January 15, 2021
I spent a few days gathering materials and tools and then setting up a work area in my shop. I was in a bit of a rush as I wanted to get all of this done before my kit and rib stock arrives from Cape Falcon Kayaks as I want to be ready to start working with the ribs before they dry out. Fortunately logging is one of the main industries in the small town I live in and I found my full length straight grain old growth red cedar at Goat Lake Forest Products. I have all of the jigs made and materials cut to size. My kit and white oak ribs are scheduled to arrive in a few days. Many thanks to Brian for the great videos and plans which have made it easy to understand and follow.
January 24, 2021
A quick update on my progress over the past week. I’ve completed the deck and the F1 kit and white oak arrived a few days ago. My steamer should arrive tomorrow and then I can install the ribs, keel and stringers, hopefully all in one day.
February 1, 2021
All of the woodwork has been completed and I’m now waiting for the nylon kit to arrive. The rib installation went very smoothly. A few ribs broke along the way but that was expected. It took only 6 hours to install the ribs, keel and stringers. I’m very happy with the result.
March 18, 2021
I completed my kayak about a month ago along with two Greenland paddles, one of red cedar and the other of yellow cedar. I’ve been waiting for a good, calm weather day to try her out in the water and that day finally came.
Sewing on the nylon cover and applying the polyurethane finish was not as difficult as I had thought it would be thanks to the great instructional videos.
When I started this project I didn’t know if I had the skills needed to complete it. I’m very happy with the result and how she performs in the water. Now I need to practice my rollover skills but I’ll wait until it’s a bit warmer out!
I’m already thinking about the next kayak or canoe project for next winter 🙂
