The Whiptail is a wood strip interpretation of a traditional Greenland-style kayak.  Its low volume, low aft deck, flared sides, and raked stems are all characteristic of this style.  The fine entry lines, low wetted surface area, and low predicted drag combine to produce a hull that is comfortably paddled at 4 - 4.5  knots.  It is a sleek, low-volume 18' x 21.5" kayak that is able to accommodate a medium-to-large paddler.  Suitable for intermediate to advanced paddlers.

Design Characteristics

  • Flared sides to provide reserve buoyancy and solid secondary stability
  • Sloped cockpit opening to ease entry and exit, even with a small ocean-style cockpit
  • Full foredeck cross section to maximize foot and leg room
  • Low profile for ease of rolling and to reduce windage
  • Balance of maneuverability and tracking
  • Soft chines to provide predictable handling in waves

Details

  • Overall Length 18' (5.48 m)
  • Maximum beam 21.5" (51.2 cm)
  • Design Displacement 240 lb. (110 kg)
  • Paddler Weight Range 160-220 lb. (73-95 kg)
  • Draft at DWL 4.3" (10.0 cm)
  • Prismatic coefficient 0.54
  • Cockpit Depth fore 10.9" (27.6 cm)
  • Cockpit Depth aft 6.7" (17 cm)

Purchase

The Whiptail design file is available for purchase. Complete a secure payment via PayPal and download the design immediately. Print the forms yourself using the free KayakFoundry software.

Full details here