Welcome to the new Geodesic Airolite Boats Build Guide. If you’re reading this guide, you’ve either purchased or are interested in one of our boats and we certainly appreciate that interest.
Although under new ownership, we strive to keep Platt Monfort’s vision and spirit alive in all phases of the company, including this Build Guide. To this end, we’ve updated and clarified certain portions of the guide while trying to keep Platt’s folksy tone intact.
Platt’s background and passion was ultralight aircraft and the first of these boats was built as a “proof of concept” for an aircraft wing. At the air show, the little canoe got more attention than the wing and Geodesic Airolite Boats was born with the focus on building a structure to meet strict design requirements while removing anything that didn’t contribute to that structure. To put it another way with our favorite Platt quote: “What ain’t don’t weigh and we are focused on ultra lite boats.”
Many of the techniques and processes covered in this document are available on our YouTube channel. Most of our customers are relatively experienced woodworkers or have a comfort level around wood working equipment and our videos reflect that. They tend to be short; we don’t spend a lot of time explaining the basic operation or safety equipment of each tool and we don’t turn on the saws to show how they cut wood. We assume you know why it’s there.
If you aren’t an experienced woodworker, don’t worry, you can still build our boats. It’s been done many, many times over the past 30 plus years. And now you have the internet to help you with the basics! Wood prices can vary but it is relatively cheap so grab some wood, get comfortable with your equipment and you’ll be out on the water in no time!
This Build Guide is organized into three sections to help you through the build process for your particular boat.
SECTION ONE: General information about materials and tools
SECTION TWO: General construction processes
SECTION THREE: Specific instructions for double ended boats (canoes and kayaks)
Your plans include a Bill of Materials and specific building instructions for the unique parts of your boat. This Build Guide and our YouTube channel should answer any other questions and we can always be reached at admin@gaboats.com should you need additional assistance.
Thanks for your interest in Geodesic Airolite Boats and enjoy your build!
Larry LaLonde, owner
Download Boats Build guide