Boat Building Forum

Find advice on all aspects of building your own kayak, canoe or any lightweight boats

Where to start? where are you now?
By:Paul G. Jacobson
Date: 7/5/2010, 1:56 pm
In Response To: Tools: Where to start (Dani Craig)

: Alright so I have no experience in building anything. But.. I would
: love to try to build my own kayak. Where do I start?

It would be helpful to know where you are located --nearest big city will do. It is very likely that another boatbuilder is within 30 miles of you. If so you might get a tour of their shop. Or, you might be near a summer rendezvous of boatbuilders and get to see lots of home-made boats and talk to the people who made them. There are ALWAYS opportunities at these meets for people to paddle the different styles and models of canoes and kayaks. It can help you choose the boat design you want to build.

If you can't get to one of these events then send some info on your size and we can suggest designs which would be most appropriate. Height and weight affect center of gravity, balance, and displacement. Shoe size is important in getting proper deck height, but only if you wear over size 11. Width at shoulder and at hips helps with getting a proper fit.

PGJ

Messages In This Thread

Tools: Where to start
Dani Craig -- 7/3/2010, 11:22 am
Re: Tools: Where to start
Terry Haines -- 7/6/2010, 11:03 am
Re: Tools: Where to start
Terry Haines -- 7/6/2010, 11:05 am
Where to start? where are you now?
Paul G. Jacobson -- 7/5/2010, 1:56 pm
Re: Tools: Start with a library card
Paul G. Jacobson -- 7/5/2010, 1:29 pm
Re: Tools: Where to start *PIC*
Rob Macks / Laughing Loon CC&K -- 7/4/2010, 7:28 am
Re: Tools: Where to start
Etienne Muller -- 7/4/2010, 2:05 pm
Re: Tools: Where to start
Wesley Ewell -- 7/4/2010, 9:42 am
Re: Tools: Where to start
Bill Hamm -- 7/4/2010, 12:13 am
Re: Tools: Where to start
Wesley Ewell -- 7/3/2010, 12:51 pm
Re: Tools: Where to start
Kurt Maurer -- 7/3/2010, 5:39 pm
Re: Tools: Where to start
Dave Gentry -- 7/3/2010, 12:47 pm
Re: Tools: Where to start
Doug S -- 7/3/2010, 12:17 pm