Aaron Hines

Kayak "concept" sketches - Concept sketches for the "X1" kayak. Decidedly exaggerated form, almost characature-like. The learning curve was steep between sketch and the "final" hull design. The few "real" goals were to build a faster and more challenging kayak than the retrieval, while striking a balance between what makes a kayak truly fast (long, narrow waterline) and storage/transport limitations (less than 16' length).

CNC-cut cross sections - Cross sections CNC-cut for an early version of the "X1". While precise, the CNC router is limited to a minimum radius on inside corners, requiring additional work to either square the corners by hand or add fillets to the solid-wood parts with additional cutting operations. After considering other CNC cutting methods, I decided it was likely faster, and definately more cost effective, to cut the parts by hand without ready access to other CNC cutting equipment (at least for a prototype).

"X1" kayak design - This is the final drawing of the "X1" design before building commenced. Using FREEShip and Michlet, I was able to calculate theoretical stability behavior and resistance from the 3D CAD model of the hulls surfaces.

X1 prototype frame - Complete (or nearly so) X1 prototype frame. The long components were made from one 5' long section of redwood, resawn and scarfed to length. The plywood frames are various bits of scrap plywood (soaked in polyurethane for protection). Stems and various other bits were cut from scraps of eastern red cedar. The coaming is laminated oak with maple cleats.

X1 Frame Detail - Close-up detail of the X1 prototype frame.

X1 Frame Under Construction - X1 prototype frame under assembly Unlike my previous kayak, this one is assembled with epoxy. The bungee cords are holding parts in place as the epoxy hardens.

Progression of X1 designs - Various iterations of the X1 design showing the differing steps along the way.

Completed prototype - Covered with polyester fabric and coated with polyurethane.

Completed prototype

Prototype in action - The prototype is still undergoing testing. So far, it seems to perform as intended, although it has proven to be less challenging to paddle than I had originally wanted. Its behavior is only starting to be fully understood, and needs to be paddled in other conditions before a final judgment can be passed.