Making a Cedar Strip Kayak - microBootlegger Sport Build Overview

[@kdstoffel7574]

First KZbin video I ever saw that was worth the commercials. Spectacular work. Truly breathtaking.

[@mlugin8050]

That is one of the most satisfying things a man can build. I‘m curing major depression in a mental health hospital atm, and this video made me really enjoy to watch, i didn‘t expect to find that. What a piece of art. Steady, patient, exact, calm work and the result is from a different world. Best thing i‘ve ever seen. When get out of here i try to go on a early winter morning kayak trip in my old plastic kayak. Thanks a lot for sharing

[@NickSchade]

Making anything can be highly therapeutic. Even getting your hands on Playdough is good. I hope you feel better.

[@mlugin8050]

Nick Schade thank you! I have a class in 5 mins, in the clinic. I try whittling/ carving a rabbit😁 in the morning i was shooting a nice wooden bow with an instructor. I made a clay duck last week, it looks funny but i liked doing it. They have good things to do in here. Your work is inspiring...

[@seantiz]

Best of luck to you finding your peace.

[@NickSchade]

It is approaching a year ago that I started working on this kayak. It is good to have this document of the process. I hope you enjoy watching

[@pamandpaulhinderaker8869]

Nick, I just finished washing and sanding the epoxy and applying the first coat of marine varnish on my kayak. Several areas became milky looking with the fiberglass cloth cross hatch showing up - but I don't feel the glass, all is smooth. Any thoughts on what I did wrong? This is my fish kayak and first time working with epoxy and marine varnish. Thanks, Paul

[@NickSchade]

Hi @@pamandpaulhinderaker8869, Usually the varnish will make surface milkiness disappear. If you are seeing the weave of the cloth a bit, that would suggest that the problem is embedded in the epoxy a bit. It is hard to know exactly what is going on without actually seeing the issue. You could send me a photo at Nick {at} guillemot-kayaks {dot} com. I would be happy to take a look and see if I can offer any suggestions.

[@Demonyaa]

This is so beautiful. Congratulations on the exquisite craftsmanship.

[@svborek]

What is the cost of something like this.

[@goldrushpro]

I'm so conflicted with what you have done. On one hand it seems like a crazy amount of effort to put into anything - but on the other hand it seems like the very best thing a person could do with their time... damn nice work!

[@elizabethanderson3114]

My brother John had that level of meticulous attention to detail and patience for fine craftsmanship. I takes amazing talent to create something like that and then launch it into the water.

[@NickSchade]

It really doesn't take that much talent. A good deal of patience is more important.

[@indiespot2024]

1st scratch and I'd be jumping off the nearest bridge. Incredible Work Nick!

[@kayakingforthebirds2506]

Something tells me he can probably fix it.

[@jimmybob7364]

@@kayakingforthebirds2506 Just a little sanding.

[@grahamball364]

Bauithful work and a very nice looking craft .

[@lesterfalcon1350]

Became aware that I was shaking my head as I was watching, in disbelief at the level of craftsmanship and beauty of the work. Simply stunning.

[@ukwoodcarver]

Lester Falcon Me too 😮

[@ImpactPlusMarketing]

@@ukwoodcarver me too!!...unbelieveable craftmanship

[@locharrow2131]

SAME

[@jerrymaxey782]

I have never seen such attention to detail except for me when shaving

[@falconerodland]

Oh wow! The moment it's revealed after sanding that you've organized the strips to mirror their grain at the center line! Awesome!

[@jamesfrisella7482]

“ GREAT JOB “. Built a 17 foot Mahogany Kayak and a 15’ cedar strip row boat. About 15 years ago. Lots of fun. “ LOT’S of SANDING “. Lots of work but enjoyed every minute of it. This year I got to fill It with my 7 grandchildren ages 1 thru 9. And take them for a row. I call the picture “ Boat Load of Grandchildren”. Build one Yourself. You Won’t Regret it.

[@rerawho]

35 minutes just flew by in a few blinks. Your video is perfectly crafted. Of course it is. A master craftsman wouldn’t skimp on his video. I love how you organized your cedar strips to go together so the grain looks like a continuous log. Brilliant work. I wish you would have shown how you took the halves apart. Thank you for posting this excellent video.

