I am looking at building my first kayak. I've pretty much settled on the CLC Chesapeake 17. Last summer I did about four five day trips in the Temagami area of Ontario. I usually go solo, and try to get 40-60km/day. So the size, weight and characteristics of the Chesapeake seem to be what I need.

I have no idea what you guys are talking about most of the time when you get into details about certain joints and construction features. Should I be concerned, or is it just something that I will pick up as I go along? I'm just concerned about ending up half way through the build and finding out that I should have trimmed this part down more, or this one less, etc...

As well there seems to be a lot of differing opionions about what weight of glass, wood, and everything to use. Is this something I should be concerned with on my first boat. Or is it something that I will form my own opinions on as I gain experience?

I taught myself how to fix just about anything on my VW. And in the past year I've started to do all the plumbing and electrical work at my restaurant. However no woodworking....why didn't I take that in high school...damn.... So I'm not afraid to learn how to do this stuff. And I don't think it'll take too long. I hope. :)

Thanks guys,

Sean Martin