While there are many good reasons for building your own boat, one of the best is that you ll get a better boat for your money than you could buy. I would have to spend at least four times that amount to buy an equivalent glass boat. Some companies will even alter their stock boat kits for extremely tall or heavy customers, paddlers with little or no knee movement, or folks needing to carry a lot of gear on an expedition. Still, the best reason to build a boat is that it s fun. Lack of woodworking experience shouldn t stop you.
Precut kits enable even the first-time woodworker to build a boat.
Kit manufacturers package all the parts, glue, and hardware needed, along with plans, instructions, and free technical help. You simply assemble the parts. If you need still more help, many boatbuilding schools offer classes in canoe and kayak building. Of course, if woodworking is already your hobby, you can build from plans. Dozens of boat designers offer all types of canoe and kayak plans, from world-class racing boats to children s boats.