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.
Chesapeakes are built to endure a lifetime of strenuous touring with 4mm-okoume plywood hulls and decks, both sheathed with fiberglass. Watertight bulkheads are standard, as are hatches, deck rigging, adjustable footbraces, and a comfortable seat. One reason so many builders prefer the Chesapeakes is their flexible architecture, unique among kit boats. Experienced builders may customize every part of the boat above the waterline, whether building from a kit or plans.
Individual kayak fit is very important, so there are six singles, two doubles, and a triple to choose from. The 16LT and 17LT are standard Chesapeake 16 & 17 hulls with lower decks and sides, reducing total volume by 20% for a sleeker, more compact kayak.
The Chesapeake 17TM is one of our most popular kits, with over a thousand built. Its handling qualities and speed combined with a large cockpit and voluminous stowage make it one of the most capable touring boats around.
Do you fit in this kayak? Study our kayak fit chart.
Sea Kayaker magazine (June 1999) allowed three people to review the Chesapeake 17; "'I really enjoyed paddling the Chesapeake and found I covered distances easily. It was fun playing around in rough, confused waters. Its stability would lend it to extended touring, fishing and photography. Beginners would love it and be able to grow with it" (MM). "I thought the steering. tracking. and balance of the boat in the wind were a very good combination. The boat feels big, but it is nimble enough to be a fun performer" (TE). "This boat has an excellent cruising design with a nice combination of nimbleness and storage room. The combination of moderate initial stability and strong secondary, and its lack of weathercocking make this an excellent boat for beginners to learn sea kayaking. even advanced skills' (KW) . . ." read entire review
See what Canoe & Kayak magazine said when they reviewed the Chesapeake 17TM.
And check out this Chesapeake 17 expedition in Canada.
Build this boat if:
- You weigh more than 200lbs or need a huge amount of storage space
- You need lots of extra legroom, knee room, and foot room.
- You need a high volume kayak that handles better than high volume plastic kayaks
Builders also looked at:
view Kayak Comparison Chart
