Trent Hansen

JENNIFER - REDFISH KING

Jennifer was my second project - a 'King' from Redfish Kayaks. Construction is strip-plank. Wood core is 5mm thick strips of Paulownia, Western Red Cedar and Spotted Gum. Coaming and hatch recesses are carbon fiber. Finish is Northane 2-pack polyurethane clear over 6oz fiberglass and epoxy. All timber is from a plantation or is recycled. The kayak performs really well - it's fast and stable, tracks well, turns easily with a lean, rolls easily too. It's just pure fun to paddle. Building kayaks has proven to be a fun and easy way to learn basic boatbuilding techniques which will in the future enable me to build a bigger, more traditional boat for using on the lake. The pictures below are not quite final - I have changed the deck fittings by adding more pad-eyes and paddle loops fore and aft. Building started in May 2010 and finished in December 2010. This project took around 200 hours to complete.

FRANKLIN - CHESAPEAKE 17LT

Franklin was my first build - a Chesapeake 17LT from Chesapeake Light Craft. Construction was stitch and glue. I wanted something small, simple and affordable that would get me on the water quickly. Started building July 2009. Launched March 2010.