Stitch and Glue Petrel "Play"

Complete overview of the Petrel Play SG kayak build project from opening the kit to launching the kayak.

Nick completes the final outfitting of a Petrel play SG kayak kit, including installing the skeg system, seat, backrest, foot pegs, and deck lines. He demonstrates various techniques for working with marine hardware, adhesives, and cordage.

Nick Schade demonstrates the process of installing bulkheads and hatch rings on a stitch and glue sea kayak. He carefully fits each component, making adjustments as needed, and secures them using epoxy fillets and specialized adhesives. Nick provides detailed explanations of his techniques and the reasoning behind his choices, offering valuable insights for kayak builders.

Nick applies the final varnish coat to a stitch and glue Petrel Play kit sea kayak. He demonstrates sanding techniques to prep the surface, then applies the final varnish to both the deck and hull. Throughout the process, he shares valuable tips on sanding, varnish application, and achieving a quality finish.

Nick and Bill sand and apply the first coat of varnish to the Petrel sea kayak kit from Chesapeake Light Craft. Nick shares tips on using coarse sandpaper for leveling, custom tools for tight spaces, and efficient varnishing techniques, emphasizing the importance of working quickly and maintaining a wet edge.

Nick and Bill tackle the crucial sanding and leveling process on their Petrel Play SG sea kayak project. Using coarse sandpaper and specialized tools, they methodically work to remove high spots and create a smooth, even surface across the hull and deck. Careful attention is paid to areas like drips, bumps, and overlapping joints to ensure a level foundation for the upcoming fill coat. With the sanding complete, Nick demonstrates his technique for applying the fill coat, involving distributing, leveling, and tipping off the epoxy for a flawless finish. As they wrap up, they discuss the remaining steps, inching ever closer to the final sanding and varnishing stages of this intricate kayak build.

In this workshop episode, expert boat builder Nick guides Bill through the process of fiberglassing key areas on their Chesapeake Light Craft stitch-and-glue kayak kit. With careful instruction, they cut and apply bias-cut glass strips along the combing, deck, and keel line, ensuring proper reinforcement while tackling tricky contours. Nick's methodical approach and explanations provide valuable insights for aspiring builders.

Nick and Bill methodically prepare the deck, combing, and hull of the Petrel Play SG kit boat for additional fiberglass layups. They remove tape, round edges, address bubbles and imperfections, sand surfaces, and trim the skeg box, all while explaining the techniques and rationale behind each step. The focus is on meticulous preparation to ensure a strong, seamless bond for the upcoming fiberglass work.

Nick and Bill work on fiberglassing the deck of a Petrel Play kayak kit, addressing challenges like staining touch-ups, containing epoxy messes, managing cloth tensions, and strategically cutting and patching to resolve bridging. They methodically apply filler coats, trims excess glass, and installs the deck combing.