Boy Scouts build a C10 kayak . . . .

[DGentry]

Four Boys Scouts from the local Boulder troop came over to the shop and worked together, over the last 3 days, to build their own Chuckanut 10 kayak - start to finish, from scratch!
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A few weeks ago I got an email asking about one of the children's kayaks I had built last year - and if a group of Scouts could build one, under my tutelage, to be photographed and written up for an article in the BSA's national magazine "Boy's Life."
We started this last Thursday, around lunch time. . . .

We opted for the Chuckanut 10, as it is more scout sized than the teeny Kidyak they had originally seen. The C10 is a SOF recreational kayak, 10' long x 27" wide, suitable for paddlers all the way up to about 200lbs, but just fine for smaller paddlers, too.

I explained what we were going to do, went over some safety issues, and started them out lofting the individual frames and stems. "Just like graphing in math class," I told them, and they got it right away.
Then they had to cut out the frames, with jig saws - a definite learning experience - and they helped me rip the stringers on the bandsaw.



That was day one.

Day two we mounted the frames on the strongback, bent in the stringers and gunwales and fit the stems.

Then they lashed it all together. Many hands make for quick work!


After the frame was fully lashed, including floorboards, it was time to skin her:


Slave driver that I am, we got on a coat of paint between a series of afternoon and evening thunderstorms.
Painting is fun!

Luckily, the grass was already green . . . .

And that was day two - boat all but built, just time needed for the paint to dry and to add some trim!

[DGentry]

Day Three (today!).
Time to fit the rubrails and coaming, plus stencil on a BSA logo - at least the fleur de lis part.


Well, that didn't take too long. What should we do next?

Answer:Carry it down to the pond, three blocks away! Not too onerous for a group of Scouts, esp as the boat only weighs 18lbs!

First, the float test:


Then, the money shot!


Everybody got a turn, of course, and I paddled it, too, as did one of the Dads. Stable, comfortable, maneuverable and fun! I'm very pleased.
The kids seemed to like it, too!

The deck on this one is a bit unique, a testament to me not catching a few measurements. The square coaming is a quick and easy option, and it certainly makes getting in and out very easy, too.

The kids did almost all the work, and every bit of the tedious stuff! It was a big learning experience for them, and for me - challenging and all brand new to them. Challenging and all consuming for me.

But . . . in basically two days they had built themselves a super little boat.

Thanks to the kids, the parents who came by, and Brian the photographer - it was great!
Dave Gentry

[Kudzu]

Absolutely awesome Dave! I was approached by a Scout leader but nothing came of it. I am sure this was trying at times :-), but well worth it. Who knows what it will lead the one or more of those boys to??

AWESOME!!

[Canoez]

Most excellent! I finally got SWMBO to go in a little tubby plastic kayak that she liked. I think I may need a copy of the Chuckanauts!

How did you like the teaching experience?

[James McMullen]

This post just made my day, Dave! Teaching the future generation the joys both of kayaking and of doing things for yourself--that's awesome! Those are some lucky boys.

I'm proud to know you. Makes me want to volunteer some time to my local Scouts for something similar.

--James

[Canoez]

This post just made my day, Dave! Teaching the future generation the joys both of kayaking and of doing things for yourself--that's awesome! Those are some lucky boys.

I'm proud to know you. Makes me want to volunteer some time to my local Scouts for something similar.

--James

I suggest the Nike approach - "Just Do It!"

[DGentry]

Thanks guys!
It was definitely a lot of fun, for everyone. And, yes, trying at times - I'm not sure how a high school shop teacher, who does this day in and day out, keeps from (eventually) going nuts! My attention was engaged the entire time, keeping the kids on task, guiding them in the right direction, and making sure they didn't lose any fingers in the process! I was pretty exhausted by Sunday....
The kids were enthusiastic, though, and learned how to use a variety of tools on their own. None of them had even seen a wood rasp - much less a block plane!
They all wanted to build their own boat, too, including one who wanted to build a sailboat next! Perfect!
Now the plan is to give a talk to the entire troop about the experience, and boats and boatbuilding in general. Maybe we'll get some new converts! I'd be psyched to help them build a Bolger Teal or something, too.




