The Disko Bay© is a wood strip interpretation of a classic West Greenland design
from the Disko Bay region of Greenland. Length is 17' and width is 21".
Weight is approximately 32 pounds.
I studied the native design carefully. I wanted to translate
the feel and handling of the skin original into a wood strip kayak. Most
hard shell Greenland kayaks have flat surfaces on either side of the keel
line. I think this does not reflect the shape of a skin hull in water,
loaded. On my Disko Bay, the hull bottom on each side of the keel is slightly
concave reflecting how water pressure would shape the hull of a skin boat,
this kayak's ancestor.
The Disko Bay slides silently and effortlessly through
the waves. Disko Bay is a hard chined Greenland style kayak that tracks
well and carves turns nimbly.
Beautiful lines, beautiful ride, this kayak is a classic.
Bulkheaded watertight storage fore and aft, accessed through
flush deck hatches. Traditional deck rigging and bow/stern handles.
The cockpit is available in the traditional small "ocean
size" or a larger "touring" size.
This kayak can be built in medium or low volume versions
from the same plans.
The medium volume version is for a larger person or for
someone who likes the West Greenland design, but also likes a little cockpit
room, and easier entry/exit.
For the hard core Greenland paddler there is low volume
version with a snug fit and low stern deck for rolling. This low volume
version is built by starting the hull sheer strips 1-1/2' lower on the
stations. The sheer line of this low volume version would be just below
the bottom edge of the light-colored pin stripe on the boat pictured above.
Disko Bay plans
I have the Disko Bay available at my shop for test paddles.
Finished Disko Bay starts at $7200