homemade kayak and paddle, 1st time out!

[Jason Berard]

I went out with my dad yesterday to try out one of his homemade kayaks, and also one of his paddles. He has built 3 kayaks, and 4 paddles since last summer! The one I tried tracked WAYYYY better than my Perception Sea Lion( 14' rotomolded kayak).

here's a few pics:

I'm looking forward to getting in it a bunch more this summer!!!

 

[spider solo]

Hey that looks great !! Congrats to your dad as well... looks like he put lots of time in on it.
Hope you guys have a great season...!

 

[adktyler]

Ok, I apologize for the bump! I just wanted to say that this is pretty awesome, and I don't think it received enough respect. When I was 10 my dad and grandfather and I covered a wooded antique Folbot kayak frame with canvas and a little fiberglass. It was a monumental project, and took us quite awhile (working very slowly, and doing lots of research). So I do know a little about home boat work.

I have lots of respect for you for making this. Way to go, and I'm hope the boat is doing well!

 

[Jason Berard]

Thanks! My dad has since made 2 more, including one for my kids, and is getting better and better! I'll see if I can dig up pics of the kids in the little one....

 

[adktyler]

Thanks! My dad has since made 2 more, including one for my kids, and is getting better and better! I'll see if I can dig up pics of the kids in the little one....

That'd be really neat to see!

 

[Jason Berard]

we added a bit of flotation so mom would feel more comfortable......and me too...

they even got a pint sized paddle!

 

[adktyler]

Very cute, Jason! The flotation looks like a neat idea, I wonder if it added more stability?

 

[Jason Berard]

I thought it might, but I don't think it did from watching them.

They did have fun, and we'll be back out there again this summer.

BTW, the second kayak was a a two person folbot that he cut down and re skinned....that one has since been taken apart again, as it was waaayyy too heavy and large even after being cut down. Its in his basement as we speak being re-designed for service this summer.

 

[adktyler]

I thought it might, but I don't think it did from watching them.

They did have fun, and we'll be back out there again this summer.

BTW, the second kayak was a a two person folbot that he cut down and re skinned....that one has since been taken apart again, as it was waaayyy too heavy and large even after being cut down. Its in his basement as we speak being re-designed for service this summer.

Well the mental side of life is half the battle!

Glad they had fun!

Wow, nice! Those folbots were really well made, but certainly not designed for lightweight travel!

 

[darren]

I totally missed this the first time around. Nice stuff, thanks for posting. I'd really like to make a kayak some day. I'm almost done with the construction of my woodshop so I am one step closer...

Aloha

- darren

 

[Chip]

that's fantastic ! love the floatation noodles ! keep us informed !

 

[RickB.]

Just caught up with this, too, Jason. Nice boats (and kids)!
We'll be sick of the snow soon and back out. But in mass-produced craft