Hello!

Well, I am done the gunwales and the deckframes on the skin on frame kayak that I'm building. I've had a lot of fun so far, and as the snow has just left, I figure I can get even more done now! I'd just like to check with people before I get too far into the rib cutting.

I'm 5'9", 168 lbs and my hand width at the base of the fingers, just above the knuckles from pinky to index finger (#5-#2), is 3 1/4 in. When I put my 2 hands side by side, thumbs tucked under, from left pinky to right pinky just above the knuckles is 6 1/2 in. This seems pretty short compared to the examples in Chris' book.

For anyone has built a skin on frame using the book as a guide, if you could give me an idea if my hand measurement is a reasonable one to use, I would appreciate it. Maybe I have tiny hands? If so, should I artificially increase the size?

Thanks,

- John

Hi John,
My span at the outside of my hands is 8 inches. I'm an tad over 6 feet, 200 plus pounds. I have big hands (XL or XXL gloves). Using the standard for my hands, my early kayaks were deeper than what I now prefer to paddle and roll. I don't think the dimensions you'd be working with are too far off the mark.
If you want to make sure the fit will be good, use the gauge with the rib-length deductions and start with a rib or two in the seat area and one near your heels. Steam and bend those into place and then set the frame right side up on the floor. Block up the frame at the height created by the ribs, hop "in" and see how you like the fit. I like to be able to do a full layback, head to the deck. If this is your first Greenland kayak, understand that your legs will be noticeably straighter than they'd be in a cruising kayak.
After your fitting you can adjust the length of the rib-length gauge.

I hope that helps.
Chris Cunningham

Hi Chris,

Thanks for responding to my question about hand size and ribs. I really like your suggestion, so I'll go ahead try a few ribs with the rib-gauge. Everything so far has gone like clockwork, I'm really enjoying this project!

Thanks,

- John