Design
Shell Star
Designed by Ray Klebba
The Shell Star is the shorter sister of the Polar Star: 17 ft by 22 in with a 15 ft waterline, 1 1/2 in of rocker forward and 1 in aft. Ray Klebba drew her for paddlers who want a long, narrow, quick boat, and she keeps the same mix of modern sea kayak and Greenland influence, with a moderately shallow hull, deep V ends and flare from waterline to sheer along the whole length. Her bow stands a little higher than the Polar Star's and carries more flare above the water to lift over waves.
Initial stability is moderate and secondary stability strong, so she suits a beginner willing to grow into her as well as an experienced paddler. Fit-out follows the Polar Star pattern: a keyhole cockpit, a low after deck and tight thigh braces for rolling, and flush gasketed hatches big enough for a tent and sleeping pad. The cedar strip hull is available as full size plans or as a basic or full kit from the Washington shop.
What building a Shell Star actually takes
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Builds of this boat
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Start the first log of this boatBoats like this one
Same type, closest in length.
| Design | Plans from | LOA | Logs |
|---|---|---|---|
| 17' Disko Bay | Newfound Woodworks | 17′ 0″ (5.18 m) | 0 |
| 17' Fire Star | Newfound Woodworks | 17′ 0″ (5.18 m) | 0 |
| 17' Lapstrake Canoe | Duck Trap Woodworking | 17′ 0″ (5.18 m) | 0 |
| 17' Sea Wolf | Newfound Woodworks | 17′ 0″ (5.18 m) | 0 |
| 17' Spirit | Newfound Woodworks | 17′ 0″ (5.18 m) | 0 |
| 17' Traveler | Newfound Woodworks | 17′ 0″ (5.18 m) | 0 |