Model: Length: Hull Weight: Beam: Max Payload: Cockpit Size: Paddler Weight: Knee Height: Max. Men's Shoe Size:
Chesapeake 17LT 16' 10" 45 lbs. 23 in. 300 lbs. 31" x 17" 160 - 220 lbs. 12" 13
see other Chesapeakes 14 16LT 16 17LT 17 18 Sport Tandem Double Triple
Chesapeake 17LT Configurations:
» (click here to learn about kit options)
Standard Configurations:
Complete Kit
view contents
$1299
$1169
Alternative Configurations:

Wood Parts Only Kit
view contents

$879
$740

Plans & Manual Only
view contents

$89
$80

Plans & Manual Only - Emailed PDF
view contents

$79
$71

Manual Only
view contents

$25
$22

Manual Only - Emailed PDF
view contents

$20
$18

Study Plans - Emailed PDF
view contents

$2
$2
Materials List for Plans Builders:
» view the Chesapeake 17LT materials list and order a la carte!
Popular Accessories:
» view other items you may need
Supplies List for Kit Builders:
» view other items you may need

More than 7000 Chesapeake-series kits have been shipped since 1996. An enduring favorite among paddlers, the award-winning Chesapeakes are the gold standard for build-it-yourself sea kayaks. They are easy to build but handsome and fast. High-volume bows lift you over rough seas - or powerboat wakes - while the skeg-like stern prevents weather-cocking in blustery winds. CLC's signature cambered decks shed spray, increase the storage space inside the hull, add strength without weight, and look great. Chesapeake kayak builders explore quiet local rivers and paddle the length of the Sea of Cortez. They are used in expeditions above the Arctic Circle and for day paddling in Florida. Chesapeakes are built in garages, apartments, living rooms, television studios, and in at least 50 countries from Iceland to Australia.

You can watch a video of a Chesapeake kayak being built from start to finish here. 

Large storage compartments will absorb enough gear and water for long, unsupported expeditions. Cockpits are large and easy to pad out for a custom fit. The big, comfortable cockpit is an ideal spot to spend a lazy afternoon if multi-week expeditions aren't your speed. 

  • You weigh between 140 and 220lbs
  • You need the most versatile possible touring kayak
  • Paddlers of varying weights might share this kayak
  • You prefer speed and good handling in waves combined with a big cockpit

Builders also looked at:

Chesapeake 16 | Chesapeake 17