Kayak Gear Checklist

This is a list of gear that you might want to take with you on a short kayak or canoe trip in warm weather on flat/calm waters. I also created a short video going over these items. Be sure to check with the appropriate regulatory authorities to be certain you meet minimum equipment requirements in your area. And be sure to wear a PFD (personal flotation device) any time you go boating. Note that in "back country", "wilderness" or other more isolated areas, there may be a need for emergency supplies that could sustain you for a longer period.

Kayak Shack Materials List & Construction Notes

This is the materials list for the kayak storage shed/rack I built.

All lumber is pressure treated. I used the following:

• 2 sheets of 1/2 inch plywood
• 4 ten-foot 2x4s
• 9 eight-foot 2x4s
• 11 ten-foot 5/4x6 deck boards
• Screws or nails rated for outdoor use with treated wood

Plywood Boat Build FAQ

In this post, I will attempt to answer some of the Frequently Asked Questions about my homemade plywood boat (view the video here or read about it here). For the purposes of this post, the term "frequently" is defined as any number greater than or equal to zero.

1. Why didn't you add a keel?

Initially I decided not to add a keel as I had no plans to do any keel hauling. Later, I discovered that a keel could be used for other purposes, like making the boat go through the water more efficiently, i.e. with less swaying back and forth as I paddle. I did add a skeg, which helped some, but upon reflection I do believe a keel would help more. I may add one in the future, or I may just build another boat and use a keel on that one.

Plywood Boat Build

This is the story of how I built a small wooden boat.

[diagram showing rough dimensions]**

I have been wanting a one-person hard-shell kayak for a long time, but decided the perfectly suitable used examples I saw on Craigslist for less than a couple hundred bucks exceeded my arbitrary budget. I therefore decided it made sense to spend almost the same amount plus an embarrassingly large number of hours building my own out of mostly scrap plywood, because when you're building something whose sole function is to keep you floating and alive in potentially precarious situations, scrap plywood is the obvious choice.

Rigging a Small Boat for Reservoir Fishing

You don't need a big boat to have a good time on a big lake.  Even a 12 or 14 foot jon gives you a lot of fishing options.  Here are some thoughts on how to rig it.

Here are the main things you will probably want to add to your boat:  electric trolling motor, depth finder, seating, fish box or live well, and rod holders. There are also lots of incidentals, like cup holders, places to store/hold small items, etc., but you want to get the big pieces situated first.  I would also consider an anchor and handheld VHF radio to be "must-haves".

Next you need to figure out where on the boat to install or place each item.  It's a good idea to leave things flexible until you take the boat out for quite a few times.  For example, you will probably need to make changes to balance the boat fore and aft, and/or port to starboard.  Battery placement, for example, can really alter the way a small boat sits and rides in the water.  Remember, the battery can be placed at some distance from the fish finder and trolling motor, just use heavy gauge wire to run power where you need it.  You also will find you like things organized a certain way based on how you move in the boat and the type of fishing you do.