The Art Of Boat Building

Different tasks require different saw horses. 3 saw horses every workshop needs. Follow as Boat Builder Bob Emser builds 3 saw horses to be used as boat stands for his upcoming series, Season 4 Building Kayaks. Bob explains how to build a efficient folding sawhorse with a storage shelf, and a sling/boat stand. In addition he explains the great use of a Manning Bench that can be used as a sawhorse.

The stitch and glue process is a easy and productive way to build a kayak. In this episode of The Art of Boat Building, boat builder Bob Emser begins work on a Chesapeake Light Craft kit, the Wood Duck 12. Using copper wires to stitch together the precut panels the hull of the boat quickly emerges. Tips on sanding, beveling, bending and clamping and more are reveled.

A step-by-step guide to building the deck of the Wood Duck 12 kayak! In this video, Boat Builder Bob Emser will walk you through the process of crafting, shaping, and fitting the deck onto Wood Duck 12 kayak. Whether you're a seasoned boat builder or a beginner looking to hone your skills, this tutorial will help you master the techniques required to bring this classic design by Chesapeake Light Craft to life.

How to Assemble the Strongback for a Kayak. in this Step-by-Step video, boat builder Bob Emser walks us through the process of assembling the strongback for the Little Auk 11 kayak. The strongback is a crucial part of the build, providing the necessary support and structure for the kayak as we move forward with the rest of the construction. Whether you're a first-time builder or a seasoned pro, this guide will help you get it right, step by step. Nick Schade's design of the Little AUK 11 kayak is a compact, versatile, and highly efficient craft, designed primarily for day trips, light touring, and recreational paddling. Schade, who is known for his work in kayak design, has a strong focus on creating boats that are both functional and beautiful, with an emphasis on performance. Overall, the Little AUK 11 is a well-loved design, particularly for those looking to build a personal kayak that offers the ideal mix of efficiency, stability, and style. The simplicity of its build combined wi

Tips and techniques for fitting and shaping the strips to create this sleek and lightweight hull. Join me, boat builder Bob Emser, as I walks you through the process of strip planking a stunning Little Auk 11 kayak! In this video, I’ll show you each step of the build—from preparing and shaping the strongback to fitting and shaping the cedar strips to create this sleek and lightweight hull. Whether you’re a seasoned boat builder or a first-timer, this step-by-step guide will give you all the tips and tricks you need to tackle your own kayak project.

This video showcases the final stages of constructing the hull for the Little Auk 11 kayak. Watch as boat builder Bob Emser, carefully assembles the strips of cedar to, ensure a strong build and shape the hull to perfection. Whether you're a beginner or experienced in kayak building, this step-by-step guide will help you achieve a professional finish. Designed by Nick Schade, The Little Auk kayak is known for its sleek design and great performance, making it a perfect choice for both beginners and experienced paddlers. With a focus on simplicity and functionality, this build process ensures a kayak that is both beautiful and highly durable.

Watch a step-by-step process of fiberglassing the interior of a Wood Duck kayak. Preparing the surface is a crucial step in ensuring durability, waterproofing, and a smooth finish. Watch as boat builder, Bob Emser, apply fiberglass cloth and epoxy resin to the inside of the Wood Duck 12 kayak, follow along while he explaining the techniques, tips, and tools needed for a professional-looking result.

Dive into the essential epoxy basics and learn expert tips to help you fiberglass your boat hull efficiently. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced DIYer, mastering the use of epoxy and fiberglass is crucial for achieving a smooth, durable finish. Boat builder Bob Emser shares several tips on mixing, applying and timing a clean efficient epoxy fiberglass surface on the Wood Duck Kayak.

In this video I shows the process of fitting the outer stem and stern to a strip-planked kayak. This step-by-step guide includes helpful demonstrations and expert advice to ensure your kayak project progresses smoothly. Boat Builder, Bob Emser will show how to fit and shape the outer stem to create a strong and seamless front end of your kayak. Techniques for fairing the hull using sandpaper and hand tools, ensuring a smooth and even finish on a strip-planked kayak.

Boat Builder Bob Emser shows you how to safely and effectively cut a hatch into your kayak for added storage and convenience. Using Basic hand tools, adding a hatch can greatly improve your kayak's functionality. Follow along as we guide you through the process, offering tips, tools, and tricks to make sure your modification is clean, precise, and waterproof. We also take a short field trip to Canoecopia were Bob and Nick Schade strip plank a Shearwater Sport kayak.

In this video, you'll be shown the simple steps of attaching a kayak deck to the hull. Boat Builder Bob Emser demonstrates a step-by-step guide that will help you ensure a secure and efficient deck attachment. Using fiberglass tape and epoxy Bob explains some of the necessary tools to finalizing the installation.

In this video, the 3 essential steps to fiberglassing a flawless epoxy surface are shown. Join, Boat Builder, Bob Emser as he demonstrates mastering fiberglassing techniques will give you the perfect finish for your projects. Follow along as he guide you through the process step-by-step, covering everything from surface preparation to applying the fiberglass cloth, and adding a fill coat for smooth finish. Step 1: Surface Preparation Learn how to properly clean and prep the surface for fiberglassing to ensure the epoxy adheres perfectly. Step 2: Fiberglass Application Get the technique down for applying fiberglass cloth and epoxy resin, including tips for avoiding wrinkles and bubbles. Step 3: Adding a Fill Coat Discover how to achieve a flawless, fill coat ready for sanding. Whether you're working on building a kayak, wooden boat, surfboards, or custom projects, these tips will help you get professional-level results every time!

What goes into preparing for strip planking? Join Bob Emser for essential prep work before strip planking the deck of the Little Auk Kayak. From fairing the hull to sorting and selecting cedar strips this behind-the-scenes look at deck prep is a critical part of bringing this vessel to life.

Building a strip kayak is a rewarding journey, but sometimes the deck can throw unexpected challenges your way. In this video, boat builder Bob Emser tackles common decking problems faced during kayak strip building and walk you through practical, hands-on solutions. Whether it’s misaligned strips, gaps, or fitment issues, Bob covers how to spot them early—and fix them right.

Want to improve your kayak building skills? In this video, boat builder Bob Emser shares some essential tips and tricks for strip planking a kayak. You'll see the entire process of a plank being applied in real time, without any edits. Whether you're building your first kayak or looking to refine your existing techniques, the expert insights in this video are designed to save you time and prevent frustration.

After hours of careful craftsmanship, we’ve finally reached a major milestone in the kayak build — installing the whiskey plank! This final strip of wood not only completes the hull’s planking but also marks a moment of pride and celebration in traditional boatbuilding.