DIY Kayak

Creating your own kayak can be a daunting process. There are several tips you should follow when planning, designing, and constructing your homemade kayak. Understanding these overall principles will help simplify your do-it-yourself kayak project.

  1. Planning

    • You have decided to build your own kayak. You need to decide whether to construct a fiberglass or wood kayak. Seawingboats.com recommends that you construct a kayak with a wooden core. There is an aesthetic beauty to the wood finish and it is much easier to manipulate than pre-fabricated plastic or fiberglass. Moreover, most homemade kayak kits or plans incorporate a fiberglass or resin finish on the exterior of the wood. In addition, there is variation among wood kayak design plans that you cannot find with pre-fabricated plastic.

      Find a suitable location to build your kayak. You can construct the kayak outside, but create a temporary structure under which you can store or cover your kayak while you build it. Ideally, you have a garage or shed in which you can construct your kayak. If you are outside, construct the kayak during the spring and summer months. While planning, you should also map out a schedule of what parts of the design you intend to accomplish.

    Designing

    • The design of your kayak is an important consideration. Given your skill level, you should select a simple kayak if you are a novice and more advanced if you have more skill. Consider whether you want to create your own kayak design or if you will follow pre-designed kayak plans. Oneoceankayaks.com recommends that you select a pre-designed kayak plan to guide you in building your wooden kayak. Pre-planned designs ensure that your kayak will float and have a sturdy construction once you complete tbuilding it.

    Constructing And Cost

    • After adequate planning and selecting a design, construct the kayak. Construction is the most grueling part of the kayak build. Expect delays in your schedule, missing parts and unfavorable weather. Most kayak design plans are highly detailed, providing you with guides to troubleshoot common problems. According to Oneoceankayaks.com, complete construction of their basic wood kayak is around $700. Add another $1,000 for adequate tools. A homemade kayak can be costly, but you can think of the tool cost as less dramatic if you intend to build several kayaks.