BUILD YOUR OWN WILLOW SEA KAYAK
An easy-to-build, all-purpose stitch-and-glue sea kayak.
- BILL THOMAS — SEPTEMBER 21–27
Boatbuilder and designer Bill Thomas has spent the last 30 years working with wood; the last 15 years paddling and building boats; and teaching boatbuilding classes since 1998. Over this time, he has tried out numerous kayaks, each of them someone’s idea of the perfect boat. Like many folks who spend considerable time on the water, Bill started dreaming, drawing, engineering, and constructing designs and models of his own and eventually arrived at the Willow sea kayak, a great boat to paddle.
Students will be building the 17' 8" Willow sea kayak. This boat will be built with the stitch-and-glue method of construction using 4mm okoume plywood and epoxy. The kayaks feature cambered decks for strength, ease of construction, and beauty. A laminated deckbeam graces the interior. Six-ounce fiberglass cloth covers the interior and exterior of the hull. The boat has a keyhole cockpit sized to take a standard sprayskirt. Adjustable footbraces and proper seats come with the kits. There are bulkheads and deck hatches, with the option of a day hatch. The weight of the finished boat is approximately 45 lbs., much lighter than similar fiberglass or plastic kayaks.
Bill has introduced enough rocker to allow control in big seas and surf, with a long waterline providing straight tracking. Hard chines assure easy, safe turns. A rudder will not be needed but can be added if the builder would like to have one. In touring kayaks such as these, Bill feels it is ease of control and stability that guarantee safe and enjoyable paddling. Boats with low wetted surfaces may have a high topend speed, but it can make for a long day keeping them upright and tracking straight.
You don’t necessarily need to be an accomplished woodworker to build a kayak. With a few basic carpentry skills, you’ll be up for the challenge. With a little patience, lots of enthusiasm, and expert guidance from your instructor, you can build a beautiful boat.
Tuition: $700 (partner: $350)
Materials: $975
Note: This is a six-day course ending Saturday afternoon.
“Bill Thomas’s passion for boats and boatbuilding was clearly evident, as well as his passion for teaching others about them. A great instructor!”