Scouts from Troop 4040 in Raymond were looking for a project that would challenge their learning skills and allow the young men to raise some money as well.

So Scoutmaster Rex Angelovich posed an idea to the group that would more than fulfill their goals and allow for a little fun along the way.

“I suggested they build a kayak,” Angelovich said. “I wasn’t interested in having it built from a kit, so we started with raw lumber and took it to a finished product.”

When the idea was first birthed, no one knew the project would take nearly two years to complete.

“The troop worked on it for approximately 19 months … put in 639 hours … mostly on Wednesdays and Saturdays,” Angelovich said. “It involved cutting, sanding, gluing, varnishing … and a lot more sanding … and although it took longer to craft than originally anticipated … the finished project was worth it. “

Angelovich works for the Quigg Bros. construction company and the 17-foot kayak was built from trees salvaged on Quigg Brothers job sites, along with lumber donated by Pacific County PUD. It’s made from madrona, cedar, cherry and maple wood. The craft was designed by Joe Greenly of Redfish Custom Kayak & Canoe Co. in Port Townsend.

Angelovich said it was the troop’s first attempt at such a project. “They are very pleased with their work. Though there were some casualties along the way … epoxy doesn’t mix well with sweatshirts, shoes or hair … but the young men all agreed it was worthwhile.”

The kayak was purchased by Tim Quigg, who has been a strong supporter of Scouting programs on the Twin Harbors. It is currently on display at Quigg Brothers Inc. in Aberdeen, but will eventually end up being housed at the Westport Museum.

“It’s an amazing vessel,” Quigg said. “I bought it to show my support for the troop’s effort and representation of the Boy Scouts of America values they hold. I’m gifting it to the Westport South Beach Historical Society, which is a BSA sponsor as well.”

Quigg said the kayak represents many unique and diverse water crafts that have been or will be incorporated into a growing Sea Scout program, which is open to boys and girls ages 14-20 years-old.

The vessel has been christened the “Katy-Q.”

“I named it after my daughter,” Quigg said.

(Photo provided by Steve Holland) The “Katy-Q” is currently on display at Quigg Brothers Inc. in Aberdeen