Splash

Latest updated Monday, February 5, 2024, 6 comments

Plans, Splash - 130 EUR Purchase

Splash is a shorter and wider version of Spray, an entry-level surfski for exercise, recreation, and unpretentious outings. As a rec recreation kayak, a short surfski has advantages: easy to use, no spraydeck to attach, and easy to remount after a voluntary or involuntary swim. For usage where a spraydeck normally is not used, Splash can be constructed without a built-in bailer, but otherwise, a surf ski-style bailer in the cockpit is recommended. It will, though, take longer to drain a swamped cockpit on a short surfski, due to lower top speed. Splash is 507 cm long, 55 cm wide, and has a load capacity of 130 kg. With Splash it is quick and easy to get out on the water – a minimal preparation and very few extras needed: the craft, a PFD, and a paddle. Stability that satisfies a beginner, but with the potential to handle big waves. Surfs far better than any sea kayak in comparable size.

Particulars

Length¹	507/501 cm (overall/WL)
Beam	55/52 cm (overall/WL)
Draft	12 cm
Displacement/volume⁶	130 kg/ litre
Intended use	Rekreation och motion

* These dimensions can be adapted to suit personal needs or wishes.
** Depending on type of wood, equipment, care with epoxy usage, sanding etc. etc.
*** The speed numbers are based on mathematical standard formulas (175 lb paddler + 30 lb carco weight) and corrected from the kayaks actual performance om trials, on tours and in races.
⁴ Calculated resistance in 4 and 5 knots (at nominal load capacity).
⁵ Initial stability and secondary stability on a subjective scale, where 1 is very tippy and 5 is very stable.
⁶ Displacement is kayak + paddler + load. Count off the kayak weight to get the load capacity.

Alterations Kayak stability Kayak data table

Plans, Splash - 130 EUR Purchase

Comments

1 Shad
12/5/2022 6:39 PM

Hi, Björn.

I am always looking for a lighter, faster fishing kayak for Puget Sound and lakes around Seattle, WA. Would you advise using the Splash as a fishing kayak? I am debating between building the Jack 14 SOT and the Splash. I have never paddled a surfski, but I am coming from an old Ocean Kayak Scupper Pro TW and a fiberglass prototype of the Swell scupper 14 built by Tim Niemier. (~65cm wide, ~450cm long). The Jack seems fairly close to what I already paddle, and I like the aesthetics of the Splash if it will be stable enough...

Thanks,

Shad

2 Björn Thomasson
12/5/2022 8:40 PM

It is impossible to quantify stability in a relevant way. Even the stability curves and figures published here and there is just a play with numbers since there is no consensus on how to define and measure that elusive quality. A kayak that for one paddler would be a challenge might for another be boringly stable.

I would say that Splash is 'sea kayak stable' and I would personally hesitate to use it for fishing. Jack 14, on the other hand, has a stability curve that lends itself nicely to fishing, hunting, photography, outdoor painting, etc.

But I have paddling friends, that would consider Splash excellent for fishing – enough initial stability and the added bonus that comes with less width: easier and more predictable movements in waves ;-)

3 Shad
12/5/2022 9:34 PM

Thanks! It sounds like the Jack 14 will be the better choice for fishing. The Splash is pretty, though. Maybe I just need a paddling surfski, since I have two kayaks that work for fishing as it is. :-)

4 Björn Thomasson
12/6/2022 3:03 PM

Yes, that may be so. But when your fishing needs are fulfilled, one way or another, and if you are still tempted by surfskis, you should probably take a bolder step than Splash and focus on Spray, which can deliver much more of the surfski experience (speed and surfing potential), while still just a small step up from a standard sea kayak.

5 Ian Smith
4/1/2024 2:09 PM

I noted from the Panthara notes that a stitch and glue version is available via workshops. I looked at the workshop links and saw that they still use forms but in reverse. Fixing ply to the inside shape of the forms that are set out in stations much the same way as a strip kayak. It looks like the forms are shaped to allow for ply sections. I am presuming this is possible for all kayak plans. It would take some working out on how best to shape the internal radius of the forms for the best ply panel options.

This site is the best resource by far for building wood kayaks and skis. Thank you for sharing Bjorn.

6 Björn Thomasson
4/2/2024 2:08 PM

Thank you, Ian.

My kayaks are more or less round-hulled, are intended for strip building, and cannot be built using panels without remodeling.

Hard-chine versions are available for a few of my kayaks, and then only from Petruskajak: Frej, Panthera, Nanoq (named Alleq), Njord, and Black Pearl. These are supplied as;

1. kits containing CNC-cut hull and deck panels plus inner and outer station molds, and other parts as needed: epoxy, fiberglass, carbon cockpit rim and seat, carbon trays for hatches, skeg system, etc.

2. building classes at Petruskajak in Sweden, 8 days "all-inclusive ;-)"

3. finished kayaks.

For details, contact Petrus.

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