The "How To" of Strip Building

“After years of teaching, designing, building and producing plans for kayaks, I receive countless requests for tips and hints on methods used in our shop. I now share my skills and knowledge with you to promote and foster the Wooden Boat Building Community”

“Much of the details are taken directly from our building manuals which are included in all our kayak plans. Now you can read some of it for yourself. Since there are many different methods to assemble a strip built kayak, the details below are intended for information only and have been specifically written for building Orca Boats kayaks. Feel free to browse the sections below, borrow what works for you and revise what doesn't. New information is added on a regular basis as new techniques and tips are generated, so visit often. All the categories are in full colour printable version. Click on the Printable Download Format (PDF) icon from the list. Some sections also include downloadable diagrams”

I hope you find the information useful and assists you in turning your “Paddling Dreams into Reality”.

Rod Tait
President
Orca Canoes and Kayaks Ltd.
Designers and Builders of Orca Boats

Note: The following text and photos are copyrighted. Use for anything other than personal is strictly prohibited and punishable by law. To purchase the full instructional manual, go to Order Form.

Kayak Building

Most Recent PDF Versions

Simply click on the topic of your choice and print out the information

Additional PDF Diagrams

Internal Bungies Hatches  

Building an External Box Beam

Box Beam Diagrams

Setting Up Risers on Box Beam

Set Up Box Beam Diagrams

Building and Shaping Stems

Building Stem Diagrams

Aligning Forms on Risers

 

Aligning End Forms

End Forms Diagrams

Fiberglassing

Glass Layout Diagrams

Building Flush Hatch Stops

 

Installing Magnetic Hatches

Magnetic Hatch Diagrams

Carving a Custom Seat

 

Installing Simple Foot Braces

 

Staple Less Building

Staple Less Diagrams

Roof Racks (J-Cradles)

 

Taping Seams

 

Fairing the Hull (inside and out)

Fairing Board Diagrams

Recessed Fittings

 

Minor Repairs – bruised cloth or small cracks  
Stripping Old Glass – major repairs  
Day Hatch  
Building Flush Hatch Stops - plywood Plywood Diagram
Installing Rudder Rudder Diagram