Boatbuilding Tips
Our vast collection of boatbuilding tips, drawn from decades of experience in supporting backyard boatbuilders.
Premium Epoxy in CLC Kits
In June of 1995 we began including complete epoxy kits with every Chesapeake Light Craft kit. But which epoxy? By then we'd already helped thousands of people build their first...
Premium Epoxy in CLC Kits
In June of 1995 we began including complete epoxy kits with every Chesapeake Light Craft kit. But which epoxy? By then we'd already helped thousands of people build their first...
Stitch-and-Glue Boat Maintenance
That FIRST scratch. You have to get that first scratch. Then it’s just a nice boat and you can get on with enjoying the water. Kayaks and small boats will...
Stitch-and-Glue Boat Maintenance
That FIRST scratch. You have to get that first scratch. Then it’s just a nice boat and you can get on with enjoying the water. Kayaks and small boats will...
Staining Your Kayak
An essential introduction to working with stain by expert kayak builder and designer, Nick Schade: Using stains to add a little extra color to your boat. There is no accounting...
Staining Your Kayak
An essential introduction to working with stain by expert kayak builder and designer, Nick Schade: Using stains to add a little extra color to your boat. There is no accounting...
Sanding
You are sanding. It's been a half-hour already but there's still four yards of hull to go. The garage is filled with a choking, gritty mist of epoxy particles, and...
Sanding
You are sanding. It's been a half-hour already but there's still four yards of hull to go. The garage is filled with a choking, gritty mist of epoxy particles, and...
Refinishing Your CLC Boat
We’re often asked what sort of ongoing maintenance CLC boats require. Here are some thoughts on the life of your paint and varnish. How often will I need to refinish...
Refinishing Your CLC Boat
We’re often asked what sort of ongoing maintenance CLC boats require. Here are some thoughts on the life of your paint and varnish. How often will I need to refinish...
Painting with Marine Polyurethanes
Painting a boat used to be so easy. All you needed was a can of exterior enamel from the hardware store, a clean brush, some masking tape, and a clear...
Painting with Marine Polyurethanes
Painting a boat used to be so easy. All you needed was a can of exterior enamel from the hardware store, a clean brush, some masking tape, and a clear...
Painting Over the Deck
An attractive way to finish a kayak is to bring the hull paint an inch or so onto the deck. The trick is to make a neat and even line...
Painting Over the Deck
An attractive way to finish a kayak is to bring the hull paint an inch or so onto the deck. The trick is to make a neat and even line...
Mastering Marine Varnish
Congratulations! You've just finished the assembly of a wood-epoxy composite boat. Note the qualifier: "wood-epoxy composite." All of Chesapeake Light Craft's designs are built of wood, strengthened and protected by...
Mastering Marine Varnish
Congratulations! You've just finished the assembly of a wood-epoxy composite boat. Note the qualifier: "wood-epoxy composite." All of Chesapeake Light Craft's designs are built of wood, strengthened and protected by...
Marquetry Inlays and Onlays
One of the reasons we build boats is because there’s so much opportunity for personal expression. Joinery details and paint schemes can be artful and highly individualized. One especially interesting...
Marquetry Inlays and Onlays
One of the reasons we build boats is because there’s so much opportunity for personal expression. Joinery details and paint schemes can be artful and highly individualized. One especially interesting...
Don't Over-Sand
People complain about the amount of sanding required to make a stripper. A really good finish does require a fair degree of sanding. However, there are some things you can...
Don't Over-Sand
People complain about the amount of sanding required to make a stripper. A really good finish does require a fair degree of sanding. However, there are some things you can...
Applying Decorative Fabrics
There's nothing new under the sun, whether it's boats or anything else. Surfboard builders have been incorporating colorful fabrics into their boards as long as fiberglass existed. Boatbuilders have been...
Applying Decorative Fabrics
There's nothing new under the sun, whether it's boats or anything else. Surfboard builders have been incorporating colorful fabrics into their boards as long as fiberglass existed. Boatbuilders have been...