My daughter, Paige, and I have been talking about her getting a kayak for quite a while. She's 5 years old now. For a bit, I kicked around the usual kid's kayak list:
- Raven by Current Designs
- Piccolo by Wilderness Systems
- Tsunami SP by Wilderness Systems
- Kea by Ocean Kayak
- Acadia Scout by Perception
- Umiak by Perception
I had seen a Raven in person at Annapolis Canoe and Kayak. It was a beautiful boat, but just too pricey for me to buy for Paige. I just don't know how interested she'll be in kayaking and paddling her own boat. Plus, I've wanted to try my hand at building...
I have been pretty enthralled with the Tom Yost boats. I think he's pretty amazing for the level of information on his sites and his participation on a couple of online message boards. He helped me (in idiot-level details to build my flotation bags early this year). In his designs, he has a Sea Flea that's just about perfect sizing for Paige. For stability, I'll add some sort of sponsons.
In my searches, I've come across the following sites that have built a Sea Flea (or another Yost-boat called the Sea Pup):
I reviewed each site and swapped e-mails with Bryan. In the end, I feel like I'm ready to try this.Yesterday was the official "start"- I placed a few orders for tools and supplies to get started on the kayak. First off- I ordered a pair of saws! (Yes, my "shop" is lacking in almost all departments.) I picked up a japanese saw and a bonsai saw, both from Chesapeake Light Craft (CLC). They had the best price and they're local- I'm headed out at lunch to pick them up. From Enviro Safety Products, I ordered safety glasses for Paige (pair 1 and pair 2) and myself; and, she got a pair of leather work gloves. In the evening, we stopped by a Staples and picked up a 3-pack of white foam board. My plan is to first build the frames using the foam board; I figure it'll be much easier to change, fix and revise the shape of the frames in foam board than real wood. Then once I'm happy with the frames, I'll trace them onto plywood and start the real cutting.
Through-out the project, I hope to keep a running total of what costs I incur. I've started it here:
| Category | Item | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Tools | Japanese Saw | $34.50 |
| Tools | Bonsai Saw | $18.50 |
| Misc. Fees | Tax (from CLC Boats) | $3.18 |
| Safety Tools | Safety Glasses - Doug | $3.55 |
| Safety Tools | Safety Glasses - Paige | $4.30 |
| Safety Tools | Safety Glasses - Paige | $2.95 |
| Safety Tools | Leather Work Gloves - Paige | $2.75 |
| Misc. Fees | Shipping (from Enviro Safety Products) | $6.96 |
| Tools | White Foam Boards, 20" x 30" (3 pack) | $12.49 |
| Misc. Fees | Tax (from Staples) | $0.75 |
| Total: | $89.93 | |
2 comments:
I don't think I used my version of the the bonsai saw at all on my sea flea. However, I don't remember how I cut out the bottoms of the stringer notches from the frames. I suspect I may have use the bandsaw, coming at the bottoms in a curve from each side. The small saw may do a good job at that.
My reasoning for the bonsai saw was for cutting the sections out. As we talked before- I'm going to try and involve Paige in as much of this as I can. And... (gasp, choke, gargle) .. that'll include cutting/sawing. I'm also thinking it'll be helpful in cutting the coaming.
I do have a jig saw, but if she'll be helping - I'd like to minimize power tool use. And, no bandsaw for me.
We'll see - if I don't use it, I'll have it for future endeavors.
Post a Comment