The 12' SeaBee kayak was designed by Tom Yost, a well-known kayak designer.  The design is based on Inuit skin kayaks.  The skin, polyester in this case, is stretched over a lightweight wooden frame.  This creates a very light-weight but strong kayak.  At 30 pounds, the kayak is light enough for most people to easily carry and lift onto a car top carrier.  

The kayak is multi-chine design, which creates a rounded hull that is fast, stable and easily steered.  The fabric although light weight is quite strong and unlikely to be punctured by anything but a very sharp object.  Care should be taken not to drag the kayak over rocks as this can cause the skin to wear.

The kayak is best suited for paddling in calm waters by somone under 170 pounds.

The only periodic maintenance that may be required is the occasional quick coat of black oil-based paint over the hull.  

The kayak was built and donated by Tom McCarty of Newburyport.