Kudzu Posted November 30, 2014 Report Share Posted November 30, 2014 Would you be interested in a taking a Kayak building class? I have been working on the costs and trying to see what it would take for me hold classes. Looks like I would have to charge $1,100 - $1,200 for the class. It would run approximately 6 days and you would take home a finished kayak. Classes would be in Guntersville, AL. Small town located on the Tennessee River and Guntersville Lake which is very large and known for it's bass fishing. Very scenic area. Accommodations ranging from camping to Lake House rentals are available. Your family could be enjoying a vacation on the lake while you built your boat in the class. It would take 2 boats to hold a class and 3 boats would help to keep the prices low. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
azucha Posted December 1, 2014 Report Share Posted December 1, 2014 The idea of boat building class is intriguing, Jeff. Is your estimated cost of $1100 to $1200 for tuition only and materials would be in addition? The great part about of class is the exchange of ideas and the time to get the boat built in a compressed schedule. I've looked at several boat building school options: location and price and time of year are determining factors. Just some thoughts. Al Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kudzu Posted December 1, 2014 Author Report Share Posted December 1, 2014 That would be total cost of the class. We will be working with precut frames. I will have a list of boats for the you to pick from, I will cut the frames and stringers ahead of time. Price depends largely on the number of boats being built. It's surprisingly expensive to hold a class. Two boats are just barely worth holding the class for. Three is the point I really need to be at and anything past that I might could even lower the prices some. I would love to be offer the classes at $999 but.... One thing I did was price some of the other classes from the bigger names in the business and I was surprised at what some of them are charging. The ones I looked up were running $750 to $825 plus the kit. Kits were $500 with some over $1,000. One class you didn't finish your boat! I have to make money obviously, this is my living. But I really want to keep prices down so more people can take the classes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Action Tiger Posted December 1, 2014 Report Share Posted December 1, 2014 I'm not the guy you had in mind for classes, maybe, but I think your idea is good, and your price is great. You're not selling fish, after all, but the ABILITY to catch fish. I think the learning part of the class should be emphasized, and the boat is simply the icing on the cake. 120$ per day to learn to build a boat, AND a boat to keep is not expensive. The hardest part is overcoming the inertia of the modern world. Plenty of people don't want to exert effort for their recreation, and fewer still want to get their cute little paws dirty. Just remember this: It's easy to make a million bucks buildings boats. Just start with two million! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DeanHerring Posted December 19, 2014 Report Share Posted December 19, 2014 I'd be up for doing the wineglass rowboat, I'd make some parts (drop in unit, transom, etc,) before hand if that would make it work. The trip from NC looks to be about 9 hours for me, Looking to add this skill to the glued lapstrake small sailboats i've been building. thanks, Dean Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kudzu Posted December 19, 2014 Author Report Share Posted December 19, 2014 Humm..... Really was thinking kayak. Would have to look closely at that. Even boat only could turn into a big project. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DeanHerring Posted December 19, 2014 Report Share Posted December 19, 2014 I'm just not a kayak person yet. Maybe the canoe would work? Else I guess I can be had for kayaking model. Dean Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kudzu Posted December 20, 2014 Author Report Share Posted December 20, 2014 I was looking at my boat in the rafters. Boat only could probably be done since you have experience. First I have to follow up on a couple of places to hold the class and see if I can get them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DeanHerring Posted December 21, 2014 Report Share Posted December 21, 2014 Jeff, after studying your designs I might go with either the Shortshot or the Ravenswood. Are you thinking about a class this winter, spring, summer? Dean Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kudzu Posted December 22, 2014 Author Report Share Posted December 22, 2014 No dates, it is sort of a vicious circle. I need to find a place to hold it. My shop is full till the Chris Craft is done. I have two in mind but I need to be reasonable sure I have enough interest in a class before I commit on a class room. But, I have a pretty busy spring schedule this year so earliest would be late spring or early summer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kudzu Posted January 15, 2015 Author Report Share Posted January 15, 2015 I will be teaching three classes in Wallops Island, VA this summer. These are Road Scholar classes and I am just the teacher so you have to contact Road Scholar to sign up. We will be be building your choice of a VARDO or Ravenswood. One class will be building a new simpler Canoe design. You will have your choice of a single of double canoe. http://www.roadscholar.org/programs/programdetail.asp?RowId=1-69CY5Z&cm_sp=HP+Test-_-Personalized+HP-_-slot1+Domestic-20925 There class is not cheap but it is more than just building a boat. They house you. Feed you. Take you out on field trips including (usually) a couple of kayak trips. While most meals are served in their excellent cafeteria, they take us out to several local restaurants for really good local cuisine! They really do an excellent job. No new news on classes in Guntersville, AL yet. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigGrover Posted June 12, 2015 Report Share Posted June 12, 2015 I definitely would be interested in a class to build a mess about in Guntersville. Anyone else interested? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kudzu Posted June 28, 2015 Author Report Share Posted June 28, 2015 I should be 'OFFICIALLY' announcing classes next week. I have struck a deal for the location I wanted. It will be limited to 3 boats MAYBE 4 because of the smaller space but it is located on the Lake and has an amazing view! But more on that latter. Total price is going to be around $1,200 total. Still have a lot to work out but looks like time frame will be September . Once I get some detail worked out I will post it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.