[@JCB57]

As an amateur wood worker, that is one of the most beautiful works of art I've ever seen!

[@johngallagher912]

I watched this again. The first time I didn't realize the high tech involved here. You used fiberglass , kevlar, carbon fiber, and carbon fiber-kevlar mesh. Not only is it beautiful, it's space age technology. Just watched some of another video on this build and it shows that you used vacuum bagging for these high tech CF cloths. This is truly a one of a kind build.

[@aaronrad]

It's amazing what one man can do with his hands and 4000 rolls of tape.

[@flydog58]

I built the Great Auk in 2010. Took me five months. One of the most satisfying things I’ve ever done! Thanks for enriching my life Nick!

[@robcary2808]

Nick, we've never met, I hope you don't mind my sharing. I have to tell you, this peaceful gift of yours reached me on many levels: I am an avid kayaker of several decades now, a serious amateur musician, and I teach yoga (also about 20 years). When I was in high school wood shop, Dad and I built a 13 foot sailboat using Redwood strips, same construction strategy you're using on those gorgeous kayaks. Like your website says, there is nothing more peaceful nor satisfying than paddling the waters of MA, Maine, and New Hampshire in a boat you built with your own two hands. The music you chose could not be more aligned with your 35 minutes of creation. I came across this snippet by chance, once the music started, I had to experience the whole thing. I wish you and your staff another 25 years of outrageous success and feeling connected to like-minded folks. Never say never my friend; I will see you on the water. Namaste

[@ericcorall9183]

I thought I'd skip through the video but ended up watching the whole 35 min. Mesmerizing, craftsmanship at its finest.

[@burkerow]

You Sir are a master of your craft. I'm 62 years old and I've wanted to build a cedar strip kayak for decades. I just purchased a kit for a S&G kayak from CLC and I'm enjoying the building process immensely. However, watching you build boats reignites my desire to take this craft to a new level with a strip kayak.

[@scottgorman7166]

A true craftsman, sharp tools, patience and a Wooden Boat Apron.....Nick the wood tool your using to smooth the edges on the strips that have the 2 handles is that a type of plane you made, it is breaking the edges of the previous laid piece......I love the Channel marker in the video.......calming

[@motorcop505]

It makes the store bought kayaks look so mundane. No matter how nice a store bought one could be, there would be nothing like paddling about in that sublime craft that you made by yourself. It really does remind me of the crafting of an instrument like a violin, cello, guitar, or mandolin... that floats. Just amazing!

[@altair7001]

Why in hell would someone thumb down this video??? This the epitome of perfection in boatbuilding! Bookmatched cedar strips, each one individually beveled, uniformly sanded inside and out, glassed in and out, sanded multiple times, varnished, polished... The works! Nobody on earth does it better.

[@gblan]

I've never used a kayak nor do I know diddly-squat about them but this video was a joy to watch. Doesn't really matter the subject, watching a true master at work is always worth the time. This is one of those things that if you have to ask you can't afford it.

[@hectatusbreakfastus6106]

Heck of a craftsman you are. As a skilled woodworker myself that's not a compliment that I dole out lightly. Thank you for giving me something to watch as I long for the days of having a boat again. Had to sell my 14ft kayak to help pay for school costs.

[@StanJan]

I am older, I have worked in wood all my life. This is incredible. Your talent has morphed into the religious realm. Thank you. I forgot how much beauty can come from devotion. Just wow.

[@mohdakhmalyusof9488]

i woke up today and i just want to build a kayak. jumped into your video. i was just amazed by your detailed workmanship. premium finishing. thank you sir.

[@NickSchade]

Go for it. Its fun.

[@VikingsFan27]

What a absolute work of art. As much as I would love to build such a masterpiece, I just dont have the patience. I can surely appreciate the time and effort Involved in making such a beautiful boat. Of course I would see 229 people that gave this a thumbs down. That is so shameful. Beautiful work!

[@normanrizor8774]

Very few works of art are appreciated while the artist is still alive.

