Design

On this Petrel I chose to do a "side herringbone" stripping pattern on t

The 19th century canoe builder J.

The original inspiration for the Bootlegger fami

I recently took on the task of designing and building a skin-on-frame kayak in the Greenland Inuit style. "Designing" a SOF kayak before building isn't really the traditional way.

Don't let the "sea" in "sea kayak" intimidate you. Kayaks designed to work on saltwater will work just fine on fresh water.

These plans are product of Nick's years of boating experience and extensive research into what makes boats work. Each design starts out as an idea spawned on the water. Time out in boats will suggest how a boat could be tailored to perform better in specific conditions.

One of the biggest benefits to building a small boat with narrow strips is how accessible it is. While it looks intimidating, taking a bundle of small strips and wrapping them around a set of forms really is a matter of patience and not one of specialized skills.

Building a kayak using either the strip-built or stitch-and-glue method is within the means of most people who want to do it. Neither method is particularly difficult for anyone who is willing to take the time required.

This page will include any updates or corrections to the information in the book. If you see any mistakes in the book, please let me know at Email Nick Schade.

First time builders with no woodworking experience have built just about all of the designs you will find here. But some designs are easier than others.