17' Endeavor Started (Stapleless)

[swampwood]

I will post more pics when I get the 2 halves together. Working to finish the bottom of the top halve now.
Kayak Jack,
If it is a wall hanger hopefully it will be someone elses. I plan to sell it when finished. I get all my pleasure from building it. Too old now for kayaking. This is something I have been wanting to do for a long time.
Swampwood

 

[swampwood]

Started varnishing and have finished the inside.

 

[swampwood]

A few more pics

 

[Jimmy W]

Beautiful boat!

 

[Kayak Jack]

VERY nice work, Swampwood. Where do you plan to paddle her? And, where is home territory for you?

 

[swampwood]

Kayak Jack,
Home is Bayou Country, Louisiana. Actually live not far from Seedtick and Beekeeper.
This boat build is where I get all my pleasure. Hope someone else gets to have the pleasure of owning and the satisfaction of paddling her.

 

[Kayak Jack]

Someone surely will enjoy that crafted boat.

 

[BEARS BUDDY]

WOW!

Very cool. That is going to be a beautiful boat. 8) 8) 8)

Mike

What he said.

 

[swampwood]

I have a question about finishing the bottom?
Should I varnish or graphite it?
Leaning toward graphite for longivity!

 

[seedtick]

WOW!

this is your first boat, i can't wait to see the second one..............

 

[Kayak Jack]

Swampwood, the graphite will help if a boat (A) gets ridden or dragged over sharp rocks, oyster shells, etc. Also (B) going through water weeds (lilly pads n such). Otherwise, leave it clear finished.

 

[swampwood]

Kayak Jack,
I am taking the plunge and decided too graphite. Hated to cover that wood, but most of it would not be seen anyway. Better safe than have it scratched all up anyway. Just hope someone else sees it that way.

 

[oldsparkey]

You shouldn't be covering a lot of the wood , just from the water line down , the part the fish will look at. It does offer a lot of protection for the bottom , a lot more then just the glass and epoxy offers.

The inlay work and finish you have on that kayak is outstanding and my bet is that will be what anyone looks at so a little bottom protection just adds more to the paddling factor of the boat.

Chuck.

 

[a Bald Cypress]

My opinion wasn't asked for but, here it is anyway.

if the boat will be used, I agree with the graphite. I will also say that because of the workmanship, the graphite should be limited to two thirds of the bottom. Do not bring the graphite up on the bow as most of us do. Keep it strictly on the bottom where it will be useful but not seen. Not up the sides and stems.

When the boat is in the water, no black should be seen [unless it is being rolled] . It would be my guess that anyone using that boat would be rather careful about launch and recovery.

 

[a Bald Cypress]

And this brings us to the question we all have but are to so-fist-a-ka-ted to ask.

What $$$$ range will a piece of art like that go for?.

 

[swampwood]

First coat of Graphite

 

[swampwood]

And this brings us to the question we all have but are to so-fist-a-ka-ted to ask.

What $$$$ range will a piece of art like that go for?.

And that would bring us to the $4,000.00 question?

 

[Kayak Jack]

Swampwood, When I do graphite/epoxy mix, I step the masking tape back a 1/4" for each successive coat. This makes a less severe edge.

 

[oldsparkey]

Swampwood, When I do graphite/epoxy mix, I step the masking tape back a 1/4" for each successive coat. This makes a less severe edge.

I leave mine where it is and then make a quarter inch ( or half inch ) water line above it with a contrasting color. That separates the graphite from the wood in the boat and blends the two of them together. No sharp edges but a divider or boundary to keep them friendly.

All of us have our ways of doing it and I am sure you will find one that suits your needs.

 

[swampwood]

Has anyone tried waxing the graphite after sanding? Should turn black again in my mind!
Like the black color, but it has to be sanded smooth. At least mine does.