[@aceallenk]

Beautiful !!! But what really ticks me off is anyone giving this build a thumbs down. Some people have no clue about working in a shop, owning tools, and taking a plank and turning it into a heirloom with your own 2 hands, one could only dream of being the proud recipient of. I tip my hat to you Nick, that is incredible !!!!!!

[@mtstew1233]

I could never appreciate the effort and craftsmanship put into this build until now. Seeing the season change out your windows was incredible. The music was an incredible symphony of craftsmanship capped off by your skills. Your attention to every detail and beautiful craftsmanship was a joy to experience. Thank you for sharing this moment of calm and serenity wrapped around an incredible build. Excellent, I was educated while relieving any stress from my life. This was the first time that learning was also relaxing. Cheers sir, very commendable.

[@michaelneely4851]

That right there is love. Beautiful work. If you will excuse me I have to retrieve my jaw from the floor. Absolutely stunning

[@hoofheartedicemelted296]

I hope he passes this skill on to someone, preferably a family member but if needs be a stranger who appreciates the skill. Modern tech brought us the assembly line, but the personal touch was lost. Nick would be highly prized by the waterborne folk in the America's several centuries ago. Well done sir. Well done indeed.

[@tombryant52jumpscoach]

I enjoyed watching this very good video at 50 % playback speed on the KZbin video player. Even the music was good at that speed. Early in the morning with a cup of coffee the experience was felt. This is a boat, high functioning for sure but it is much more. A work of art which involves a lot of love. That was the real pleasure of watching for me. Thanks. What a beautiful Kayak this is.

[@alfredlearlyjr1780]

I had a very intelligent neighbor in Land O Lakes Florida, who built two of these. Lovely work, I just outstanding.

[@stevenhsu5863]

What a beauty! So much work. Love how you matched the grain. A boat as a museum piece. Could never be mass produced--until someone builds a strip blank boat building robot, which will never happen. Not because it would be impossible, but because there is almost no market, because it would still cost more than plastic. The only reason such a boat exists, is that someone really loves the beauty of real wood, and people in love exhibit non-economic behavior.

[@dthenderson96]

I will add my kudos. This is a magnificent boat by itself. It was wonderful to see the level of attention to detail and the painstaking measures you took to insure perfection. It is like a priceless musical instrument or work of art. Each time you put a finish on, I held my breath wondering if this was it. Then you'd sand it down again. The anticipation was excruciating (LOL), but well worth it! Thank you for sharing.

[@PaHoHaska]

Well, this is quite ridiculous. I'm not a boat builder. I've never ridden a kayak. I'm not even gonna start kayaking nor boat building, as I'm pretty old for this and have a lot of different, time-consuming, hobbies. Even though I spent on this channel plenty of hours, watching the whole microbootleger build series, Petrel series, and others. Awesome show. Pure enjoyment to watch all your skill, Mr.Schade. Great cinematography, great narrative, I really enjoyed every part of the building process, every detail, every trick and explanation/comment you provided. Thank you for all of this and wish you the best!

[@davidrobinson7112]

A true artisan. Amazing that such people are alive and producing magnificent art. God bless them all

[@sonnieandjacob]

I'm on the last 2% of finishing the 1 man boat I have been building on every day for a year and it was exhausting but I have never in my life felt such a profound sense of accomplishment as I have with this project and I have to imagine you feel the same because that is a gorgeous little kayak.

[@tedlinzy5865]

Wow, just wow! I dare say calling it a kayak almost feels insulting to the craftsmanship level. This is art. Truly amazing and stunning.

[@tobystrickland5986]

It's sad to know that the young generation doesn't appreciate the ways of the old days. This is something that is getting lost as time goes on. I know I truly enjoyed each and every minute of this video with the upmost respect and the knowledge you have in building this and I truly hope someone in your family is learning this from you. God bless you.

[@ericromano4028]

No worries friend. There's a huge group of younger people picking up crafts like this.

[@jeffyork9389]

As an avid sport kayaker with three slightly upper mid grade kayaks, my dream is to build a wood kayak. My airplane ( KR2) has what's called a wood boat with fiberglass over the wood. So, I'm familiar with the process. My KR has been featured in magazines and won numerous national awards. But, the quality of your kayak is far beyond my KR2. In fact, it blows my mind that you actually took that work of art on the water and that your dock has no bumpers. I cringed. As another stated, it's a Stradivarius and certainly museum quality. I salute you.

