JEM Watercraft

Grahem
Us folks on here being old an crusty as we are ,would be plumb near impossible to ruffle our feathers, we all have opinions and we all voice them and at times agree to disagree.
Now if Matt aint kicked me out for my outlaw ways you shure ought to be safe as a bug in a rug.
I love these forum because different opinions get me to thinking about things from different points of view, and I like that. And another thing you need to consider you be talking to a Texan , an Aussie and a feller that draws from N Carolinia. so we dont all communicate the same way and sense of humor can be sort of dry.
As far as Verlen is concerned he did a lot of things that have never been done but I think he was a little bit of a rascal to, so he would have fit right in.
Just wanted to let you know my feathers are laying down slick as frog hair split 4 ways
Ron

G'day Graham,

Not miffed here either mate and ditto to all that Ron said.
I believe, like Ron, that it is through our sharing of our knowlege, thoughts and experience that our boats will continue to evolve.

I have no argument with the fact that a rudder in a longer boat is a good thing to have. The point I was trying to make is that I think that in most cases, they are more trouble to build and fit than they are worth. A very good kayak, properly trimmed, should not need one. My Southwind is such a boat.

Like Matt, I am very interested in your design and would love to see the detail.

Matt
reading in Micks post about the southwind you stated 2 inches rocker in bow and one stern how does that compare to the northwind.
Ron

Whilst my feathers aren't - nor never were - ruffled, you'd best send a case of beer and two cases of steak just in case. I'll email you my address. Either T-bones or New York strip.

Verlen was more than a rascal. Just happened to be the paddlenest rascal around.

tx river rat wrote:Matt
reading in Micks post about the southwind you stated 2 inches rocker in bow and one stern how does that compare to the northwind.
Ron

Rocker on the North Wind is actually slightly less. But understand it does not have much of a constant V going down it's belly. It's mostly rounded. The rocker doesn't "occur" except right toward the ends of the hull.

In attempts not to frighten the "Sea Wind purists", I probably put too much emphasis on the rudder issue. If using a double blade, this hull will track true.

But if you use a single blade, don't put on a rudder unless you intend to keep it. You won't give it up because it make things so very easy.

Matt
Thanks for all the info, I will order these plans after the first of the year.
Rudder fixtures will be installed, on the rivers I paddle I don't know how often I can use it
because of shallow water, on the Lakes it might come in hand.
I guess I will have to put the wolf on the back burner again , and I have a teardrop to finish so I am going to be a busy little fellow. Again thanks
Ron

Still trying to find parts of the rudder down the workshop but i did manage to find a picture of a similar one in use,
http://www.liffeydescent.com/Portals/41 ... T_0919.jpg
all the best to all for the new year.

Matt
Is the rudder foot operated bye the foot pegs
Ron

That's the intent but if you had more creative ways, that would work too.

Yep I have used this design for over 30 years the foot control works well with minimal maintenance. Small amount of grease to lubricate the centre pivot on both the control and rudder pin. Quick dab on the cable where it passes through the deck, the annual coat of varnish and that’s it for another season.

Go on lads you know you want to try it out
E-Mail Matt for the drawings