Walrus Skin on Frame
17 foot canvas covered single seater kayaks

Built and reviewed by Bill Chelley

The Walrus is a design outlined in the book "Wood and Canvas Kayak Building" by George Putz obtainable from either your local public library or from Boat Books Ltd. It contains the offsets for the above 17 foot (5.18m) by 20 inch (51cm) version as well as an 18 1/2 footer (5.48m).

Building

The Walrus is a suitable kayak for a beginner to make. While most Skin on Frame kayaks use steam bent ribs and hand sewn skin, George Putz simplifies the process by using plywood forms as ribs. There is no sewing required, the hull skin is fitted first with stainless steel staples to gunnels, then deck. All staples are covered by the rubbing strakes.

The canvas skin was sealed with an oil based enamel, 2 undercoats brushed well in, sanded between coats, and a high-gloss finish coat. This effectively waterproofs the canvas and gives it a degree of protection from abrasion. Bill advises that a sealing coat of varnish or paint on the interior will help avoid any mould.

The white kayak is made to the instructions in the book. The green kayak is essentially the same with only minor changes to the cockpit size, height in the feet area and length of cockpit to accommodate a couple of longer friends. Also a little more curve in the bow and stern stems was added.

 

Sea Trials & Conclusions

The Walrus has good stability and can comfortably handle some pretty active water. When compared to the commercially made Perception Contour it is a little more tippy , but of course it is a couple of feet longer. A good kayak for a beginner - intermediate paddler.

 

If you want to contact Bill about this design he can be e-mail at beubill@actrix.co.nz