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.
Do you fit in this kayak? Study our kayak fit chart.
Our most popular kit for ten years now. The 17LT was one of the earliest variations of the original Chesapeake 17 model. We took the Chesapeake 17's beautiful lines and trimmed about 20% of the volume out of the hull for a sleeker, low-windage hull with the same great speed and tracking of the original. In a nutshell, the Chesapeake 17LT is a terrific all-round sea kayak, combining stability and cockpit comfort with above-average speed. Of our many kayaks, the 17LT has the broadest paddler weight range. Folks from about 130 pounds all of the way up to around 220 pounds will be able to paddle the 17LT in all conditions. A great kayak for lazy Saturday afternoons, yet it has the volume for serious multi-week expeditions. Among our easiest-to-build boats, and a start-to-finish how-to DVD is included!
Build this boat if:
- 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:
view Kayak Comparison Chart
