Looking for a kayak builder
- Thread starter Ilan
- Start date
JohnAbercrombie
Paddler
Are you looking for a builder to hire- to build a boat for you-, or just a source of advice while you are building your kayak?
I think @RobertNPruden is in AB?
I think @RobertNPruden is in AB?
mick_allen
Paddler & Moderator
- Joined
- May 15, 2005
- Messages
- 3,524
Pick up a tool, and look in a mirror. Done!
Thanks John, I've edited the post
JohnAbercrombie
Paddler
DavidDeWitt
Builder and paddler
if you look at the UK sea kayaking web site you will see that lots of beginning builders have built Shrikes.
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OrcaBoats
Paddler
Shrike is ply and Black Pearl can be either ply (from a kit) or strip. Ply is less expensive to have built with less labor involved especially if it comes in a kit. And cost will also depend on whether clear coated or painted as painted is easier to fill, fair and paint than clear coat.
Thanks Rod!
Where can I find a kit?
If I can't find a builder, I'll have to do it myself but then, it won't be ready for next spring.
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OrcaBoats
Paddler
I believe kits are sold for the Shrike or Pearl through Dan at Clearstream kayaks, but I do not seem to find his web site, just Facebook. I have built a Pearl in strip form years back for a customer so you could contact me directly. Just trying to be careful not to self promote here.
Yes, his website is down but his FB page is up.
Just send me a PM with your offer and we'll go from there.
Thanks!
JohnAbercrombie
Paddler
Probably it would be best to confirm that with Dan Caouette, contacting him via FB? In an email to me in the past year, Dan mentioned that he wasn't doing many Black Pearl kits.
kayakwriter
Administrator
- Joined
- Feb 27, 2006
- Messages
- 1,231
Hey Rod, You're responding to a specific inquiry about a niche service from a member, so you're good, thanks! (Unless Ilan is a cunning sockpuppet of yours
)
RobertNPruden
Paddler
Rob is indeed in Alberta but he cannot build anything due to the lack of a heated garage and lack of time...otherwise I'd take the project on
DavidDeWitt
Builder and paddler
clckayaks.com sells kits for the shrike R
Rod from @OrcaBoats has agreed to build my next kayak. Woohoo!!!
Just waiting for a couple of references on his work.
Just waiting for a couple of references on his work.
mick_allen
Paddler & Moderator
- Joined
- May 15, 2005
- Messages
- 3,524
Well here's one: you couldn't do better than choosing Rod.
I've intermittently known him, his designs, his work, his knowledge, his shop, his family, his care, and his consideration over many years.
You're lucky to have the option.
I've intermittently known him, his designs, his work, his knowledge, his shop, his family, his care, and his consideration over many years.
You're lucky to have the option.
JohnAbercrombie
Paddler
I've seen Rod's work 'up close' - it's absolutely top-notch craftsmanship. You couldn't do better, and as Mick says, you are lucky to have Rod as your builder.
I know Rod (a bit) and have dealt with him in the past and I consider him to be absolutely trustworthy and reliable. I've directed other people his way and they have had the same positive experience as me.
So that's another reference for you!
I know Rod (a bit) and have dealt with him in the past and I consider him to be absolutely trustworthy and reliable. I've directed other people his way and they have had the same positive experience as me.
So that's another reference for you!
sofstu
Paddler
With a relatively complete kit with most of the pieces already cut out you may have it completed after a few weekends.
Assuming you are working without a heated shop.
If you are are doing everything from scratch you will be lucky to hit the water in it next year.
The hardest part is making the coaming.
Timfrick
Paddler
Absolutely recommend Rod! His knowledge, experience and passion are what you need.
One simple question ?
How can you make money building a boat like the Black Pearl?
Even if you charged $5000 plus material and completed it in 300 hours , that is just a little over fast food money.
I guess I asking how manny hours does it take a professional builder to build a stripper?
How can you make money building a boat like the Black Pearl?
Even if you charged $5000 plus material and completed it in 300 hours , that is just a little over fast food money.
I guess I asking how manny hours does it take a professional builder to build a stripper?