Boatbuilding Tips

Our vast collection of boatbuilding tips, drawn from decades of experience in supporting backyard boatbuilders.

Perfect Deck Joints

Perfect Deck Joints

On most of our kayaks the two deck pieces meet at the widest part of the cockpit. This is the only position on the boat where we don't use a...

Perfect Deck Joints

Stitch and Glue Boatbuilding Tips

On most of our kayaks the two deck pieces meet at the widest part of the cockpit. This is the only position on the boat where we don't use a...

joints prepared for masking

Masking Joints

We've all glued scarfs and other joints and had a big glob of epoxy squeeze out when we clamped the joint. later we've sanded and scraped off the excess glue....

Masking Joints

Stitch and Glue Boatbuilding Tips

We've all glued scarfs and other joints and had a big glob of epoxy squeeze out when we clamped the joint. later we've sanded and scraped off the excess glue....

Round Your Edges

Round Your Edges

With stitch-and-glue boatbuilding joints it is often necessary to wire together parts so they touch at their inside corners, as shown in the sketch. Holding them in this alignment can...

Round Your Edges

Stitch and Glue Boatbuilding Tips

With stitch-and-glue boatbuilding joints it is often necessary to wire together parts so they touch at their inside corners, as shown in the sketch. Holding them in this alignment can...

Lauan Plywood versus Okoume Marine Plywood: Impact Comparison

Lauan Plywood

By John C. Harris December 2011 Is Okoume Marine Plywood Really Any Better? Anyone who’s built a small, simple boat in the last thirty years has given at least passing...

Lauan Plywood

Stitch and Glue Boatbuilding Tips

By John C. Harris December 2011 Is Okoume Marine Plywood Really Any Better? Anyone who’s built a small, simple boat in the last thirty years has given at least passing...