Kayak question?

Question

does anyone know a really simple way to make a kayak? as in NOT buying one. i have good plywood. and a hole forest near my house. i also got a lake and a river. so is there a reall REALLY simple way to do this. i dont know how long it takes, as long as its simple. lol. real answers only please. thanks!

Answer 1

Here's a site that tells how to make kayaks:

http://www.guillemot-kayaks.com/Building...

Answer 2

Making kayaks is not simple at all. Even the seemingly easy design of whitewater boats is hard. You have to think about the hull shape, put in enough rocker and chines, has to be perfectly symmetrical, balanced stern to bow. Dude just fork over a couple hundred for a sit-top kayak.

Answer 3

It will be really hard to build a kayak without buying some materials.  

Stitch and glue kayaks are made from special plywoods that have no voids, have water resistant glues, are flexible, and are strong.  Probably not the plywood you have on hand.  

The plywood is shaped by gluing it to bulkheads then the entire surface is fiberglassed and sanded smooth.  

My 17 1/2 foot stitch and glue kayak is only about 45 pounds.  (I bought it from the builder)

Skin on Frame would be closer to what you could do easily.  

You build a frame with stick lumber, then stretch material over it and varnish the material to make it waterproof.  

I wouldn't recommend using undried lumber for it since it is likely to warp as it drys out.

www.fastq.com/~jrschroeder/whybuild.ht... has information on each of the methods of building wood based kayaks.

www.thewoodshop.20m.com/kayak1.htm has information on building skin on frame kayaks

Answer 4

There are several sites on-line that provide photos and plans for canoes, pirogues, kayaks, etc. as well as numerous books at Amazon.  

But the species of wood you mention are seldom used for the construction of smaller, light, boats.  Sitka spruce, western red cedar, some ash, white pine (AK) and northern white pine (NE North America) are often preferred.  And even these fine woods are typically covered inside and out with fiberglass cloth and epoxy such as West Sytems.

In terms of simplicity, and the possibility of using the plywood you mention, the pirogue might be the best design for your fist attempt.

Bottom line?  It’s not really simple.  But it is fun.