I am now in the process of building a wood/epoxy kayak. The design is by Eric Schade, who owns Shearwater Boats in Stamford, Conneticut. The boat I am building is a 19' touring style kayak called a Baidarka. The design is a replica of a style of kayak used for hunting by the inuit people in the Aleutian Islands (near Alaska) many years ago. The cutwater on the bow (front) of the kayak is designed to cut through the water for increased speed, the top part of the bow is highly flared to increase this style of kayaks ability to ride over waves. Although it is difficult to see in this photo there is a skeg on the stern (back) that increases the boat ability to track (go in a straight line) well.
The estimated time for completion of the kayak is about 100 - 120 hours, it's looking like it may take me a little longer but the process is quite enjoyable. I've had the kids involved from the beginning which has been great. It's easier and much more enjoyable to have them hold something that may or may not really need to be held, or to sand a piece of wood that may or may not really become part of the kayak than it is to shoo them away. They are genuinely interested in the progress WE are making.
This is my first crack at kayak building so there have been a few calls to Eric for advice, he's been very willing to help and although I haven't met him in person he seems like a genuine nice guy!
I have also gained a great deal of knowlege from the Guillomot Kayak Building Bulletin Board, which just happens to be run by Eric's brother Nick Schade. The builders who frequent the BBS are very knowlegable and very willing to help fellow builders. After spending some time on this board the people who frequent it begin to feel like family.
