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Guillemot
Kayaks Newsletter
 Dear
Reader,
It has been a busy winter for me here
in Groton. My new book is about to be released,
I've just about finished my new workshop,
I've upgraded my website, and I'm still teach
classes and preparing new boats to bring
to shows.
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The
New Book is Done!
I
just received a couple cases of the new book
directly from the printer. It looks great.
I am now
accepting and shipping orders.
"Building
Strip-Planked Boats" picks up where "The
Strip-Built Sea Kayak"
left off, including my latest techniques to
turn a pile of thin strips into a rugged, practical,
beautiful boat. Instead of sticking to just
kayaks, I have included a dinghy,
a canoe as
well as the inevitable
kayak.
It contains information for the first time
builder as well as techniques to take the experienced
builder to the next level. I'm excited to see
it, I've put a lot of time and effort into
this book and I think you will like it.
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New
Website
My old website configuration was getting a
little long in the tooth. I found people were
having a hard time finding things and I have
to admit it was a little disorganized. Take
a look at the new
website, where you will find a
blog, and updated
gallery of boats (including the ability
to post
your own pictures), and an improved
product catalog.
Probably the most interesting part of the blog
is I'm using it to post my latest ideas about building
techniques.
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Shop
Tips: Trimming Strips to a Line
There
are often situations where you need to trim
a group of strips to follow a line, such as
a chine or keel line. You could start by eye-balling
the taper on each strip and hoping when you
have finished installing them all that you
have a smooth, fair line or, you could install
a temporary strip then fit each strip one-at-a-time
against that strip, but the easiest is to start
by not doing any special fitting.
Install all the strips in the area, with them
over-hanging the desired line. Then draw the
line where you want to trim, cut just above
that line with a saw and then trim down to
the line with a plane.
The first trick is to establish a smooth, fair
line. Some plans will include reference lines
on the form patterns to help define where the
line is. For example if you are trimming to
a keel line, the plans may include a center
line on the forms. Otherwise you can just identify
an angle in the shape, such as a chine that
you will be working on.
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Strip
Building Workshop
Do
you prefer seeing something done before you
are ready to give it a try yourself? This one
day workshop will give you the chance to see
the process from stripping through fiberglassing
first hand. You will have a chance to ask questions,
get your hands a little dirty, and witness
how the whole thing is done.
The class is in the workshops of the Connecticut
Valley School of Woodworking. They will
handle all registration.
If you would like to schedule a workshop or
boatbuilding presentation in your area, please contact
me.
Date: May
2, 2009 9:00am to 5:00pm
Location: Connecticut
Valley School of Woodworking, Manchester,
CT
Price: $120
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 New
Plans: Matunuck Surf Kayak
I know some people have been waiting
a long time, but the plans for the Matunuck
Surf Kayak are now available. This kayak is
specifically designed for playing on surf breaks.
It is much like a surf board that you sit inside.
The plans include a complete instruction manual
published by Chesapeake Light Craft.
Price: $85
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Plans: Sea Island Sport
The Sea Island Sport is great little sit on
top kayak suitable for fishing or casual paddling.
It has an efficient, easy to paddle shape,
and a roomy, comfortable seating area that
lets your legs stay unencumbered.
This stitch and glue design includes a full
instruction manual published by Chesapeake
Light Craft.
Price: $99
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I have been designing kayaks and other
small boats for over 20 years. I take pride
in being an enthusiastic user of my boats,
going out all year long even during New England's
cold winter, so I know what works and what
doesn't in real, practical terms. A lot of
people have theories on how boats should
be designed and built, we have on-the-water
experience using what we make and can
stand by our product with confidence.
Sincerely,
Nick Schade
Guillemot Kayaks
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Help!
I have a Great Auk, I think. I bought it from the man who built it in Boise, Idaho and forgot to ask him the name of the plans he used. Looking through the internet for wooden kayak kits, I discovered Guillemot (one of my favorite sea birds among whom I often kayak) and the shape of the Great Auk is distinctive and mine looks like it. I love my boat and the way it handles. Since it is a sea kayak, I think it is happier here in the ocean in Washington (state, of course) than it was in an Idaho lake.
Now I need to maintain it and I'm not sure how. It has been 4 years, but I really only kayak about 15 short trips a year. Someone pointed out a few cracks in the bottom that need attention. I am assuming that I use very fine sandpaper to smooth the edge of the crack, but I don't know how to use epoxy or what kind. Can you help me or point me in the right direction for information?
Thanks,
Mary Ann