Are you ready for a 35 pound boat?
Tired of struggling with that heavy plastic kayak? Are you looking for a lightweight boat but not willing to take out a second mortgage to buy it? What if I told you that you could build a boat weighting less than 35 lbs for $300 to $500?
It is not only possible, it is relatively easy using fuselage frame construction. I am not talking about a boxy looking boat that paddles like a barge either. These are sleek looking craft with great manners that you will want to paddle.
The Fuselage Frame style was very popular in the 1950’s and 1960’s and many boat plans appeared in magazines such as Popular Mechanics and Popular Science. Even though it is no longer fashionable in the magazines, the fuselage style of construction is still probably the most cost effective way to build a small boat. Recently I have seen a renewed interest in this type of boat construction. People are rediscovering the advantages of Fuselage style Skin Boats.
My book will walk you through the process of building your own skin on frame canoe or kayak. I start by addressing the space needed to build a boat and the few tool that are needed. Then I go into detail on laying out the frames from a table of offsets. I show you how to assemble the frame by lashing the members together rather than using epoxy. How to sew on the skin on the frame, waterproofing the skin, rigging the boat, all the steps up to launching the boat.
Read a review by David Eden of Atlantic Sea Kayaker magazine.
BOOTH BOOKS ARE AVAILABLE IN OUR STORE
CORRECTIONS
Writing a book is a major task and corrections are inevitable.
If you find a mistake be sure and check this page first.
My newest book
More Fuselage Frame Boats.
While my new book covers some of the same material as the first book, it also has some new techniques and of course new boats. Such as how to build a Fuselage Frame boat with a wood transom that can be varnished if you desire.
Fuselage frame boats cost very little to build. A sheet of marine plywood, a lightweight wood such as cedar for the stringers, a few yards of a synthetic fabric for the skin and something to waterproof the skin. Materials cost are typically around $300. Nice wood for varnished seats and trim will add to your bill.
This book will walk you through the process of building your own boat. I start by addressing the space needed to build a boat as well as tools needed. There is a detailed section on laying out the frames from a table of offsets. Progressing to how to assemble the frame, skinning the boat and through all the steps to preparing your boat for launching.
Included are offsets for five of my boat designs. Flyfisher, a small rowing boat. Matilda, a performance rowing boat with a varnished wood transom. The Mess-About 12′ recreational kayak along with a kids kayak, Tadpole. Also there is Crawfish, a two person Pirogue. All offsets are listed in Metric and English.
BOOTH BOOKS ARE AVAILABLE IN OUR STORE