The planking will be lapstrake construction following the Norwegian technique of skin constructed first, and framing added later. Participants will quickly see that the method of construction is simple and elegant, without reliance on modern synthetics. Anyone taking this course will gain all the knowledge and ability to readily build another. For future reference, students are encouraged to videotape the building process. The basic design of the kayak is a Greenland-style, hard chine hull which lends itself well to the Lake Superior paddling environment.
Odyssey kayaks offer conventional features like bulkheads, hatches, recessed fittings, skeggs, etc.
While the instructor, Peter Pestalozzi, has produced a number of Odyssey kayaks in his downtown Duluth workshop, this is a first-time course offering at North House. Each Odyssey kayak is custom-designed using a computer program and templates from which the boat is built are plotted for each individual. This produces a very strong and lightweight craft. Cost of the class covers all design work and materials for the basic boat which includes foots pegs, two composite hatches, Voyageur recessed fittings and straps, foam seat, and back band. All aspects of the subject will be covered, from transferring bevels to making molds.