JEM Watercraft

G'day Ken,

I think the V is fine the way it is.

At 150 pounds, Laker should fit you beautifully.

You will also need a chain and padlock to chain it to a tree to keep all the neighbourhood kids out of it LOL.

As Robin said, she is very fussy about the kayaks she paddles. Several of the boats parked in my shed are hers that she bought and just does not like at all and refuses to paddle. These are very good, big name, Australian boats and Laker is superior to all of them.

A 15 foot Laker with identical beam etc would truly be a beautiful thing

He's hooked before he even started!

You're probably right Matt. I used to do a bit of paddle and sail in other people's boats while I lived in Hawaii, but I never had one of my own. I think now is the time!

G'day Ken, I think the V is fine the way it is. At 150 pounds, Laker should fit you beautifully.

Thanks for this confirmation Mick. I'm intrigued by the reports you and Robin posted, and if my lighter weight makes this boat a winner for me I will give it a go exactly as specified in the plans, including the full bulkheads for a bit of added safety "just in case" ... .

You will also need a chain and padlock to chain it to a tree to keep all the neighbourhood kids out of it LOL.

You're right, the kids would have a great time in this boat if I left it on the beach like the local fishermen do with their boats. It may even 'disappear' so I hope to avoid this by carrying it back and forth ... and lightweight helps for sure.

How about paddles? Do you all have any recommendations for reasonably good paddle plans?

I think Matt has some links to some very good free paddle plans by Michael Storer but I forget where they are. sorry mate.

There are also some very good tips on Oldsparky forum about making your own paddles.

You don't really need plans - just a blade on each end of a round-ish stick will do the job.

You don't really need plans - just a blade on each end of a round-ish stick will do the job.

This seems too simple!

Months ago I found this web site with a great video tutorial and PDF file illustrating how to make a West Greenland Paddle:

http://www.carvegp.com

It made me want to carve one right then and there but I didn't because I didn't have a boat for it. I still don't, but if I make the paddle I won't have any choice but to build the boat, right?

Have any of you experienced using this type of paddle? I'm wondering about the pros and cons of this type compared with more common kayak paddles ...

kengrome wrote:... I don't have much kayaking experience so I have a lot to learn. Fortunately I'm a comfortable ocean swimmer so I think this boat will be a good one to start with even if I get dumped out a few times ... I will never go paddling far from shore since my goal is not fishing but basically to take the boat out for an hour or so and get some exercise every day or two ... and maybe do a bit of coastal exploring on days when I have more play time...

Ken, if I may, please let me add some advice? No matter what kind of boats (plural) you build, learn how to get back into them after an upset. SELF RESCUE is the only kind to count on.

In a kayak, the roll and wet re-entry are standard techniques. Wet re-entry utilizes the paddle affixed to the boat (usually under deck bungees just aft of the cockpit) and sticking out at right angles. to the centerline of the boat then, a paddle float stabilizes the craft similar to an outrigger.

A kayak will spin in the water faster than a swimmer can climb on. So, stabilization is critical. Also, you have to approach the boat while flat on the surface of the water, and swim up onto the aft deck on your belly, and facing the rear of the boat. You then creep backwards into the cockpit knees first, turning to sit down VERY carefully. You can lean on the outrigger, but cannot put your full weight (or even near that amount) onto the outrigger because of possibility of breaking a paddle.

Get books, read, go to classes, learn how to save yourself. I have not included all the steps here.

You may also consider tethering the boat to you so it doesn't blow away from you. An empty boat skims along much fast than a swimmer with a PFD. However, in rolling surf a tether is not a good idea, as you may want to actually get away from a tumbling boat.

Paddling is a wonderful sport. Building your own boats and then paddling them are the second and third most fun things to do in the world. But, like any activity in Life, you have to be aware of the situation around you, and be prepared to take decisive action.

Thanks for the head's up Kayak Jack, you offer some good advice!

I should probably add that I'm not as inexperienced as it may seem. I never owned my own kayak while I was living in Hawaii for 20+ years but I spent more time playing in the ocean than the locals ...

Had her out again today chasing bass on some pretty skinny water down near Robin Mums place. Can't post piccies for a few days because I am at a internet cafe (a whole other story)

Suffuce to say, Laker is a seriously good skinny water kayak. Loaded with a days food, fishing gear, small cooler and various other bits & pieces she slid over the lillies & weeds as well as a pirogue, was significantly faster to paddle and when hooked up to some very good bass, she would turn in her own length to face the fish I was fighting.

This boat is simply brilliant!!!

Oh yeah, got all the usual "ooh and ahhs" at the put in from the plastic and fibreglass mob. and lots of inquiries about who's plans they are.

Matt, if I may be so bold, you really need to get some business cards printed with ya website address on it.

kengrome wrote:...I spent more time playing in the ocean than the locals ...

So, tell us more about "playing in the locals".

...I spent more time playing in the ocean than the locals ...

So, tell us more about "playing in the locals".

If I talk about that now my wife would have to kill me ...

Sorry 'bout that! Keep it close to the vest. Just smile and recall.