This is a kayak I built over break. The construction was expedited and simplified from a traditional steam-bent construction; Plywood cutouts and straight sections of wood were used both to keep costs down, and so the kayak could be built in just a few days.
Now before I went ahead and built a kayak I rented one and paddled around West Lake Union for an hour. It was my first time in a kayak and I confirmed that it was defiantly as much fun as I assumed it was. I also took note of features modern kayaks had that I’d like to incorporate into mine.
- Day 1: gunwales with deck started
- Day 2: Keelson, stem and stern complete
- Day 3: frame and storage door finished
- Day 4: skinned with thin polyester fabric, sealed with shellac. Worked into the night.
- Trying it out at Lake Padden
