The second desire arose from my sending for current brochures and price lists of not only FolbotŪ but of about 15 other companies that make kayaks. To my surprise, I found that the one I'd had for over 12 years now cost over $1,000 (I had paid only $350 for mine around 1980). Other kayak firms charged even more ... up to over $2,000 for ones similar to FolbotŪ. In short, I had simply been priced out of the market.

So, taking the basic, established kayak design, I set about building one of my own, with length and weight (about 38 pounds) more suited to my needs. The result was Li'l Beauty, a 12 foot kayak, capable of seating a heavy adult with ample room for camping and fishing gear. At only 38 pounds, it is a breeze to cartop. Also, the plans could be easily upgraded to a 14 foot length, which would allow space for two adults with gear. 

Like my FolbotŪ model, I prefer an open cockpit (with both ends covered and each end containing lots of foam flotation). The cockpit has a small "deck" running the length of each side. "People-space" is very roomy, and for those who like to fish, this has an advantage that ordinary kayaks don't have. It has good capability in choppy lakes and in swift running rivers ... but not foaming white-water such as the Chatooga River in Georgia, which cascades through all sorts of rocks and boulders. For those dare-devils, I leave them to their $2,000 white-water expedition models!

L'il Beauty has performed so well in the two medium-size lakes and "regular-type" rivers in my local area that it catches the attention of any other boaters. Those who come close enough for conversation invariably want to know where I got such a boat! 

L'il Beauty can be built with only $75 to $85 in materials. I've simplified and fine-tuned the construction method so that I can now build one with about 14 to 18 hours work-time. It can be built with a minimum of ordinary shop tools, such as hammer, screwdrivers, electric drill, C-clamps, and a hand-held saber saw. Of course, an electric circular saw and a table saw cuts way down on the time required. (You can probably get a shop friend or even get a cabinet shop to rip the 8 or 9 stringers needed for less than $10, if you don't have these power saws).

My booklet lists all of the materials (which can be purchased from local builder's supply stores) and contains photos of each building step.

Whether you want an excellent kayak for your own pleasure - at a small fraction of the cost of a store-bought one - or whether you want one for that PLUS an opportunity for expanding it into a home-based supplemental income, I am sure you'll find my booklet an excellent value.

In the words of the late George Herter, the owner of the excellent Herter's Hudson Bay outdoors equipment company in Minnesota in the 50's through the mid-80's: "Why don't you 'order-out' one today?" I did a lot of ordering from him.

The price of the KAYAK BOOKLET is $18 postpaid. You may send cash, check, or money order. I attend to each order personally and promptly. My wife and I have been here in Vilas for over 14 years ... everyone knows us and where we live.  If you send a check, make it out to HOBBYCRAFTS. 

Our address: Hobbycraft Kayaks
1178 Laurel Fork Road 
Vilas, NC 28692