Kudzu Craft has left the building......

[Kudzu]

Kudzu Craft is closed.

 

It started with COVID.  I expected lots of sales because people were stuck at home, what a great time to build a boat!  

 

What happened? Sales did the opposite and plummeted.  Bad enough I was forced to take a partial retirement.

 

Things did pick up... a little.  But it has been a struggle ever since. Things like poorly made, cheap priced WalMart kayaks, crazy economy, young people that no longer DIY or go outdoors for that matter....  all these have really hurt my business.

 

I have tried to keep the doors open but I have not paid myself a salary in I don't know when. I finally realized I am beating a dead horse.

 

Thank you to all that supported us over the years.

 

Wife and I are starting to look for an RV and next year expect to travel out west and work on our photography. At some point, head south toward the Keys and kayak the springs of FL on the way.  Maybe even head up the East coast to New England. Life is short and we want to enjoy it while we can.

 

Again, Thank You for you support in the past.

[Frank Hagan]

7 hours ago, Kudzu said:

Again, Thank You for you support in the past.

 Thanks, Jeff. Do the RV thing if possible. While my traveling days are probably behind me, I did enjoy a burst in what I call the "go go" years of retirement. We're probably sliding into the "slow go" years but not yet to the "no go" years (those are the three phases of retirement I've read about). 

[Scott Pettigrew]

@Kudzu

 

Jeff, you and your boats will be sorely missed.  Your designs are amazing!  Have you thought about a way to keep them alive?  The books will endure, but you could sell digital downloads of your plans through your Facebook site.

 

Best of luck!    

[bwhip]

First Pygmy, and now Kudzu Craft. All the greats are leaving.

Thanks for all the help, and the great boats.

[Hirilonde]

On 6/4/2025 at 4:57 PM, Frank Hagan said:

 While my traveling days are probably behind me, I did enjoy a burst in what I call the "go go" years of retirement. We're probably sliding into the "slow go" years but not yet to the "no go" years (those are the three phases of retirement I've read about). 

I have concluded that as an older person the only way to keep moving is to keep moving. Do something, anything, just don't stop.

 

Hey Jeff, thanks for the designs and materials, I had fun building and paddling.  Might it still be worth selling the books and patterns?  Maybe just the on line/download versions.

[Julian Delany]

Hello. My name is Julian and I live on and island in the PNW. I have built several of your kayaks and recently started using my laser cutter to cut out forms. I was wondering if there was any way to be able to use your designs, for a fee of course, and build custom SOF kayaks for people who want one. I put a lot of work incoorporating my art on to my kayaks that I have built for myself and would like to continue with your kayak designs. My first ever kayak was your Vardo and i loved it. I have since built your "Greenland" kayak and love it even more. I really hope this message reaches you and we can chat. I dont want to see your disigns dissapear. Please reach out to me. I would primarily be selling these as fully functional "works of art" and would love to be able to send you a % of those comissions assuming I have takers. I've attached some photos.