The short version: A photographer and 4 Scouts came over to the shop, for the last 3 days, and we built a kayak! The Scouts learned how to loft and cut out the frames (I need a new jig saw, now, though . . . .), rip stringers, use a strongback, lash bits together, skin and paint a boat, and then to paddle it! They did almost all of the work, under my guidance, with a professional photographer documenting the whole process for a "Boy's Life" magazine article.

We built a Chuckanut 10 - the smallest version of my Chuckanut series. 10'x27" - just right for scouts of all ages (even the big ones). Weight ended up at 18lbs. It was all done, except for a bit of paint and the trim, by the end of the second day! It was a pretty huge learning experience for the kids (and me), all of it totally new to them. They persevered, though, with lots of cookies and donuts fueling them on.

I had a few cookies, too, courtesy of some visiting Moms. Thanks!
Mmmm, cookies.

This, I believe, is the prototype C10, and I paddled it today, too. It's great - the perfect boat for messing about. Stable, comfortable and maneuverable. I really liked it, so did the Dad, and the kids, too (all non-kayakers). This deck on this one came out a bit funky - (I should have caught that a little sooner!) and the square cockpit was expedient as a simpler, easier to build, option.

Anyway, I'm darn pleased with how the boat handles, and that we got a whole group of kids interested in building even more boats!

Dave Gentry