5 Reasons Why You Should Build a Wooden Kayak
If you’re like most people when it comes to purchasing a kayak, you think of going online or to a store and buying a plastic kayak. Purchasing or certainly not building a wooden kayak has not crossed your mind. Building a wooden kayak is too difficult, right?
We politely disagree.
We believe everyone can and should build their own kayak. Here are FIVE reasons why YOU should build a wooden kayak.
Wood Kayak Weight
In general wooden kayaks are much lighter than plastic kayaks. This is especially true for rotomolded fishing kayaks. While fishing kayaks constructed in this manor are durable, they are also extremely heavy, especially after adding the additional fishing gear.
A DIY kayak's weight greatly depends on the type of wood you choose to use. Using Oak, while it might have beautiful grain and strength, it will be incredibly heavy. However, if you were to use a lighter wood such as Cedar, which also has a beautiful wood grain, you would drastically cut down on the weight of the kayak.
When the correct wood is used, the weight of a stitch and glue kayak can easily be handled by a single adult. This makes the loading and unloading process much less of a hassle.
The great thing about wooden kayaks is you don’t have to sacrifice weight for a beautiful aesthetic.
Beauty - Classic Wood kayak
Plastic and fiberglass kayaks have a unique appeal to them. They can come in some really cool designs but they cannot compare to the beauty of a hand-crafted wooden kayak. Plastic kayaks are intended to be mass produced so everyone receives a kayak that is nearly identical to all the others.
DIY kayaks are as unique as the individual who built them. You can mix and match different woods to create beautiful patterns or you can keep it looking as natural as possible. The options are endless and you get to decide the beauty of your kayak, not a manufacturer.
The beauty comes from the type of wood you choose. Even if you choose a wood without amazing grain, you still have the option of staining, painting, or placing decals on the wood.
Customizable - Outfitting your Kayak
Most kayaks are customizable, especially those used for kayak fishing. However, even the best mass-produced kayak doesn’t give you complete control over the entire build process. A kayak kit gives you complete control over every single detail.
You choose the type of building material. You choose whether or not to have a rudder or rod holder. It’s your kayak; shouldn’t you be able to design it exactly how you intend to use it? You’re a unique individual; your kayak should be a reflection of you.
There’s no better way for it to be a reflection of you than building a kayak yourself. I know what you’re thinking, “making a kayak has to be incredibly complicated and challenging. That’s where you’d be wrong.
Easier Than You Think
Even if you have never built anything out of wood before this project, it won’t be as tricky as you believe it will. Using kayak plans is one way to lessen the difficulty of DIYing a kayak. You won’t need any specialized tools or secret woodworking knowledge.
As long as you desire to learn new simple skills, you already possess the skills you will need most to build a stitch and glue kayak. Essential woodworking tools such as a sander, clamps, a saw, and a few others are all you will need to complete this project.
In as little as ten days, you can transform a pile of wood into a beautiful kayak!
Fun Project - How hard is building a wood kayak?
Learning a new skill can be fun. Honing those skills to craft a family heirloom is unforgettable. After you have finished creating your masterpiece from kayak plans, you will have a newfound confidence and sense of pride in your work.
After being cooped up for the last couple of years, you’ll be smiling ear to ear as you strap your DIY kayak down and head to the water for its maiden voyage. Nothing can come close to the feeling you will have as you slide into your kayak and paddle it for the first time.
You will remember what it feels like to be a kid on Christmas morning!
Don’t forget to check out our lineup of kayaks!
Final Thoughts
By now, you should have a better understanding that you can craft a beautiful wooden kayak. Whether you’ve never used a saw in your life or you're a seasoned woodworker, stitch and glue kayaks are fun to build and an excellent project for learning a few new skills.
