Double Biadarka

1. I had trouble working with 20' x 3" x 3mm planks during the fitting to the stem piece. I made female forms for every third station and built the hull inside the firms. I was then able to control the fitting of these long thin planks and make the hull true.
2. I eliminated the center storage area and moved the cockpits closer to the center of the boat. Anybody that understands Moment Arms will see the reason for this. We realize that storage space was lost but we day paddle so this was not a problem for us.
3. I don't like "flop down" or outboard rudders. I designed and installed an internal rudder system that is enclosed in it's own water tight compartment. It doesn't maneuver the boat. That's what the paddle is for to turn a 21' waterline. It does gently point the boat in the direction you want.
4. I installed hatches with deck flanges and overlapping covers. I know that it doesn't look a slick as flush hatches but my storage spaces are dry.
5. I installed a shear clamp and deck beams for added deck support. In 2006, she went back into my cellar for a larger rudder, a new steering mechanism and a lot more varnish.

Paddling the double in the ocean off Tybee Island, GA was fun. This boat will go very fast with both paddlers using a normal touring stroke. At a relaxed pace it is a wonderful photography/fishing platform. The cockpits are far enough apart that clacking paddles is impossible and eliminates this kayak from the dreaded divorce boat label that so many doubles earn.

We got out after a while and looked for fossils near the mouth of the Savannah river by Fort Pulaski then had lunch. Returning to the water we surfed a bit on small waves and crashed through some bigger ones. The rudder gives this very long kayak excellent responsiveness and agility. It edges well given the fact that there are two of you which makes the kayak feel a bit different than a single. When the other paddler does something unexpected it is instantly made known to you. This only matters when you are doing something technical like slopping through confused swells or sliding down a breaking wave. All fun and part of paddling a double.

I rolled it easily at the end of the day after asking the other paddler to exit the kayak. It is very buoyant and comes up easily. The empty cockpit took on less than three inches of water which is better than any other boat I have rolled minus a sprayskirt. It sculls well and allowed me to rest a bit with my back in the water. This really surprised me given the width at 26 inches.

This kit/design is very well thought out by the designer and performs well. The rudder will allow anyone to use it even if conditions start to sour a bit. Bring lunch and a camera and let the fun begin!