The Tridarka Raider uses 4 akas instead of only 2 so that the overall beam of the boat can be reduced one ama at a time.  This allows passage up narrow rivers and creeks or is useful for docking.  Of course it is also necessary for passing under the bridge leading to checkpoint 1 of the Everglades Challenge.

All of the akas should be identicle so that it does not matter which aka is in which location. 


The wood used here is Douglas Fir purchased at Lowe's or Home Deport.  These are 1x4s for the top and bottom and 1x6s for the sides.  The plans show how to cut them out.  The akas are curved in all dimensions so have fun with it.  I have to make sure that all components are identical.  The top and bottoms get a rabbet to help hold things in place during glueing.  Here I am doing some final sanding to fine tune the fit.

It is much easier and more accurate to use the aka kit.  Then all parts are machined and identicle within .003 inches.


This is a dry run to see if the parts are going to fit and how the jig will work.  I don't have an aka kit yet so I'm doing all this by hand.  Once this first aka is formed and working in the jig, I will have to make all the parts for the other three akas using these parts as guides.  But I'm not going to actually do that since the aka kit will be here by the time I am ready to actually build.  I plan to build this one and do desctructive tests on it.


This shows the end view of the box beam before the rabbets were cut in the top and bottom.  The rabbet will keep the sides from moving inward.  The form will keep the sides from moving outward.  The clamps will mold the parts into the proper curves while the epoxy cures. 

        

 

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