Several months ago our store received a 90's Wilderness Systems Tchaika that was in a rather poor condition but evidently cherished throughout the years. If you didn't read the initial blog, please do so to understand the starting point.
Read the first blog post HERE.
We had grand plans for the Tchaika but just like the famous Geraldo Rivera found out, sometimes there is not always treasure in an old buried safe. The Tchaika had no less than five previous fiberglass patches that were failing and the remainder of the kayak was covered in spiderweb cracks from years of use and outdoor exposure.
It pained us, but the Tchaika was not going to be a candidate for a restoration by us. Had there been a life-long connection to the boat or some history to compel us further the choice could have went another way.
Still the boat was too nice to just be scrapped or cut up to be discarded so we needed a Plan B. Our second best option was to honor the Tchaika within our shop as a light fixture over our front sales counter. We ended up just smoothing out the rough edges in the fiberglass but applying filler and going for a purely cosmetic restoration. The bottom of the boat was coated in a white paint while a teal blue was selected that matched the original color very well. We then fabricated four light mounting rings for recessed LED can lights which were blended into the kayaks top. All of the deck hardware and bungees were added with the finished light hung upside-down from the sales floor ceiling. It was not how we envisioned the project going but everyday we see it, we know it could not have turned out better.
Leave us a comment and let us know what you thing.