It sure looks pretty small with them standing next to it, but it was still well balanced and roomy with one of the bigger dads in it. It's much more stable and relaxed than the Wee Lassie I built, which is the same size. I believe this would be the prototype of the C10, though at least one other is being built. I'm very pleased with how it handles!

[Tractor]

Great Scott Dave!!

Here I am wondering if I have enough time (a week) to get a paddle made prior to this weekend so Elle can use the kayak you built and you teach Boy Scouts to build a boat in three days.

You are awesome and I better get into the shop.

Mike

[DGentry]

Hey Mike - I suspect you can whip out a kid's Greenland or Aleutian paddle in less than 3 hours . . . .
There are some decent instructions on Tom Yost's website - just scale them down, of course.

Oh, and thanks!
Dave

[Lewisboater]

looks awesome...what is the cloth that you used? Did you lash the framework together or was it glued and screwed or nailed.

[DGentry]

Thanks! - We used 8oz polyester, from George Dyson. The frame is lashed, only, with artificial sinew.

[Lewisboater]

What was the cloth sealed with? I am looking at doing a quicky for a local small lake/big pond that usually sees the tupperware variety...I expect it would raise a few eyebrows.

[Tractor]

Hey Mike - I suspect you can whip out a kid's Greenland or Aleutian paddle in less than 3 hours . . . .
There are some decent instructions on Tom Yost's website - just scale them down, of course.

Oh, and thanks!
Dave

Dave yesterday I did just that. Didn't even go to the website just tried to remember what that paddle of yours looked like. I used a piece of redwood. It might/probably will split at some point but I think with just Elle at 50 lbs pushing and pulling on it, it should hold up fine.

Thanks again for your inspiration. I know I get too caught up on trying to do everything perfect the first time which means I spend a lot less time doing and a lot more time worrying. You keep telling me to just do it.

We are going back to Boyd lake this weekend and are bringing both the canoe and your kidarka. I am not sure who is more excited, me or Elle. I think I have a decent training wheel set-up with a stick and a couple of noodles. I will hopefully take some pics and send them to you when we get back.

Thanks, Mike

[jimmy lee]

Great job,Boys! Looks Awesome! You Guys are fortunate to have a Great Teacher, in Your Boy Scout Unit. This is just another testiment of how Great, the Boy Scouts of America are for Our Young Boys. Great looking Kayak, and a Great story!

[DGentry]

Skin coating was simple and easy - Rustoleum oil based paint. Works just fine.

Glad you got a paddle built, Mike - I hope you guys have a great time this weekend!

[joshfrank]

Can anyone recommend some plans for SOF kayaks for a beginner builder? Even this boat or the C12 would be a good fit for me i think. My dad my want one as well..he likes to collect boats and may want to build one with his High School vocational class.

Thanks

[gww25]

OUTSTANDING WORK! This is what small boat building is all about as the craft has to be handed down otherwise it just dies out.

[DGentry]

gww25 - thanks!
joshfrank - PM me and I'll be happy to send you the Chuckanut 10/12 building guide, if you're interested. Otherwise, check out Tom Yost's website: www.yostwerks.com for lots of free Greenland style SOF designs and building instructions. I recommend the Rolldarka, Sea Rider and the Sea Tour designs. All his folding boats can be built - cheaper and easier - with wooden frames, btw.

Good luck!
Dave Gentry

[Wooden Boat Fittings]

... and if you happen not to like any of these designs -- and what's not to like? -- check out the Percy Blandford models, listed with catalogue numbers starting with 'BK' on the Clark Craft website here.

Here's PBK27 -- his 'Sea Scout' --

And you can find a whole thread on these kayaks on the Aussie Woodwork Forum here.

Mike