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Re: building your own squirt boat
By:Bart Castleberry
Date: 7/1/1999, 1:36 am
In Response To: building your own squirt boat (ryan)

> Does anyone out there know where I can find step by step instructions
> about how to build a squirt boat (a low-volume whitewater kayak)? I've
> found a lot of information about touring kayaks but not much about squirt
> boats.

The only book that I know of is "Boatbuilders Manual" By Charles Walbridge. It is pretty much the bible of composite building as far as I know. The best thing to do is to find someone who is building one and offer to help. I have built several squirt boats with a circle of friends, for many parts of the process watching or having the guidance was best way to learn and there are a million little tricks to learn. Working with and mixing vinylester resin and chopping the boat are all art forms. I have not built any in a few years just repaired the ones I am currently paddling.

Although it is fun building them it is a TON of work and I doubt if I would build any more due the abundance of used boats avaliable that are current designs. Unless you steal a design the only molds avaliable will be somewhat outdated. Also John Schreiner at New Wave Kayaks make some pretty incredible boats for just over a grand. Which when you figure the improved quality, warranty, cutting edge designs and no labor with toxic resins they are a great deal.

Messages In This Thread

building your own squirt boat
ryan -- 7/1/1999, 12:08 am
Re: building your own squirt boat
Paul G. Jacobson -- 7/4/1999, 8:49 pm
Re: building your own squirt boat
Bart Castleberry -- 7/1/1999, 1:36 am
Re: building your own squirt boat
mike allen -- 7/1/1999, 3:47 pm
Re: building your own squirt boat
Bart Castleberry -- 7/2/1999, 10:25 am
Re: building your own squirt boat
mike allen -- 7/5/1999, 12:39 pm