Build Your Own Stitch-and-Glue Wood Duck Kayak
Dates:
Sunday, August 17, 2025 - Saturday, August 23, 2025
Location:
This Class in Eureka, Illinois, is offered by The Art of Boat Building Academy; for registration and class inquiries, please email bob@bobemser.com.
More Informaiton - Register Online
Instructors:
Bob Emser
Details:
In this 6-day class you will build your own Wood Duck12 or 14 kayak from a Chesapeake Light Craft kit. 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.
Compact, easy-to-launch boats just seem to get used the most. In a tenth of the time it takes to launch a heavy boat on a trailer or drag the big canoe down the lawn, you can slide one of these little kayaks into the water and be on your way. Keep your Wood Duck on top of the car, ready to toss into all the interesting creeks in your county. CLC commissioned Eric 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. It's clear he has another huge hit on his hands with these fun, good-looking recreational kayaks that anyone from age 8 to age 80 can enjoy on the water.
The deck is cut from "Sapele" mahogany plywood for extra good looks and natural contrast with the Okoume hull and sheer panel.
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 Wood Duck in this class. There's simply not enough time in a week to strip-plank a deck.
Chesapeake Light Craft has been manufacturing stitch-and-glue kayak kits since 1993. CLC’s many designs emphasize easy construction combined with good looks and uncompromised performance. By using the stitch-and-glue method, each student will build a kayak without the complication of frames, molds, or a strongback.
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.
