Description
A recreational style tandem kayak
17' x 33" {5.2m x 84cm}
Maximum recommended displacement is 450lbs {205kg}
Weight about 50 lbs. {23 Kg}
For Chuckanut 17 printed plans, clik HERE.
The C17 came about as a result of a request for a larger kayak with more capacity than the Chuckanut 15, for full on expeditions. Additionally, she was meant to be designed with a sailing rig as a standard, rather than as an ad hoc modification.
The Chuckanut 17 has the same fast and stable hull shape as her shorter siblings, but is a bit wider and has a much longer cockpit. There's room for two big adults, plus a big dog, gear or smaller kids. There is plenty of stowage forward and aft of the cockpit, plus full floatation. And, she's not too big to paddle - or carry - solo. Weight is about 50lbs/23kg.
The C17 handles great under paddles alone, but if you choose to build one, a sailing rig adds fun and versatility. The sail rig can vary from a simple downwind-only rig, without the need for foils, or can include rudder and leeboard, utilizing the 36sq ft balanced lugsail specified on a couple of my other boats. High quality, reasonably priced sails supplied by ReallySimpleSails.com
Plans include full sized patterns for the frames, stems, etc (no lofting needed) - plus a very well illustrated, step-by-step building guide that shows you how to do everything needed to build the boat and sailing rig. Measurements are in both metric and imperial.
She's a big kayak, but easily built by a novice, for a relatively small investment in time and money.
Great thanks to the talented Joe Stromski for building and photographing the prototype!