Wood Kayak Strip Build

[DarrellS]

After much delay everything is finally in order so I can start the NorthWind as a strip build. I have had the plans for so long I am surprised Matt has not shown up to repo them.
The boat was designed by JEMWATERCRAFT.com as a stitch and glue, but I asked Matt to redraw it for me as a stripper so it will be a one of a kind for now. Matt calls this boat the "Northwind" and it is based off of Verlen Kruger's "SeaWind".
I started by building a new table for the stiffback to mount on.







I will start cutting out the patterns for the boat over the next few days. I usually take about two weeks or so to get the forms cut out and build the stiffback before you ever start building the boat. This is what you get as far as plans. Each of those patterns will be cut out and glued to plywood to make the form of the boat before applying Wester red cedar strips.



To make something that will look kinda like this.

[DarrellS]

Got a little done this evening. Laid out the one foot marks and pulled a straight line.





Made up a few stations that the forms will mount on.



Mounted the stations on the table.



Then pulled some more string lines to make sure everything is straight and level.

[DarrellS]

Got a little more done to the Brazos Cruiser tonight. Started cutting the patterns for the forms out.



I am using 1/2 inch Birch plywood for the forms on this boat. Gluing the patterns down with Super 77 Spray Adhesive.



Boy, I sure am glad there is not one more form on this boat or it would have been tough to fit it on one piece of plywood. :wink:



Rough cutting and sanding the forms.





Getting the bow and stations 1 and two set in place. Only 14 more to go. Then I can start putting the strips on.

[DarrellS]

Got a little more done to the NorthWind tonight. I finished making the stations for the forms to mount on.



Layed all of the pieces in the place to make sure I have everything in it's proper spot.



Pulled another string line down the center and started fastening forms down.



Got all of the forms mounted and just need to do a little tweeking before starting to install strips.





I have not even put the first strip on this boat, but I am already loving her lines.



I am trying to get all that i can done before Nov.29 because I have Knee surgery again and will be laid up for a couple of weeks. Same knee and same problem that I had fixed on Oct.30 of last year.

[DarrellS]

This boat seems to be going well. I got started putting some strips on tonight. I am using Western Red Cedar on this one and I really like the way it cuts and sands.

With first strip being the most important I must have messed with them for over an hour on each side before I was happy with them. After those are placed just right it is really pretty easy from there.

[GWHunter]

Awesome, cant wait to see the finished product.

[SOLID EAGLE]

Wow, What a project!!

[froghunter]

Sweet! i couldnt build the table, much less the yak.

[DarrellS]

Other boats I have built:

14 ft. Pirogue designed by Jemwatercraft.com



15'10" Strip built Freedom also by Jem



16'5" designed by BrazosBoatWorks.com (my Daughters boat)



This current boat will be about 17'6" and also designed by Jem

[jackh]

i admire your woodworking skills. i dont think id have the patience to make one of those. i think a camo pirogue would be pretty sick to hunt out of though

[Bill_Tell]

Holy cow! That is ridiculously awesome! That freedom boat is beautiful.
I would hate to scratch it up by using it.

[Bearkat04]

Was the Pirogue a fairly easy build? I am looking to built a a kayak that I can stand and flyfish out of. Needs to be fairly stable and easy to build. I am not that great of a builder.

[Ranger Link]

Wow, your skills are very impressive.

[DarrellS]

Was the Pirogue a fairly easy build? I am looking to built a a kayak that I can stand and flyfish out of. Needs to be fairly stable and easy to build. I am not that great of a builder.

That particular Pirogue is not stable enough to stand in. Matt @ jemwatercraft.com has a bunch that are though. Go to his site and check out the TV plans. It's a great boat that would be easy to build and is very stable.

[DarrellS]

Wood kayaks are suprisingly tough. I have been in swift current and hit rocks so hard it will rattle your teeth but have not managed to hurt one of these boats yet. Another thing about is that they are alot easier to repair than a plastic boat if anything ever happens. The coolest thing about them though is that you turned that pile of wood on the floor into a boat.