In this week long course, students will build a kayak using the stitch and glue method, which uses copper wire to stitch plywood planks together, finishing with epoxy resin to glue them in place. These boats are durable, attractive and approachable to a beginning builder. Students will choose from the Wood Duck or Shearwater design. Both the Wood Duck and the Shearwater Kayaks are great for paddling along the shores of Lake Superior as well as a favorite lake or harbor.  These boats range from 10ft to 17ft long and have bulkheads to prevent water from flooding the entire boat. Join us for seven days of awesome memory-making on the shores of Lake Superior - as we build some of the most beautiful boats on the water. We will explore a variety of techniques and discuss the evolution of modern boat building. Bring your life jacket and take your kayak for a test voyage on the last day! Students may bring a partner to complete one boat for one tuition/materials rate.

Students can choose from seven different options to better suit their style and needs. If you plan to paddle on waters similar to Lake Superior a Wood Duck or Shearwater 12 - 17ft is ideal. If lakes and rivers are more your thing, then any of the seven options will work for you. The instructor will offer design options during the build to give your boat an extra personal touch. Students must varnish and/or paint the boat after they return home. This allows for the epoxy to cure fully and gives the boat the proper UV protection. Please see this PDF for more information on the various models.  Note, you will pay the majority of the materials fee at the time of registration. There will be an additional $30-$450 due during class depending on your design choices and customizable options. 

Separate tuition payment & cancellation policies apply to this course. Up until six weeks prior to the start date of class, students who cancel will receive a full refund of the tuition and materials fee less a $50 fee. At the six week mark, no refund is availble. Students may call to register to arrange a payment plan if needed; full payment is due six weeks in advance of the course. 

You will need the following tools for this class:

• students must have a way to take the boat home at the end of class
• preferred style of dust mask. if you are not picky, instructor will have supplies available
• work gloves (gripping pliers, moving wood panels) - fingerless gloves may be a better option for SOME tasks during the week.
• tape measure
• pencils

• disposable gloves, minimum of 50 pairs (instructor will also have boxes of L/XL gloves to purchase)
• ear protection (very little power tool use - but foam earplugs are sometimes nice)
• (20) 2” Spring clamps