Build a kid a kayak!
Is there a child in your life? Kid, grandkid, niece, nephew or whatever - any child would be thrilled to have his or her own boat. Join
designer Dave Gentry for three days of fun and boat building at the Sail Oklahoma or Port Aransas Boat Festivals. Bring your spouse,
kids, grandkids, parents, friends or just yourself - all are welcome to join in. We'll be building tough, but ultralight, skin-on-frame
Kidyaks. These are child sized boats that go together quickly and easily. You supply the effort and some basic tools, we supply all the parts
needed, plus expert instruction to guide your hand throughout the weekend. You'll not only get to go home with your own boat, but also
with the satisfaction and pride in being able to say
"I built it myself!"
The Kidyak is 10' or 11' long by 20" wide and, at only 12-15lbs, your child can haul it down to the water all on their own. It's a derivative
of traditional Greenland style sea kayaks, and is suitable for kids up to about 90 lbs {41kg}. This is a great parent/child project, and if you
bring them, your kids can help throughout the build.
"Sounds great, but . . . what's skin-on-frame?"
Skin-on-frame (SOF) is a boat building style that has been used for thousands of years in some of the harshest conditions on earth.
Basically it's a wooden skeleton - the frame - that is covered with fabric - the skin. We use modern industrial strength polyester fabric for
our skins, and marine plywood for the frames. The result is a very lightweight boat that is fun and easy to use, but is still tough enough for kids.
And, yes, they really are tough! SOF kayaks can take abuse that no wooden or fiberglass kayak could withstand, and are basically impervious
to rips and tears under normal use. They have been used for ages in the brutal conditions of the Arctic, and skinboats have crossed oceans and
even rounded Cape Horn! It is possible to puncture the skin, of course, but it typically takes a needle sharp object and a lot of force. Even so,
the tear would not spread, and would likely be merely irritating, rather than disastrous.
But, check out these short videos if you're not convinced:
Whack it! Tested!
Kidyak kits and instruction are $350 per boat (a steal, according to my lovely wife), so sign up early as there are only a very few spots available!
To sign up or ask questions, email Dave, here: GentryCustomBoats@yahoo.com
And be sure to check out
www.GentryCustomBoats.com
What to expect
We'll start by getting to know one another, and discussing safety issues. Boat building will begin by constructing simple "strongbacks," which will support the frame as we are putting it together.
We'll clamp on the first and last frames of the boat, then temporarily attach stringers, and insert the rest of the frames. Next we'll fit and attach the stems, then fasten the stingers to each
frame. We'll add floorboards and deck beams, and the frame will be finished. Once we've done that, we cover it with a tough polyester fabric - hull first, then the deck. We'll heat shrink
the skin, then attach the cockpit coaming and the rubrails. Done!
We should easily have the frames completed and skinned by the end of the second day, while the third is reserved for finishing details and - possibly - painting (contingent on time and weather).
The days will be long, but fun, and we will have plenty of time for lunches, and to enjoy the show!
website: www.GentryCustomBoats.com email: GentryCustomBoats@yahoo.com