegged, too).
This makes me happy.
I waited an extra day to tie the stringers on, so the ribs needed a little extra coaxing.
Very smooth - stringers help with rib shape!
Frame almost complete, just needs some reinforcements for deck mounts.
Very sweet curves!