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Re: Other: Buy kit, or build from scratch??
By:John B.
Date: 5/21/2003, 8:45 pm
In Response To: Other: Buy kit, or build from scratch?? (David)

: Forgive me if I repeat what others have said....I made my 1st kayak from CLC plans - a Chesapeake 17. Cost about $400 for materials and plans and about 80 hours. Used basic tools and had a lot of fun.

Stippers (haven't done one) cost a similar amount, but might take 200+ hours for the 1st one.

Kits for either cost more.

Building yourself is a lot of fun, but how do you know what type of Kayak you want? At least "test-driving" plastic kayaks at a rental place will give you an idea of what is commercially available. Test-driving homebuilt kayaks is more difficult if you don't have a small boat show or a "meet at the beach" nearby. Wouldn't want you to be disappointed if the kayak didn't perform as expected after that labor and expense.

I would recommend a stich and glue (S&G) project from plans for your 1st. Less expense in time if you loose interest. Write about your weight, height and conditions of the water that you will encounter, and people here will help.
It isn't too hard, and is a nice intro. to some different materials, that will make small boat and kayak building a rewarding hobby! (my 2 cents). Good luck,
John

Messages In This Thread

Other: Buy kit, or build from scratch??
David -- 5/21/2003, 8:44 am
Here's a cheaper one *LINK*
Don Lucas -- 5/22/2003, 10:33 am
What I did. *LINK*
Brian McCarty -- 5/22/2003, 9:27 am
Re: Kits vs. Plans
C. Fronzek -- 5/22/2003, 1:18 am
Re: Kits vs. Plans
Don Martin -- 5/22/2003, 7:41 am
Re: Other: Buy kit, or build from scratch??
John B. -- 5/21/2003, 8:45 pm
Re: For DAVID! *NM*
John B. -- 5/21/2003, 8:47 pm
Re: Other: Buy kit, or build from scratch??
Don Lucas -- 5/21/2003, 7:56 pm
Re: Other: Buy kit, or build from scratch??
Glen Smith -- 5/21/2003, 7:31 pm
Three different types. *LINK*
Dan Ruff -- 5/21/2003, 2:37 pm
Just an idea
Brian Ervin -- 5/21/2003, 1:43 pm
Re: Just an idea *LINK* *Pic*
Andy Waddington -- 5/22/2003, 10:43 am
Re: excellent idea *NM*
LeeG -- 5/21/2003, 2:06 pm
Told you so :)
charles w -- 5/21/2003, 1:25 pm
Re: Other: Buy kit, or build from scratch?? *LINK*
Wes -- 5/21/2003, 11:05 am
Well i am totally new
David -- 5/21/2003, 11:14 am
Everyone here was totally new once
Andy Waddington -- 5/22/2003, 10:46 am
Re: Well i am totally new
Patsy -- 5/21/2003, 12:07 pm
Re: Well i am totally new
Taylor Warren -- 5/21/2003, 12:03 pm
whoops -sorry wrong link
Taylor Warren -- 5/21/2003, 12:05 pm
Re: Well i am totally new
Kurt Maurer -- 5/21/2003, 11:55 am
Re: Well i am totally new
Wes -- 5/21/2003, 11:24 am
Re: Well i am totally new
LeeG -- 5/21/2003, 11:50 am
Re: Well i am totally new
David -- 5/21/2003, 12:05 pm
Re: Well i am totally new
LeeG -- 5/21/2003, 12:11 pm
Re: Other: Buy kit, or build from scratch??
Bobby Curtis -- 5/21/2003, 9:53 am
Re: Other: Buy kit, or build from scratch?? *LINK* *Pic*
Kurt Maurer -- 5/21/2003, 10:33 am
Re: Other: Buy kit, or build from scratch?? *Pic*
Brian Ervin -- 5/21/2003, 9:51 am
Do you have the tools?
Dan Ruff -- 5/21/2003, 9:35 am
Re: Other: Buy kit, or build from scratch??
LeeG -- 5/21/2003, 9:17 am
Re: Other: Buy kit, or build from scratch??
Jay Babina -- 5/21/2003, 9:01 am
Re: Other: Buy kit, or build from scratch??
Andy Waddington -- 5/22/2003, 10:52 am
Re: Other: Buy kit, or build from scratch??
Jay Babina -- 5/22/2003, 11:19 am
Re: Therapy Costs $100/hr :D *NM*
Steve Frederick -- 5/22/2003, 7:25 pm