1C. Other Projects

Here is a recent project of mine - a wooden kayak paddle. The shaft is white cedar and the blade is cherry, basswood, and walnut. I added the ferrule later. I love it - in addition to looking great, it is light and a good size for me.

I built it using plans from The Strip-Built Sea Kayak by Nick Shade. The plans are pretty good, though Nick has you build the paddle as a one-piece unit with a permanent feather. I would recommend NOT going this route. First of all, having a paddle you can break down is awfully convenient, especially when travelling with the whole family for a vacation. Second, Nick's method of creating this joint involves some sketchy table saw work, as far as I could tell (I ended up figuring it out with a band saw) and it isn't clear where exactly to attach the two pieces to make an even shaft. This fairly key piece is the one part that could be beefed up a bit. Again, however, don't bother. You can get carbon fiber ferrules from Chesapeake Light Craft that work great and are much easier to implement.

I was 16 and she was a Gloucester Light Dory, which is just a gorgeous design. The lines are amazing and she was beautiful to row. I am particularly proud of the transom, which my dad helped me do with leftover mahogany and finish bright. Same with the breasthook.

My first recent boatbuilding-type project was a canoe paddle for my daughter. It was her first birthday present. She's three now and may soon be ready for it.

It is a pretty simple - I just carved it out of a 1x6 - but it was my first jump back into this world after a long absence. More on that later...