[@TheRedSweater]

This is something that can be treasured forever. Beautifully done.

[@NickSchade]

Thank you

[@wormsnavel1311]

Everytime when i was thinking that it is done ,you still go further , sir i have a feeling that you did this kayak to be able to fly in another universe ,what a spectacular dedication ... i have no words ,was a pleasure to watch your video.

[@TubeSurfer10]

I watched this lovely video, after I walked to my garage to look at my plastic kayak, I will never be happy on the water again. Thankyou for sharing.

[@brucekratky7993]

If the You Tube system would allow me to "like" this video more than one time I'd push the button dozens of times. Watched the original series of the how you made it and enjoyed that tremendously. This just makes the process seem more whole. Shows how you thought out the details in a more seamless fashion. Like the lines of the kayak itself this video just flows.

[@rickguerrero2282]

Incredibly craftsmanship in your project. As an ex-woodworker, none of my projects required this much attention to each millimeter! BRAVO!

[@jmichaelolds]

This has to be the most beautiful kayak I've ever seen. The labor that goes into it, unreal!

[@a.p.5592]

HAMMER Video! Tolle Arbeit! Herzlichen Dank!

[@davesrvchannel4717]

I never would’ve thought of sealing a boat with Greek nonfat yogurt, but sure did the trick!! Mad skills!!

[@michaellynch1159]

The secret is in the Butane Torch.

[@MrPDGee]

Absolutely astounding craftsmanship and attention to detail. Great skilled craftsman. I can't even sit in a kayak because of back problems, but I can appreciate good quality and beautiful work.

[@johnshepherd9849]

Absolutely mesmerizing. Incredible craftsmanship and patience during crafting the vessel. Thank you!

[@daveparsons6956]

Wow Nick, I don't know whether to be more jealous of the kayak, your workshop or your skills. A truly beautiful object in a world of mass-produced rubbish.

[@manueldriggs7099]

This has got to be one of the most incredible videos I have seen in a long time on KZbin! This beautiful cedar boat is a magnificent example of functional art. I love how the video was shot. I love the editing and the way you utilized the fast action filming to keep things interesting. Your choice of music is fantastic. It seems ironic how the music counter balances the fast action filming of what you were doing. "Almost in F - Tranquillity" by Kevin MacLeod beautifully captures the majesty of the process of you building your Kayak. What you do is beyond craft. It is truly "ART." You are a "Master Artisan." I was mesmerized by watching how you "sculpted your Kayak" and breathed new life into that cedar. I loved watching your focus, dedication, and passion for what you love doing. What you did is so inspiring- I can't thank you enough for posting this incredible video! To say I was moved would be truly an understatement. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!

[@SilasMoleCatcher]

Brilliant video. I like the way you edited in the footage of water-birds, who are born to float, and juxtaposed it with your labours - the lengths a man must go to if he himself must get on the water. And the end result is something like those birds; beautiful, agile, and feather-light.

[@shizzydeep6867]

That thing must glide through water like a hot knife through butter. Amazing work!

[@windylol]

The excitement of taking that out for the first time.....absolute heaven

[@petepassmore7740]

This deserves to be exhibited in a fine art gallery. An absolute masterpiece. Well done maestro.

[@dpenman1313]

Just in awe of your mad skills. Not just your superior woodworking skills but your cinematography and editing skills as well! Beautiful and well done!

[@ctcollinthib]

My God that is a beautiful kayak. And that finish!!! It must glide so easily through the water.

[@raceace]

Lovely cedar creation, and by the way you plucked it out of that grubby water, lighter than a spring breeze.

[@classixdrummer]

“Wow look at that, a floating Stradivarius.”

[@jeffbeck6501]

Exactly. It should be illegal to put that in the water.

[@jonathantuttle708]

@@jeffbeck6501 it would be a shame for it to not be put in the water after all the exquisite and meticulous work put into it. That would be like never hearing that Stradivarius played.

[@danilocarno]

@@jeffbeck6501 Yes but you cannot leave the satisfaction of trying the result of your work, it is like cooking the best of the rib-eyes and not eating it. A cordial greeting.

