Wow, a VW mechanic?! You should be handy enough to build a kayak no-problemo. Actually they are really simple to build. The process is rather time-consuming, but it's more relaxing than stressful. I built a Chesapeake 17 from plans. I had problems gluing the sheer clamps and nailing the deck on, but other than that, it's a smooth process. My brother and I made a photo journal (see link below) while building 2 Chesapeake 17s. I also posted some questions about the Ches. 17 that I was asked recently.

I really like my boat--it handles well. 40-60 k? Wow! I've only gone about 32k, and it was floating downriver.

Good luck! Shawn

> 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