We are excited about the newest skin on frame kayak model kit, modeled after the “Curlew.” I bought the book “The Fuselage Frame Boats” by Jeff Horton. He offers the table of offsets to build the Curlew, 15 skin on frame kayak. It is a little tricky drawing the frames from the book and if i was going to build the full size kayak, I would defenitily buy the full size drawings and plans from him. After building so many different types of canoe and kayak, some full sized, I am now really starting to appreciate the practicality of the skin on frame construction. By far the easiest, and least mess to build. Tiny amount of sanding for clean up that is it.  The stringers in the kit will be clear poplar and the frames will be a 3 mm plywood. The fabric is 1.8 oz aircraft Dacron which has shown to be great, inexpensive and irons out great. Also amazed at how tough it it, puncture resistant and can except any finish. In the photos provided I varnished the skin.

I am preparing to build the full size kayak as well, which should be quite inexpensive. Please email us about your thoughts and interest in these new kits.

The kit now comes with rigid two piece coaming instead of the laminated one that is shown in the photos.

Hi Ray

Here are the photos of the finished kayak. As I mentioned this painting represents the northwest Haida tribal art. (primarily located in what is now British Columbia)
The symbols are of a “Sea Wolf” which is a mythical creature. The head is easily seen but the image at the bow represents the claws and the stern the tail.
It took as long to paint as to build the boat. The hardest part was duplicating the reverse image in each side.
After I stretched the skin I primed and painted it white. Then I painted the image. Once completely dry I used a “antiquing” wax to age the boat.
I’m happy with the end result. And plan on ordering and building your canoe next fall. Since this is the 54’ kayak do you recommend the 72” canoe to equal the scale?
Thanks again for the fun winter project, now I need to finish the paddle and the wall hanger. Chris