Build a lightweight Kayak for your C-Dory

Ananda

Seeing that some of you are interested in kayaks as the slow-mode of C-Dory transport, I thought you might be interested in a project I completed a couple of years ago. Met a fellow who makes his living by designing/building kayaks on the Oregon coast, but his favorite thing is teaching people to build them. I managed to get into one of his classes here in Portland where we built our own custom-fit skin-on-frame kayaks in seven days. Brian brings the raw materials, designs and know-how; you bring the class fee (around $1200), energy and handtools. It's one of the most satisfying projects I've had the pleasure to be involved in.

These kayaks are modern versions of the traditional ones used way up north. The "skin" is a polypropylene fabric; the "frame" is lightweight Port Orford Cedar and steamed oak ribs, held together by "sinew" of waxed thread. Not a single piece of hardware holding this together, except that we added some fancy copper nails on the coaming to engage the fabric. After it's all wrapped and sewn, it's tinted with dye and covered in an epoxy coating to seal the fabric. Paddles beautifully.

Take a look in Honu's album at some construction photos: http://www.c-brats.com/modules.php?set_albumName=Honu&op=modload&name=gallery&file=index&include=view_album.php

Maybe the best thing about these boats is their weight -- mine weighs only 23 pounds and I can lift it with one hand. Could solve the problem some folks have with lifting heavy dinghies onto the cabin tops.

Here's a link to Brian's website. http://www.capefalconkayak.com/
He teaches pretty much anywhere a group can get together. Imagine how much fun it would be to make a living like this!

colobear · Posted: Mon Oct 12, 2009 1:28 am Post subject:

Very nicely done! You must have a pretty big sense of satisfaction! Hope to see the actual product around sometime.

Congratulations on you accomplishment.

AstoriaDave · Posted: Mon Oct 12, 2009 1:42 am Post subject:

Kathleen's good experience with Brian is not unique. He is the real thing. Couple of my paddling buddies have also built skin on frame boats under his tutelege which are light, tough, and fun to use. Entering and exiting from a C-Dory will demand some agility, though.

JamesTXSD · Posted: Mon Oct 12, 2009 10:11 am Post subject:

Beautiful kayak! Thanks for sharing the photos.

Best wishes,
Jim B

AstoriaDave · Posted: Mon Oct 12, 2009 1:06 pm Post subject:

Jim, a link to Brian's web site: http://www.capefalconkayak.com/ the guy is manic, but skilled.

Doryman · Posted: Mon Oct 12, 2009 3:27 pm Post subject:

Another popular alternative is the Pygmy Kayak from Port Townsend.

Warren

Robbi · Posted: Mon Oct 12, 2009 4:29 pm Post subject:

Kathleen, Nice job! Would love to see it. Some friends and family are planning a kayak trip at the "new" Nisqually Delta in the near future, maybe you would be interested in the day paddle?

Robbi

Ananda · Posted: Mon Oct 12, 2009 5:06 pm Post subject:

Thanks, Robbi. I'd love to go on that paddle! But, with school and work, I won't have another leisure day off for months. Promise you'll feel sorry for me while you're having fun! Sad

I hope you'll keep me on your invite list and, when graduation comes next spring, I'll be voraciously pursuing leisure activities. I was thinking of joining up with the Tacoma Outboard group... looks like their launch facilities would be convenient for a Portlander to try out the Sound. Are you in that area?

Looking forward to lots of paddlin' and C-Doryin',

Kathleen

Robbi · Posted: Mon Oct 12, 2009 9:51 pm Post subject:

Kathleen, The delta will be around for some time, so maybe an item for a kayak bucket list.

Robbi

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