Strip-Planked Kayaks

A strip-planked kayak is a more involved project than a stitch-and-glue design, but a CLC kit makes it a rewarding process. We will send you computer-cut molds, a strongback, precision-milled bead-and-cove cedar strips, and everything else you'll need except for varnish and a paddle. Guillemot, Night Heron, and Auk designs are available as complete kits, mold kits, and of course just as plans for scratch-builders.

You'll assemble the mold and strongback right out of the box then staple (or clamp) cedar strips to the molds. The bead-and-cove feature of the strips means that each strip interloacks with the next, so you'll build up your design on the molds a little like you're laying bricks. Sketch out your own pattern of contrasting strips (we send you light, medium, and dark wood), or work off one of the many patterns suggested in the instructions. A fiberglass skin on the inside and outside makes the structure rigid. Strip-plank builders are given broad latitude to interpret elements like hatch and cockpit design. 

See more information about Chesapeake Light Craft and Guillemot Kayaks partnership.