JEM Watercraft

OOne more question Mick
What is your take on the rudder
Ron

On Southwind?

Not necessary. I built it as an experiment and have been just too lazy to take it off.

I think they are probably more trouble to make - well than they are worth. For my purposes, (fishing and photography) and just paddling for the heck of it, I am thinking now, if a boat needs a rudder, there must be something wrong in the design.

I am trying to keep my builds as simple as possible and frankly, I see a rudder as just another add on gimmick that has the potential to fail.

Forgot to mention:

North Wind is designed to paddle in multi environments including twisting streams. So it has more rocker and will likely need a rudder....just like the Kruger Sea Wind.

I'm still thinking that a rudder on Southwind would be great in conjunction with a sailing rig.

Mike S.

Matt
I went back and re read Micks Southwind build, Am I correct that if you set the bolts in the hull everything else could be rigged after you built the boat?
This boat will require a strong back?
Ron

I recommended that if you think you might use a rudder, to prep for it before installing the deck. It would make installing a rudder much easier.

Check out Duck Works: http://www.duckworksbbs.com/hardware/p- ... /index.htm . I helped design that set.

No strong back required.

Matt
Does the back deck go to a peak like the Freedom did.
Ron

Yes but it's a much lower peak and the cockpit is long. So you don't really lean on it.

Now come on guys surly if you set out and build a canoe. You can Knock up some rudder gudgeons, a small lenth of stainless drilled and bent around a small piece of tube. Epoxy the tube in place, set up two with the bolt between to aline. When dry polish to suit your craft finish, personaly i would try brass and solder the tube in place.
Nothng like polished brass on agood looking craft
Matt if i get the chance i will send you a design of a canoe rudder my father developed in the 70s its cheep and simple and folds up when you go over an obstical in the water

Hey that would be great!

I keep wanting to develop a rudder to go with the gudgeons but life seems to always be getting in the way of fun projects.