JEM Watercraft

Scot
The gasket material I got at wally world It is rubber door or window trim and it is a double gasket with glue already on it. I split the ridges apart so I just have ridge .
Ron

As Mick would say I took the Laker for a little walk today.
I gave the little boat a good test today loaded it for a day trip and went up the river about 8 miles and then back down.
The conditions were not the best for paddling but for a test they were great the wind was blowing about 20 miles an hour gusting to maybe thirty
rained , got this pic of a rainbow but it is only pic I took because of the rain.



The river was down low so there was a lot of fast water and shallow gravel bars.

I have to say I love the new paddle it is really a big improvement. Ok to the Laker this little boat took everything in stride up the river so easy and moving pretty good as well , weather cocking wasn't an issue at all
I know in some of my post I keep harping on wind being such a big factor here but this afternoon I could set my paddle on my lap and sail right up the river catching the wind on the blades.
I paddled up the 8 miles and then turned around headed back down the Laker was flying just paddling steady not digging in a man would have to run to try to stay up. It is really a fun boat to paddle.
The only problem I had was the seat I am going to have to get it more comfortable. The only problem I have with the Laker is it feels a little unstable But ya'll have to remember I am not a seasoned yaker like some of yall. So take the last statement with a grain of salt. I think I need to roll her over and see where the sweet spot is. Also I weigh 215 but carry most of my weight high I wear a 33 waist jeans . so that may be part of it.
I will make this statement the Laker will stay in my fleet and I bet get used more than my other boats easy to load light short just throw in back of truck and a blast to paddle
Ron

I will make this statement the Laker will stay in my fleet and I bet get used more than my other boats easy to load light short just throw in back of truck and a blast to paddle

And so, the Legend of the Laker begins

Ron, I am absolutely certain that the more you paddle this little boat, the more you will like it.

I put about 8 more miles on the Laker today in some pretty rough weather couple times had waves breaking over the nose of the boat.
Her short length let her bob around a bit but she never missed a lick. and the v deck had shead all the water before it got half way back to the cockpit.
I was playing with the seat height and getting a little more use to a new boat and new paddle , they both did well.
I came back to the house broke out the skill saw cut a big hole in her



started installing the strips for a hatch up front and fitting another bulkhead.



I didn't like having to reach up under front deck to get stuff and water from paddle drip and getting in and out of boat was getting some of my stuff there damp. we will fix that
Ron

Wow, TRR, you are really giving that laker a work out and already making improvements. Nice work. One question though, I thought you guys were getting flooded out with all the summer rain, how can that river be low? Is it normally low and it just flows that good?

Surfman
My boats are going to get a workout I love to explore the river fish occaisionaly as you have probably read I have a long trip coming up too so miles will flow under these boats and it was one reason I built them if you want to customize them saw sander go to work.
The river is down to just a little under normal and this level is my favorite
so much prettier , Getting dry here no rain for the last month or so , but that's Texas weather.
Ron

The little Laker is getting pretty close to wrapped up got the front hatch
finished today gasket installed and ready to go.




I guess I am going to have to fess up to being a tight wad went to the store bought stainless bolts washers and nutts for the tie downs got to looking at the flat washers in stainless they were 40 cents a piece when I started to pay dug in my pocket came out with some change I noticed a quarter was about the same size as the washers I was buying and they just be 25 centsand they don't rust. hummmmmmmmmmmmmm
On my Freedom to get enough cord and tie down clips I had to spend 30.00 now I got to thinking again went bought me some one inch webbing 1.00 and a 52" bungy cord 1.95 took my quarters went to work didn't turn out half bad sum total for tie down 6.00 got 24.00 left for adult beverages now.



get my seat finished out and Ill be done
Ron

Ron,

You have turned a very nice little rec kayak into an expedition capable, touring kayak - and you have managed to do it with a minimum of fuss or expense.

What you have done, in fact, is as elegant as it is functional. I salute you mate. Bloody well done!!

Just think of the possibilities of this boat in a 15 foot version!!

Mick
A laker in a 15 or 16 ft length asymmetrical I think would be awesome an exceptional play boat and serious tripping boat In my way of thinking might be very fast boat with the increased water line and the swede form might get you a little more speed and ease of paddling. My cockpit and bulkhead configuration would all stay the same large hatches I love also..
As far as I am concerned for a short boat I don't think they get any better than this. The seating height is the only thing I haven't really got worked out
A happy laker owner
Ron
Hum I just realized I have the second Freedom after Chuck 0002 and also the 0002 Laker after Mick

Quarters for washers, now that should tell you something. How the heck can a SS washer cost more than a quarter? We must be loosing our butts on quarters, huh.