Replies

1. 
   sailalex | Apr 25, 2003 02:48pm | #1

   Petey,

    I am now building my second wooden boat, a 21' power launch ( Handy Billy); my first was a strip built kayak. That said, I find using hand tools for the smaller project to be okay but when you get into larger dimensions more power tools are needed. For example, I am having to currently rip 16' lengths of white oak for battens and to do that without a table saw would make this project unbearable. Now I know years ago they did it, but with a boat project of this size, I can't imagine turning your back on modern power tools. A friend who is working on this project with me built a 14' Whithall skiff and even with that project he used a table saw and planer( imagine having to dimenesion all that lumber with a hand plane).

    I enjoyed the strip built kayak a lot and this is a project that can be done almost anywhere; knew one case of a person building one in their bedroom, although this seems a "lonely" way to go. :)  Check some of the websites (Guilleminot, Laughing Loon,etc.) as there are plans and "kits"(which are nothing more than the required rough wood necessary to build the particular kayak ( or canoe) in which you are interested.

    Good luck!

1. 
   Petey | Apr 25, 2003 03:30pm | #2

   I have a complete shop,(well almost) and I could dimension materials there, I just want to keep the dust and noise away from my newfound peace ! Don't want to build anything to big, canoes, kayaks, daysailers.  Thanks Petey

1. 
   hmthomas | Apr 25, 2003 03:39pm | #3

   Petey,

   I built a strip built kayak awhile back. If you can dimension the strips in the "old" shop the rest can be done by hand, with only a few hand tools. Once its all glued up however, there is a good amont of sanding prior to applying the epoxy resin & fiberglass cloth.

   Its a nice project and we always get lots of compliments when we take it out.