The “Paddlin’ Blind”

“Paddlin’ Blind” (NCKW-3) is a modified Wood duck style kayak that’s 12' 6 1/2", tip to tip.

The Specs.

Deck:  Basswood  (Linden) these were purchased, already milled, from a manufacturer of custom wood blinds.  

Hull:  Locally sourced Cedar, formerly a NC Barn post (12" x 12" x 8').

The Build.

Chainsaw milled into 1 1/2" thick slabs, then ripped to 1/4" wide sticks.  I do ALL the millwork with the Cedar.

Oversized ( 33" x 18") cockpit features custom seat, interior "attach points", and Purpleheart accent features.

This hull was built using staples as temporary fasteners.  This is a departure from my "typical" staple-less technique.

The stems are hand shaped Ash, for years of rugged use.

With Love.

About 20 years ago, I had an idea. I was working as an Interior Designer, on Chicago's North Shore, when I first considered building a wood-strip canoe. While attending "Shutter School" in Lafayette, Indiana, I asked our host about purchasing some of the wood slat material. I had no idea the cost/availability, but what could it hurt to ask? Long story short, I got "a case" of 1" wide slats as long as UPS would ship! The slats lived in my garage/workshop in Illinois, made the move to NC, and finally turned into the deck of this beautiful kayak! I built this boat for me, for fishing and just floating with my wife. That's why it's "Paddlin' Blind."