The
Native American word Okwata, meaning "wide water",
was the original name of Lake Pontchartrain. Lead by the Native
Americans In 1699, French settler Sieur d'Iberville marveled at
Okwata and renamed it after the French Minister of the Marine, Comte
de Pontchartrain.
Before
using this or any kayak, we highly recommend instructional courses
to learn proper kayak safety for countless hours of safe and enjoyable
paddling.
This
kayak was designed with comfort, recreational paddling, light touring,
and overnight camping trips in mind. The full deck allows the hull
to be lower to the water for less wind signature while keeping the
paddler and gear dry. For rougher water and colder weather, a spray
skirt can be used.
The
hull shape allows for straightforward assembly, stability on the
water, and able to handle a variety of payloads on board.
The
cockpit width is 18" [46 cm]. The cockpit length is available
in 2 sizes: 33" and 40" [84 cm and 102 cm]. The 33"
[84 cm] cockpit can be fit with a standard 1.7 size spray skirt.
The
deck can be built with openings for hatches or kept smooth for maximum
hull integrity. Combined with the deck selection, permanent bulkheads
can be installed. Mix and match any combination you want.
This
design is slightly more complex than a hull with no deck, like a
canoe. With some woodworking experience and patience, this hull
can be assembled by a first time builder. Our assembly method is
very straightforward. No complicated scarfing technique are needed.
Everything is layed out and explained in simple, everyday, terminology.
However, for best results, new builder may want to consider a
simpler "starter" project like a pirogue or our Boat Shelf
plans.
