If you would like your own kayak but can't afford to buy one, or have a very specific idea of what type of kayak you want, consider building your own kayak. This page is an introduction on how to build a kayak.

(Creative Commons photo by dwstucke)

• If you want to build your own kayak, you have several options. The degree of difficulty of building a kayak will differ depending on how you choose to build it. There are home kits for kayak building that makes the process easy; but you might prefer to choose your own design.

• Homemade kayaks are typically build in either of three common styles.

1. Skin-on-frame kayaks, often called Greenland kayaks, are build from a wooden framework and then covered with fabrics. They are quick to build, but the quality of them will differ depending on how its constructed and put together. They are usually held together by pegs.
2. Stitch and glue kayaks are made from plywood. They are held together by glue. These are usually built from kayak kits or plans, making them easy to build, but not allowing for much flexibility when it comes to design.
3. Strip built kayaks takes longer to make, but the end result is smoother and curvier. They are built from several strips of wood, commonly cedar, because it's easy to bend and shape. You can either buy or make strips.

• What you need to build a kayak will depend on which style you choose. This is a list of some items you will need.

1. For a skin-on-frame kayak, you will need skin or fabric, wood, paint, pegs to hold it together and tools.
2. For a stitch and glue kayak, you will need plywood, wire to temporarily hold the kayak together, glue for permanent construction, fiberglass for the outside, glass tape and tools.
3. For a strip built kayak, you will need wood (usually cedar), plywood to make an outline of the kayak, fiberglass and tools.

• The specific instructions will depend on the kayak you are building. Consult kayak construction manuals for details. These are some general guide lines.

1. Be prepared. It can take months to construct a kayak, if you can only work during weekends and evenings.
2. If you are not making a skin-on-frame kayak, make sure to sandpaper after it's done so that it's smooth.
3. Test the kayak to make sure it's waterproof before you use it.

• Building a kayak can be time-consuming, especially if you can only work on weekends and evenings. Make sure you are prepared for the work. Consider the different types of kayaks to decide which one is right for you before starting the construction. When it's done, make sure to test that it's waterproof before using it the first time.

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