03-27-2013, 03:35 PM
Hi all,
This winter I thought it would be a good idea to have a go at building my own sea kayak.
After some internet research I found a website where I could buy plans or even the complete kit, the site is http://www.fyneboatkits.co.uk/plans/kayaks/ I chose the Night heron, stitch and Glue plans.
It says the build time is about 7 days, it took me nearly 2 months!! :o I guess 7 days is possible if you buy the complete pack.
It was a very enjoyable build, not too complicated but it takes time to make sure all the pieces are cut correctly, then they need gluing and everything covered with polyester.
The only ply wood I could find on Skopelos was normal for indoor use, so i made extra sure it was completely covered with polyester and resin and finally a good quality polyurethane paint.
Ive used the kayak many times and in high winds and 3 meter sea to see how well it performs, I love it ;D
Making it from plywood means it has very hard chines, this is an advantage because simply edging the kayak means I can go where ever I want without changing my paddle stroke.
It is very stable which I did not expect as the kayak is only 51 cm wide and 5.5m long, and feels really fast.
Here are the photos of the build and the finished kayak, if you have any questions just ask..
The first pics are of the hull and deck being assembled.
This winter I thought it would be a good idea to have a go at building my own sea kayak.
After some internet research I found a website where I could buy plans or even the complete kit, the site is http://www.fyneboatkits.co.uk/plans/kayaks/ I chose the Night heron, stitch and Glue plans.
It says the build time is about 7 days, it took me nearly 2 months!! :o I guess 7 days is possible if you buy the complete pack.
It was a very enjoyable build, not too complicated but it takes time to make sure all the pieces are cut correctly, then they need gluing and everything covered with polyester.
The only ply wood I could find on Skopelos was normal for indoor use, so i made extra sure it was completely covered with polyester and resin and finally a good quality polyurethane paint.
Ive used the kayak many times and in high winds and 3 meter sea to see how well it performs, I love it ;D
Making it from plywood means it has very hard chines, this is an advantage because simply edging the kayak means I can go where ever I want without changing my paddle stroke.
It is very stable which I did not expect as the kayak is only 51 cm wide and 5.5m long, and feels really fast.
Here are the photos of the build and the finished kayak, if you have any questions just ask..
The first pics are of the hull and deck being assembled.