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I have wanted to post these kayaks that I built a number of years ago as it may be of interest to some of you. The first one that I built was from a plan but the biadarka i built from pictures. It is my favorite and very easy to paddle. The basic design is a native design from Alaska. The construction pictures where taken by a friend as I did not have a digital camera, he moved away a number of years ago. I have several Greenland designs framed up and just waiting to be covered. I should have taken a picture of one of them but am away from home now for two months so will show you a few pictures of these. One reason I like thes kayaks is the are very light, strong, quick to build and very inexpensive. less than two hundred dollars. Strong, I didn't tie the first one I build down properly, it came off the roof and did a loop in the air and landed on its nose one the pavement with a crash and flipped into the ditch with a crash. I thought that was the end of that kayak, went back to pick up the pieces but couldn't find anything wrong with it. There is kevlar strand reinforceing it with two layers of aircraft fabric.
Here is a few pictures of the inside.

VIDEO LINK



Inside the storage compartments







One person can pick it up to load it on top of a car, lighter than kevlar.





And of course one needs a homemade paddle.



These pictures where taken a a lake a mile from my home, sign is in the shape of a shield the the natives on the west coast made from natural copper ore. the could be traded as money



Comments appreciated and if anyone is interested I can provide you with the information to build one of these. I would like to build another and post a blog, so many things I would like to do, retired and no time.

Gallery

Comments

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Wow!This is true professional work. Great colours.
 

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Certainly look like you were enjoying yourself on the lake Brain making the most of your summer….
 

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Neat. Inexpensive, lightweight and durable. A winner!
 

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Every time I see one of these I get inspired. One day, one day I will build one.
These look great. I take my hat off to you.
 

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Wow. Really like a lot. Beatiful work. Love the kayak too. Congratulations!
 

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Brian, that is a great project and you did a super job on it!!

Cheers, Jim
 

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Brian that is sweet! I would love to build two as I just got into kayaking this year and it would be a nice combination of my hobbies :) Hopefully the schedule will free up at some point to allow that to happen :D
 

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Nice post Brian. Sealy Lake brings back fond memories as that is where my wife and I became engaged.We bought our wedding bands at the K'San. The lake has always been a favourite place to visit.
Regards, Roman
 

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So very cool
 

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I forgot to include a link to the video. The biadarka weighs around 30 lbs and is 18 feet long and about 24 wide, the originals where around 20 inches wide, they must have had good balance.

 

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Great looking kayak. I also enjoyed watching your your video. I have heard/read several explanations of why the Baidarka has the front like that, I think yours is the most true. I have built a "skin over frame" kayak, using the plans and instructions out of a Kudzu Craft book. http://www.kudzucraft.com/web/ It was one of the most enjoyable projects I have undertaken. Unfortunately sitting in it a paddling kills my back.
 

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That's a great project Brian, looks like it cruises in a straight line, not side to side like the little ones.
 

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Pauldoug. Thanks for the comment and link to the site, So much information, will be spending time watching the videos and learning much. I recommend others to do the same. Great ideas. The aircraft fabric I used much lighter and not near as durable as your demonstration. Will be ordering some fabric from him to finish the ones I have started. My original idea when I developed the plan for the biadarka was to sell plans on the internet, but had to many other interest to keep me occupied. This renews my interest. Thanks…
 

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Nothing says, "I have confidence in my skills" like getting into a boat that you built yourself! ;)
 

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Very Nice. I love my Baidarka as well! Very nice job!
 

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Hi Brian -

Nice looking Baidarka. Reminds me of when I built my Baidarka. Mine was only 16 ft 8 inches long and 22 inches wide. Anyone interested can look at my project post for more details

Being so narrow mine is tippy and is like riding a bicycle on water. It really is fast. I's a shame that all that wood framework is covered.

You are right about being inexpensive and quick to build. If I ever build another one I think it would take less time.

Why don't you take one of your frames and cover it with 3 layers of TYVEK and contact cement?

I wish I lived closer to you so we could go paddling. Thanks for sharing your Baidarka.

Alex
 
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