Runner

This 17' x 20" [5.2 m x 0.5 m] strip-planked kayak is from the drawing board of Nick Schade. 

Nick writes that the Runner "is designed for comfort and speed in rough water. With a lot of capacity for gear, it can be used as an efficient expedition vessel while being a fast and fun day tripper. It will excel at downwind runs. The full-length waterline maximizes its speed potential, and the shallow-V stern with hard chines provides planing and control surfaces while surfing. Substantial rocker keeps the long waterline responsive and maneuverable."

Designed to be used with a stern mount rudder (sold separately), it is still well-balanced, so it can be paddled without the rudder. The rudder adds considerable efficiency while paddling distances, riding waves downwind, and playing in tide races and surf. The hatch recesses are intended for installation of standard rubber kayak hatches with plastic hatch rings. Drawings are included for flush wooden hatches typical of strip-built kayaks. Kits are available for both hatch options. 

The prototype was built with standard sea kayak rubber hatches recessed in the deck with four different hatch volumes: Front, Rear, Day, and a "Whiskey" hatch in front of the cockpit. The kayak plans include these options and patterns for flush wooden hatches for all the same. Also included in the plans is a recessed, deck-mounted compass. Another option included in the plans is a system to mount a surf-ski-style footboard which adds great ergonomics for powerful paddling. 

Do you fit in this kayak?  Study our kayak fit chart.

NOTE: Our strip-built and hybrid kits ship with 50% Western Red and 50% Alaskan Yellow cedar bead & cove strips. Photos on our website and printed materials may show patterns and accent strips with walnut or other materials. Optional walnut strips are available and can be shipped with kit orders.