Kayaks and Platforms

Recently we purchased a few used kayaks that had been built 20 years ago from Pygmy Boats kits. (Unfortunately, Pygmy is not longer supplying kits, but similar kits can be purchased from Chesapeake Light Craft)

We had the pleasure of visiting with the former owner (Mike) for an hour or so and he generously shared his knowledge about the boats, and kayaking in general.

The more I listened to Mike, the more I realized these boats were his platform for getting on the water.

Building a boat like this from a kit is a lot of work, but in the end you have:

• a nice boat -- performs as good as boats 4x the cost
• one that is customized to exactly what you need (features, rigging, seat, bracing, etc).
• can be easily modified in the future

Additionally, you have the know-how and tools to repair and maintain it.

If the hull is damaged, you can get your extra plywood, fiberglass cloth, and epoxy, and fix it.

If you don't like the rigging, you can fasten new points and fill the old holes.

If you don't like the seat, and can hand-carve a new one out of a block of foam.

If the boat is scratched up, a little sandpaper and varnish will have it looking like new.

It's not for everyone, but for those who want to own their kayak platform, a stitch and glue boat is nice option.