Boatbuilding Tips
Our vast collection of boatbuilding tips, drawn from decades of experience in supporting backyard boatbuilders.
Installing Knee Braces
A kayak should not be so tightly padded that it is uncomfortable, but when you flex your ankles and push up with your knees a bit, you should be solidly...
Installing Knee Braces
A kayak should not be so tightly padded that it is uncomfortable, but when you flex your ankles and push up with your knees a bit, you should be solidly...
Installing Flush Hatches without Toggles
If you'd like to opt for an even cleaner deck than a standard flush hatch system, you can try our internal bungie-hatch system. Using some simple wooden blocks, bungie cord...
Installing Flush Hatches without Toggles
If you'd like to opt for an even cleaner deck than a standard flush hatch system, you can try our internal bungie-hatch system. Using some simple wooden blocks, bungie cord...
Installing a Retractable Skeg
If you paddle open water, you'll occasionally come upon conditions of wind and sea in which even the best-tracking kayak will broach or weathercock. A rudder is the common solution...
Installing a Retractable Skeg
If you paddle open water, you'll occasionally come upon conditions of wind and sea in which even the best-tracking kayak will broach or weathercock. A rudder is the common solution...
Installing a Day Hatch
Day hatch compartments are seen on many serious touring kayaks. A day hatch gives the paddler a secure storage area that is accessible while on the water. The hatch opening...
Installing a Day Hatch
Day hatch compartments are seen on many serious touring kayaks. A day hatch gives the paddler a secure storage area that is accessible while on the water. The hatch opening...
How to Install a Drop-In Rowing Unit in a Chest...
We are often asked if a sliding seat unit can be installed in the Chester Yawl. The answer is "Yes!" and here's how to do it in a few simple...
How to Install a Drop-In Rowing Unit in a Chest...
We are often asked if a sliding seat unit can be installed in the Chester Yawl. The answer is "Yes!" and here's how to do it in a few simple...
Handles
Handles may not be nautical, exactly, but if you cartop your boat they’re essential. Here at CLC we’ve tried many schemes over the years and here are three that work...
Handles
Handles may not be nautical, exactly, but if you cartop your boat they’re essential. Here at CLC we’ve tried many schemes over the years and here are three that work...
Flush Mounted Deck Hatches
As long as there have been CLC boat kits, there have been builders who designed and installed flush-mounted deck hatches. The stock hatches are easy to build and use; builders...
Flush Mounted Deck Hatches
As long as there have been CLC boat kits, there have been builders who designed and installed flush-mounted deck hatches. The stock hatches are easy to build and use; builders...
Drill, Fill, Drill
We cherish the look of wood. Epoxy and fiberglass cloth sheathing is part of the miracle that lets us enjoy the beauty of wood without laborious annual maintenance. But what...
Drill, Fill, Drill
We cherish the look of wood. Epoxy and fiberglass cloth sheathing is part of the miracle that lets us enjoy the beauty of wood without laborious annual maintenance. But what...
Double Fisherman's Knot (for grab handles)
Lots of folks have called to ask how to tie the knot we use on the Chesapeakes' grab handles. We hope this helps.
Double Fisherman's Knot (for grab handles)
Lots of folks have called to ask how to tie the knot we use on the Chesapeakes' grab handles. We hope this helps.
Deck Hold-Down Fittings
Most kayak manufacturers use little plastic eyes to secure deck lines and hold-down bungee cord. The problem with these is that they become painful bumps when you practice wet re-entries,...
Deck Hold-Down Fittings
Most kayak manufacturers use little plastic eyes to secure deck lines and hold-down bungee cord. The problem with these is that they become painful bumps when you practice wet re-entries,...
CLC Kayak Cart
Anyone who has moved a loaded kayak more than a few feet will appreciate this kayak cart. Not only is it easy to build, but it also fits folded in...
CLC Kayak Cart
Anyone who has moved a loaded kayak more than a few feet will appreciate this kayak cart. Not only is it easy to build, but it also fits folded in...
Cartopping
Losing a boat off your car is a nightmare scenario. Here are some tips on how to keep boat and car from flying down the highway in close formation. Roof...
Cartopping
Losing a boat off your car is a nightmare scenario. Here are some tips on how to keep boat and car from flying down the highway in close formation. Roof...
Bungie Knots
Here's a great knot for connecting bungee cord deck rigging. Find bungee cord options here and deck rigging hardware here.
Bungie Knots
Here's a great knot for connecting bungee cord deck rigging. Find bungee cord options here and deck rigging hardware here.
Bow and Stern Rubstrips
Years of hard beachings can gradually abrade the bow and stern of all kayaks, wood or otherwise. A couple of layers of ordinary fiberglass will hold out for most paddlers,...
Bow and Stern Rubstrips
Years of hard beachings can gradually abrade the bow and stern of all kayaks, wood or otherwise. A couple of layers of ordinary fiberglass will hold out for most paddlers,...
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...