[@spacedinvader9773]

literally just said that to my mate, scroll down, last comment!

[@bearmeister98]

classixdrummer I think that's a fair statement and well put! I work with wood but have no knowledge of Kayak building. I feel I can say that this man is a true craftsman with incredible workmanship...well done sir, beautiful.

[@christhomason5654]

One thing I have learned from watching these videos is that painters tape is the biggest expense when building a kayak, but seriously I love watching craftsman doing their thing and you sir are very talented. Keep it up

[@SuperMadpom]

It's great to see people making things that are both functional and beautiful. So much love care and patience invested to produce something beautiful. I hope the totally appropriate combination of old and new materials means that it will last for decades with care.

[@abates3747]

green, super adhesion masking tape!!! I can't live without that stuff... amazing work of art.

[@carllos25]

oh, wow! that was really nice to watch. If I could buy that kayak, i don't think ill ever use it lol, I'll display it in my living room like a work of art.

[@gilberttahimartin]

Haha that was my thought exactly

[@aviedelson945]

I am not a kayak enthusiast but I love this video! In suspense on how to close the bottom until 12:30 to 14:00 - quintessential craftsmanship. A meditation on loving nature. Such fantastic work. Respect to you Nick.

[@aaronlawson1328]

If I ever win mega millions, I’ll have to have you build me 2 of everything you’ve designed Nick, 1 to paddle, and 1 to display around my house on the walls!

[@ZurlHammerdoom]

Beautiful boat. It appears to be super light and super sleek. The way it glides through the water is a thing of beauty. I almost turned the video off when I saw you bring out the MDF. I'm glad I didn't.

[@gelavski]

Потрясающе! Шикарный съемки. Кадр с поездом в конце - бесподобен! Спасибо! Отличная работа!

[@realrambo1]

his belong to a fine art gallery , I hope the owner will appreciate the love that went into building it , and yes like other post stated , it should be illegal to put in water or it is like a Stradivarius

[@dallas.burbridge]

I am jealous of your clamp collection

[@PottersWork]

lol, I was thinking the same thing! I was counting $4 for every hand clamp as he went around...makes my 10 clamps I own seem inferior

[@PottersWork]

Gangster, apparently not lol.

[@PottersWork]

@Gangster of Love, you have 2 more chip clips than I do! Lmao

[@scottmichael3745]

Harbor Freight clamps work just fine! I wait for a sale and buy in bulk! :-) And apparently tape works well too! That's clever.

[@PottersWork]

@@scottmichael3745, I have a couple HF clamps, only issue I've had is one of my screw clams handles broke off. I just use pliers on it now lol

[@GeorgeSagen]

Nick, I just finished my first reading of your 2009 book, "Building Strip Planked Boats", and this video makes an excellent companion to the final chapter.

[@eddielane9569]

Such a beautiful canoe. That is an awesome job. I can't believe anyone gave it a thumbs down.

[@jeffbanfieldsflwr3537]

The level of focus is jaw dropping. Amazing amazing work. This video will live long after your gone!

[@davidallen9526]

Good God, What Craftsmanship!!! Truly a pleasure to watch you at work. The attention to every detail no matter how small is outstanding. A fine example of utilitarian Artwork. If I were in your shoes I'm uncertain if I could sell it to someone I do not know well. WELL DONE SIR, WELL DONE!!!

[@williammartin9357]

That's beautiful wood work. It's how with a good pair of hands and a good eye can make beautiful art .

[@andrerobertdrouin3642]

Holy moly what a beauty , so darn well built , pure ecstasy watching it glide .

[@freemandecker8584]

That Kayak is not only beautiful and but amazing to watch. Soundtrack was excellent, all together, the real deal, nicely done. Makes me wish I had a skill.

[@klikks]

What i like the most is, it only took Half an houer to make!

[@cia9315]

For us, not for him though

[@circomnia9984]

@@cia9315 Really?!? ...bummer. I was on my way to buy some wood. :(

[@paddlefaster]

As a professional woodworker and Avid kayaker I can't tell you how much I appreciate your craftsmanship. She's an absolute stunner. I love the way you fit the stem head on. It never would have occurred to me to use the actual 'stem head' ?? to sand the final profile into the bow. Fantastic job!

