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Petrel Play SGL
Sale
Petrel Play SG-L
Sale
A Petrel Play SG-L on the left is next to a regular Petrel Play SG on the right.
Petrel Play SGL Thumbnail
Petrel Play SG-L Thumbnail
A Petrel Play SG-L on the left is next to a regular Petrel Play SG on the right. Thumbnail

Petrel Play SG-L

Builder Testimonials

The Petrel Play SG-L is a scaled up version of the Petrel Play SG, with a roomier cockpit.

  • Skill Level Intermediate
  • Estimated Build Time 100 Hours

Build this boat if...

  • You're looking for a comfortable and versatile kayak that will hold someone weighing up to 350 lbs.
  • You're looking for a sport-oriented kayak for surfing
  • You want a sleek, West Greenland-style kayak without the gawky 17- or 18-foot length
  • You prefer advanced handling qualities in all conditions, especially waves
  • Sophisticated Design

    Nothing else like it to buy or build

  • Versatile

    A design that does everything well

  • Quality Materials

    Only the best professional-grade materials

Build Your Kit

Take One of our Boatbuilding Classes

We offer classes for many of the boats we sell. Teaching sites stretch from Maryland to Washington State and from Maine to California. Click here to find out more.

Specifications

Length
16'0"
Beam
25"
Cockpit Size
35" x 16"
Hull Weight
40 lbs.
Paddler Weight
250 - 350 lbs.
Max Payload
350 lbs.
Knee Height
13"
Max. Men's Shoe Size
12.5

Performance

Stability

3 out of 5
Very Tippy
Very Stable

Speed

3 out of 5
Cruiser
Racer

Cockpit Room

5 out of 5
Close Fit
Huge Cockpit

Payload

3 out of 5
Day Tripper
Freight Hauler

Ease of Construction

3 out of 5
Requires Patience
Very Easy
Two stitch-and-glue Petrel Play kayak. To the left is the SG model and the  Petrel Play SGL model is to the right.
Two stitch-and-glue Petrel Play kayak. To the left is the SG model and the Petrel Play SGL model is to the right.

Overview

It can be hard to find the right boat if you don’t fit in the middle of the bell curve.  If your body size runs towards the larger end of the spectrum, there are not many choices available for performance sea kayaks.

The Petrel Play SG-L is scaled up version of the Petrel Play SG that is designed for heavier paddlers who want to play around in tide races or maybe explore some rock gardens, it will be maneuverable and responsive. The cockpit is larger for comfort and easier access.

The additional volume needed to carry a heavier displacement is achieved by increasing the length, width, and height relative to the standard Petrel Play. At 16' the kayak will still be easy to turn, and have a good top speed. The width of 25" is not so wide that it becomes hard to paddle, the deck is still sloped in at the sides to minimize the apparent width at the catch of the paddle stroke. We have flattened the bottom and reduced the flare of the hull to maximize the width for displacement while still allowing the kayak to be edged in turns.

The Petrel Play SG-L is designed for paddlers who weigh between 250 to 350 lbs [115 to 160kg]. It is also suitable for taller than average paddlers who need room for long legs and feet.

This variation retains the transitional chine of the other Petrel designs. The multi-chined bow section rides smoothly over waves and minimizes locking in the bow while surfing. The hard single-chine creates a good control surface for edging turns while providing good support while surfing down waves.

This is a great all-around kayak for heavier paddlers who are seeking high performance characteristics in rough water. That does not mean that it is unsuitable for calm water and relaxed paddling. It is a comfortable platform that won’t let you down regardless of where you dip your paddle.

Do you fit in this kayak?  Study our kayak fit chart.

Buying Options

Choose Your Boatbuilding Experience

Start your kit-building experience by selecting the option that best fits your goals. Don’t have the confidence to build on your own? No worries! Join a boatbuilding class or hire us to build a custom boat for you.

  1. Select Your Configuration

    Build From a Kit:
    Most builders start with the Base Kit. It’s all there.
    Build From Scratch:
    Build from scratch using full-sized plans.
    Build From a Wood Parts Only Kit:
    For those who have their own supply of epoxy, fiberglass, and hardware.
    Order Study Plans or Manuals:
    Like to study up a bit first? Download study plans or a copy of the assembly manual. 

  2. Choose Options and Add-ons

    Additional Components:
    Add rudders, skegs, hatch options, spray skirts, and more.

  3. Get Building!

    Computer-cut kits feature all of the latest tweaks to ease assembly, including pre-drilled holes for stitching-and-gluing, puzzle joints, and precision in the fitting of parts.

Standard Configuration

Sale
$1,685.00 $1,430.00

The Petrel Play SG Complete Kit includes 196-page step-by-ste...

Alternative Configurations

$989.00

This option is for Petrel Play SG-L builders who have a ready...

$149.00

Additional Options

$195.00

Many kayaks can benefit from a retractable skeg. There will b...

Videos

Building the Petrel Play Stitch-and-Glue Kayak Overview

Build Your Own Adventure: The Petrel Play SG Kayak

Outfitting Skeg, Seat, Decklines - Petrel Play SG - E31

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I order this kit?

Click on the Buying Options tab the top left of this page and follow the directions.

If I buy one of your boat kits, what else will I need?

Chesapeake Light Craft kits contain all the parts and materials you need to build the boat. The kit includes pre-cut parts, hardware, epoxy, fiberglass, plans and instructions. Our standard kayak kits also have the seats, hatches, bulkheads, footbraces, and the deck-rigging. About the only thing kits don't include is the final finish: paint or varnish. Your boat's color scheme is entirely up to you.

You'll need a few ordinary tools, like a cordless drill, a decent 5-inch sander, and for most boats a wood plane. You'll need disposables such as sandpaper and paint brushes and mixing cups.

You need a workspace a couple of feet bigger all the way around than the boat you want to build, and you'll need to be able to maintain temperatures between about 55 degrees F and 95 degrees F during steps when epoxy is being applied or curing. Since a lot of boatbuilding gets done during winter, we've written up some tips on how to heat a cold space cheaply, easily, and safely.

How much does this boat weigh and how much can it carry?

The weight and payload of this boat, along with other statistics such length and beam, can be found under Specs in the Specifications section, which is just below the lead image seen at the top of this page.

Can you send me the plans digitally?

Sorry, but until digital rights management technology for marine architectural work catches up to that used for books and music, we are unable to transmit digital plans. Currently, only study plans and manuals can be sent digitally.

Classes

Take One of our Boatbuilding Classes

We offer classes for many of the boats we sell. Teaching sites stretch from Maryland to Washington State and from Maine to California. Click here to find out more.

View Classes

Need Help Building it?

We’re here to help with any questions you might have during the build process.

Phone

Available Mon – Fri, 9am–5pm EST

410.267.0137

Email

We answer emails 7 days a week and within 24 hours

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