Boatbuilding Classes |
|
![]() |
Build Your Own Shearwater or Wood Duck Sea Kayak
Location: Northwest Maritime Center, Port Townsend, Washington
Dates: Monday, October 24, 2022 - Sunday, October 30, 2022
This Class in Port Townsend, WA, is offered by the Northwest Maritime Center; for registration and class inquiries, please call 360-385-3628 x300 or email verity@nwmaritime.org
Instructor: Joel Arrington
Register online through For more information about this class, call or email: |
Tuition & Materials:
- Tuition: $725/NWMC Member, $775.50/Non-Member
- Plus Kit (choose your model):
- Shearwater 16: $1,350
- Shearwater 17: $1,350
- Shearwater Sport: $1,550
- Shearwater Double: $1835
- Wood Duck 10: $1,190
- Wood Duck 12: $1,190
- Wood Duck 14: $1,345
- Wood Duck Double: $1,470
- Shipping and tax applied at checkout
Other Considerations:
- About Northwest Maritime Center
- Tools and Supplies
- Boatbuilding Class FAQs
- Lodging at the Swan Hotel
Details:
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
In this 6-day class you will build your own Shearwater 14, 16, 17, Sport or Sectional Sport kayak from a Chesapeake Light Craft kit. Additional options include the Wood Duck 10, 12, 14, and Wood Duck Double
Starting with pre-cut plywood parts, we will assemble the hull and deck of the kayak using copper wires and epoxy glue. We will then cut hatches, fiberglass the boat and install the cockpit coaming. During construction, we will discuss outfitting the boat with seats, footbraces, hatch fittings, and deck rigging. After the class, your boat will be ready to sand and paint or varnish.
One of the most popular kayaks CLC has ever offered, the Shearwater is an elegant, performance-oriented touring kayak. The "tumble home" sheer panel reduces windage and improves paddle clearance. The Shearwater features CLC's trademark cambered deck. The West Greenland style hard-chined hull has naturally easy and controllable handling for the skilled paddler and comfortable stability for the newer paddlers. The hull shape ensures good tracking even in windy and rough conditions.
CLC commissioned Eric Schade to draw and prototype the Wood Duck line to our specifications. Eric had a huge hit with his Shearwater kayak designs, also designed for CLC as fast sea kayaks. The Wood Ducks are good-looking light weight recreational kayaks that anyone from age 8 to age 80 can enjoy on the water.
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
The clean lines of the Shearwater make it one of the "sexiest" kayaks on the market, while the recreational Wood Duck line offers comfort, stability, and excellent performance in a visually pleasing form.
We regret that it is not possible to build the "Hybrid" versions of the Shearwater or Wood Duck in this class. There's simply not enough time in a week to strip-plank a deck.
Note: Boat kits for classes are specially prepared at CLC and delivered directly to the classroom. These kits include essential supplies and may have certain parts pre-assembled. Because of the particular nature of these kits, discounts and other promotions do not apply. Kits shipping fees and tax will applied at checkout.