The humble sea kayak was a vital tool for any lone traveler during the olden days. Today, it remains a viable mode of transportation, especially on rougher waters.
And, surprisingly enough, it makes for a rather rewarding woodworking project. With the right plan, tools, and materials, you can have one functional sea kayak built in a matter of weeks.
1. Design
Whether you take your designs from the web or you make your own, always make sure that the measurements are correct.
A sea kayak should be around 15 to 18 feet long and feature narrowed edges both at the front and back. This design allows a kayak to cut through the surface of water easily.
Also, mind the clearance especially at the midsection. You want the kayak rider to seat comfortably in the vessel without cramping their legs.
2. Materials, Tools, and Components
The wood material you choose for this project will matter since you are making a water vessel.
Cedar strips are ideal as they are strong enough to withstand stress, but are light enough to be buoyant on the water. It also helps that Cedar has distinct earthly colors, which give off that strong frontiersman vibe.
As for the components you’ll have to make for this project, they are as follows:
1 top deck panel
Cockpit pole trimmings
2 hull panels (port and starboard)
2 stern stems for both the front and back hulls
6 curved bottom support struts
2 trimming for the sides of the top panel
The tools and other materials you will need for this project are:
1 table saw
1 miter saw for cutting curved edges
1 drill and 3-inch galvanized screws
Laminated fiber glass for a more secured bottom hull
Sandpaper or sanding plane
Wood glue
Wood stain
Shock cords
Foot braces for extra stability when paddling
3. Assembly
The process of building your kayak parts is actually quite straightforward. First, you have to glue the strips at the sides and then run them through the saw to form the deck, the sides, and the bottom.
For the deck, you must then cut a hole 29 inches long and 18 inches wide. Sand down the edges of the hole and then attach the cockpit trimmings on the sides.
As you are making each part, carefully sand down the surface with the sanding plane and then with sandpaper. For the bottom hull, apply a coat of fiberglass on the inner and outer portions. This will make that part of the boat tight and waterproof.
Once each part is complete, you must then attach the panels, then the sterns on both ends, and finally the side trimmings on top.
4. Finishing Touches
Once the main vessel is complete, you can apply the wood stain of your choice to give the kayak the protection it needs.
Attach the shock cords to the top deck by attaching them to the side trimmings in a diagonal pattern. Do this for both the front and back portions to make the entire kayak’s frame tighter.
So, you now know how to build a wooden sea kayak from woodworking plans. And, after completing the sea kayak, all that’s left for you to do is to take it to the nearest body of water and give it a test run.
Please Share This Article 🙂