[@mopar_dude9227]

The artistry of the video editing and music are almost as much as the beautiful kayak, almost that is. Amazing job.

[@MrXcc4u]

few words can describe what i have just seen in the last 36 minutes. i am in awe and glad to have been witness to the build of this kayak. your hands are extensions of mother nature and the cedar is your canvas. thank you for recording your craftsmanship and letting those of us lucky enough to have been able to look over your shoulder.

[@mehtaworldpeace3364]

This is the most beautiful kayak I have ever seen

[@berobinson82]

Not only is your work flawless, your control in the water is equally impressive.

[@coryjeffreys5146]

That boat made me cry at the end. She was just the most beautiful thing I ever saw.

[@robertcarmody194]

I.was so glad for you when you finally got to reap the pleasure of taking your kayak out on the water. An absolutely beautiful boat, a work of art and love. Congratulations!

[@mikemather5]

This is the most beautiful thing I've watched in a very long time. I'm saving it to my favorites. You sir are an artist!

[@muddundee]

I have been a boatbuilder all my working life. That kayak leaves me feeling like an amateur, it is stunning.

[@bobyoung1698]

Well, now I know what happened to all my clamps.😉 Seriously, this video was outstanding. I was mesmerized, soothed and totally engaged from beginning 'till end. I would call you a craftsman but that falls far short. Thank you.

[@wadesaunders583]

If only I had that kind of patience, commitment and sheer will! Alas I realize now I could never do this...you sir are an amazing crafstman

[@remek_ember]

That thing has the build quality of a musical instrument

[@jeffbeck6501]

I wonder if he could make a guitar.

[@briangodfrey5079]

@@jeffbeck6501 Without a doubt.

[@donalheffernan8270]

Sounds just about right.

[@michaelszczygiel2069]

I was thinking that it is as beautiful and meticulously crafted as a giant violin would have been.

[@Dave5843-d9m]

Simply (???) preparing the timber strips and placing them in the right places was an amazing feat. As for the built itself, I have no words. Truly amazing.

[@BL-su5wt]

Wow, is all I can say. worth watching every second of. The craftsmanship and know how and attention to detail is amazing!. Thanks for posting. Wish I could afford one :)

[@jamesricks9863]

This is my favorite of your builds. I feel it comes from both the texture of the design, and your video editing capturing crucial areas of the flow this kayak has in her curves. The way she sits in the water is amazing.

[@brokenwingflyer]

Beautiful craftsmanship with and an amazing result. Truly spectacular. Thanks for the video.

[@FuelGauge50]

it's an art to make this. I can't understand people who dislike something like this.

[@BlackDogWoodwork]

WOW! Just WOW! Absolutely amazing! Beautiful. So many thanks. Really enjoyed this video. You sir are a true craftsman.

[@jonlee7918]

A superb kayak the time and patience you can not put a price on such a beautiful job, well worth the time FANTASTIC.

[@TheGar1968]

Sometimes you know that you are watching art beginning created. Simply amazing craftsmanship and love applied to breath life into individual parts to make a thing of great beauty.

[@RobertNPruden]

Well done, Nick, thank you for posting. You know, it's been 18 years since I started talking about building a stripper...been busy with the S&G's. Shannon (my main squeeze) wants me to build a stripper canoe (the old fibreglass one (Alberta made) is pretty heavy) so I will set up the forms for both canoe and low-deck Night Heron (I still have those forms, just never used them). Guess I got the winter to figure out the wood/color options then get at it. I never get tired of watching your quickie built boat videos, they are plenty educational, keep them coming.

[@k1u9r6t8]

That is the best looking water craft I've ever seen in my life. I wish I could acquire one from you.

[@eddyraye5825]

NICK, IF YOUR KAYAK WAS A PAINTING IT WOULD BE THE MONA LISA... ABSOLUTELY AMAZING CRAFTSMANSHIP... I THOUGHT I'D SEEN IT ALL, BUT I WAS WRONG... NOW I'VE SEEN IT ALL... THANKS FOR POSTING... I'M REALLY GLAD I WATCHED...