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Q: I live outside the United States. Can I still order?
A:Yes, Black Dog Kayaks does ship internationally. However, Black Dog Kayaks only accepts US Dollars. There may be additional shipping charges to ship to your location. Contact Us for the actual shipping charge. The buyer is also responsible for any taxes, tariffs, or fees that may be added by the government or the shipping company.
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Q: Which kit should I choose?
A: Which kit you choose really depends on what you plan to do with your kayak. The 12' Recreational Kayak is suitable for exploring flat, quiet lakes and slow rivers. The Albatross 14 Recreational Kayak is good for the same, but also has proven very stable in bigger water. With its extra volume, it's a good choice for day or weekend touring, or, if you are a paddler who weighs over 180 pounds.
If you are a more experienced paddler or are planning overnight trips, the Madeline 16 or the Greenland Style Kayak may be for you.
Couples, families, or adventure racers may want to order the Cerberus 21 Tandem/Triple.
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Q: What is included in a Black Dog Kayak kit?
A: Each kit includes everything you need to build a kayak, with the exception of the paint. With the kit you will receive marine plywood frames, cedar stringers, stainless steel Phillips head screws, stainless steel T-50 staples, glue, a #8 countersink drill bit, the kayak skin fabric, fabric sealant, and the cockpit coaming.
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Q: Why should I buy your kit when kayak plans are available free on the internet?
A: As you look at boat plans, the materials list is only a fraction of the cost of building a boat from plans. You need time, you need space, and you need tools.
For good, quality tools needed to build from scratch a kayak of the same quality as a Black Dog Kayak, you can expect to pay around $1,000.
After you've purchased the tools you'll need a place to build where the noise and the sawdust from the power tools will not disturb your neighbors. That's great if you have a garage. But what if you live in a dormitory or an apartment? And where are you going to park your car for the time that it takes to cut out and assemble the parts? What if it's wintertime?
Finally, you'll need time to build a kayak from scratch. Sure, you can build a kayak from plans in a few days. But you're not going to want to hurry through the job. You'll need to transfer the plans to the wood. Then, you'll want to take your time to build something that looks good. Those are days that could otherwise be spent with your kayak on the water.
If you buy a Black Dog Kayak Kit we've already solved those problems for you. You won't need expensive tools, you can build our kit in your basement, your dorm room, or even in your apartment living room, and you'll need only a couple of days to build your kayak.
- Q: What is the "skin" that is provided with the kit?
A: The fabric that we provide you with in the standard kit is an 18 oz scuff resistant polyester that has a vinyl coating and is U/V and mildew resistant. It is used commercially to make tarps for 18 wheelers.
If you'd prefer another type of fabric, we can provide you with almost any fabric that you desire. If you would rather cover your kayak with cotton duck canvas, ballistic nylon, etc., ask us and we'll do our best to get you what you want. Of course, different fabric may add to the cost of the kit.
- Q: What color is the skin that is provided in the kit?
A:The color of the skin provided in the kit is up to you. Select the color you'd like from the drop down menu on the Kayaks page. You can also choose the color of the polypro webbing that trims the perimeter of the deck at the gunwale/sheer clamp. Please note that the colors represented may vary due to the color settings of your monitor.
- Q: Do I have to staple the skin, or can I sew it on?
A: If you would rather sew the skin together, by all means, do it. There are some advantages to sewing the skin vs. stapling it, but we feel that they are outweighed by the ease of using staples. We chose to use stainless steel marine grade staples to make the skinning process as simple and as easy as possible.
- Q: Can I use epoxy and fiberglass instead of canvas or polyester?
A: You can use fiberglass instead of the provided polyester skin, but we don't recommend it. While fiberglass requires less maintenance, it is actually more fragile than the skin that comes with the kit. The polyester skin will flex when it comes in contact with another object, whereas the fiberglass may crack and require extensive repair at home. If the polyester skin does get a hole in it, it is easy to do a field fix and continue on your way.
- Q: Do you do custom work?
A:That depends on what you would like us to do. Contact us with what you have in mind, and we'll tell you whether or not we are able to help you. If not, chances are that we will be able to direct you to someone who can.
- Q: Is there a discount for my youth group?
A: Yes! The Black Dog Kayak Kit is a great project for youth camps, church youth groups, Scout troops, school woodshop, etc. Contact us for group pricing! We also may be available to conduct your class.
- Q: What is your return policy?
A: Money back guarantee on any order if not completely satisfied, subject to the following conditions:
Kayak Kits - If there has been an error on the part of Black Dog Kayaks LLC we will resolve the problem free of charge. Should you simply change your mind, and wish to return the Kayak Kit, you must do so within 30 days of receipt of the kit. Kayak Kit returns will be subject to a 15% restocking fee. Black Dog Kayaks LLC will only accept returns of Kayak Kits in new, unused, and resalable condition. Postage, shipping, and handling are not refundable.
Accessory Items must be returned or exchanged within 30 days of purchase. There is no restocking fee on Accessories, but items must be returned in new, unused, and resalable condition. Some items may have guarantees associated with them as listed in the catalog descriptions. Postage, shipping, and handling are not refundable.
Paddles may not be returned or exchanged except for defects in construction. Black Dog Kayaks LLC guarantees its paddles to be free from defects in materials and workmanship for 90 days from date of purchase. If damage is due to manufacturer's defect, the paddle will be repaired or replaced by Black Dog Kayaks LLC at no charge. This warranty is void if damage is caused by accident or abuse. Postage, shipping, and handling are not refundable.
Cancellation - You may cancel your order any time up until the day that it ships out. Cancellations are subject to a 15% restocking fee due to the materials needed to prepare your kit. Postage, shipping, and handling will be refunded for cancellations.
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