: I have a group of Varsity Scouts (14-15 years old). We are thinking of making
: our own kayaks to take on a 3-day river trip (on a fairly tame river,
: obviously). We need something fairly easy to make, rugged enough to last
: our three days (stopping and camping in the evenings) and last, but not
: least, something that will not cost a fortune. Is this asking for too
: much?

Hi Chris, I have 3 choices for you.

1. Check out a book called "The Jawbone Kayak" (I think that's correct, if you can't find it let me know) - the frame is built out of 1 sheet of plywood and covered with canvas(although I might go with Skeeters suggestion and use nylon)and painted with ordinary house paint, the author claims you can build it for $20(I think that 1970 prices).

2. I found plans for a folding Kayak that was designed by a scout leader for his troop to build(I think). It's looks to be very simple, but it also doesn't put me in mind of a kayak.

3. Send me an e-mail for this one.

My initial thoughts would be for your troop to build the Jawbone kayak 1 year and depending on your assesment of group interest tackle option 3 the next year.

If you really want simple go with #2(I found the plans on the internet but don't remember were, you could do a search on folding kayak plans and if that doesn't work I did print them)