How to build a kayak?

Hi all, Sorry if this keeps comming up in the Blog/Forum, but I was wondering how to build a wooden kayak, as a hobbie.
Anyone who has made one, or has info on making one, I would really like your input/photos/design or books/videos you have used. Thanks

hi kickertim,

I don't have any experience with wooden kayaks but I did find some plans here http://www.oneoceankayaks.com/Plans.htm
maybe it would help.

Sounds like a fun thing to do I'd love to see some photo from the process

Hi Tim;
I'd recommend either Chesapeake Light Craft, Pygmy Boats or Roy Folland Designs if you want to build a stitch-and-glue.

If you want to build a strip-boat, try Guillemot.

I've built two dozen CLC's, a half-dozen Pygmies as either a boatbuilding instructor or owner.

CLC's are a faster, more straightforward build and, at least to my eye, have the edge in looks (rounded cambered decks, scarf joints, one-piece cockpit rim).

The Pygmies have the advantage (and the drawbacks) of not needing sheer clamps nor as many building clamps.

Apples and oranges, I think, in the end, as far as performance goes.

Choose the to-your-eye prettier boat...but you'll likley find a CLC to be a lighter boat: neither the deck nor the interior need to be fiberglassed, only epoxied, and their hatch designs (as well as inclusion of watertight bulkheads) make them more seaworthy in the event of capsize.

Any questions please send them along. I've built many models in the CLC line, but only Pygmy Cohos.

Adam Bolonsky
Sea Kayaking Dot Net

Hi Adam,

Thanks for the answer great to have your input here

Hello,

Thank you very much for the input I have received, I can't wait to get home from work and do some research that I have received.