Great news for you. We have decided to start producing pre cut boat kits. Our first one, Michael Storer’s Quick Canoe, should be ready to go in a few days. We also plan to start a PD Racer immediately after that. Then, who knows???? We have several ideas already in the works. With all of our kits there will be several wood type options plus epoxy/ fiberglass kits for construction of the boat.
MICHAEL STORER’S QUICK CANOE:
This is a great little boat that is fast to build. You can style it to make as fancy or simple as you want. This one goes together very easily with tools that almost anyone has. All cuts are very simple and can be made with a hand saw if necessary. Great as a family project with the kids. Build it this weekend and take it out on the water next week. This boat has actually been built in 4 hours but I wouldn’t plan on that unless you have a lot of experience.
For more information and purchase go to http://www.jowoodworks.com/archives/available-online/614
PD RACER:
The PD Racer is the easiest boat in the world to build with club members around the world. This yet to be named Puddle Duck Racer like all PDR’s is the simplest boat there is to build. This boat design will be a collaboration between Michael Storer and J O Woodworks. What will make this one even easier is that all the pieces are already cut out and all you do is glue or screw them together and go sailing. This boat will be absolutely class legal so you will have no problem getting a PDR registration number. J O Woodworks is an authorized kit builder for the PDR. Right now, I know we will have at least two sail options and maybe a few other options. Should be ready for you no later than November 2010. This will make it a great winter project ready to set sail in the spring.
WHY SHOULD I BUY A KIT:
You might ask yourself. Why should I spend the extra money to buy a kit when I can go down to the local lumber yard and get everything I need. That is a good question so here’s my answer. The simple answer is, IT GETS YOU ON THE WATER FASTER. If you are an experienced wood worker and have the time then certainly go for it. Buy a set of plans and a bunch of wood and start lofting it and cutting. Building a boat from scratch is very rewarding. There are many out there, however, that have never done any serious woodworking and would like to build a relatively easy project themselves or with their son or daughter and the kit is a good way to go. Building a boat is a great family project. A kit will eliminate all the tedious layout work that makes most children bored and lose interest. We have already spent the time to tweak the shapes so they fit together properly. The boats will go together easily and before long you will be painting or varnishing and getting out on the water to use it.
WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE KIT:
Our kits have all the plywood pieces cut out to shape. The only exception to this is that occasionally there is one that has to be cut to fit a special location that just can’t be done ahead of time. These pieces are cut oversized so they will always fit the situation. We include all the timbers you need to build the boat including any temporary items, such as spreaders, called for in the plans. Some of the timbers are cut to length but most are left long for you to cut to an exact fit. Our goal is for you to only make simple cuts that can be done with an inexpensive handsaw. If pieces need to be scarfed together due to the length we have taken care of that cut too. A jig for gluing up the scarf joint will also be included in the kit. All pieces have labels on them so you know what they are. We also include the dimensions on the labels just in case a label happens to separate from the wood during shipping. We also include any permanent fasteners required. Any temporary screws or nails needed can be bought at your local hardware store. Any of our kits that are sailboats will also have options to purchase ready made sails. Usually in a couple of material options.
SHIPPING:
Our kits are created in a way that they can be shipped by UPS Ground. This saves money and time for you plus eliminates the problem often created by trying to get a large truck to a residence. Especially if you live in a rural area like I do. We work with the boat designer for any modifications that this might require from their original plans.
Plans:
Plans for our boats can be purchased either with our kits or through Duckworks Boat Builders Supply. We do include information for piece locations to ease your construction. As mentioned above, we will have fiberglass and epoxy kits for our boats that can be shipped to you or you can order specific items from yourself. Duckworks is your best source for fiberglass and epoxy as well as various hardware items you may need for your new boat. Chuck and Sandra are very helpful folks and have built many boats themselves. So they know what you are accomplishing and will help in everyway they can.