JEM Watercraft

Yes it was a but hard not to run into the end. A couple of peddles seemed to get her going easily but stopping is a problem. . . . . . . . .

I got some of the little bits done today after my water test.

I set up the "caps" to cover the tubes for the rudder ropes. I held the tubes down & then sat some bricks on them when I put the epoxy on.





I made some pad eyes to fit some lanyards to hold the seat in & also a bungee cord to hold the paddle when not in use.



I will fit these tomorrow after I put the 3rd coat of epoxy on the top decks.

I will then leave the boat to cure a bit longer & start to coat it with varnish in a week or so. I hope to use her a few times before I start the varnish & see if I need to add any extra pad eyes etc.

Well I have been on the water with the Wadefish twice now but some one forgot the camera on the second trip

Anyway here are some shots from her first true water test.











I also did some speed tests with my GPS & I can get a top speed of 11.7Kph (6.3Kt) for short bursts. She is stable as but as yet I havent tried a full roll & re entry until I get a few more coats on her & all the seals etc in place.

Great kayak! And, fast. Nice to see that the Hobie drive and drive well worked well for you.

CC TX wrote:Great kayak! And, fast. Nice to see that the Hobie drive and drive well worked well for you.

Thanks for all your help CC TX

I put a coat of varnish on the top decks & the first side panel today & also started to put some details on.





I have only done the top side panel as I have not got the graphite to do the waterline & below on the rest of the hull.

That looks so great. You and CCTX have definitely inspired me to retro fit my Sabalo. That and my constantly sore elbow.

craiggamesh wrote: You and CCTX have definitely inspired me to retro fit my Sabalo.

Good luck & when you do it post some pics.


& its CC TX that did all the hard work. PM him for the plans he has drawn up.

I havent posted much on the second Wadefish but today was a big day.

I got the second one all set up to check the seat position etc.

So I had to do a photo of the 2 side by side.



Then it was back inside & start gluing.



I used wire ties on this for the first time. . . . . for tricky bits it made things a breeze.

Here is a bit more on the second Wadefish.

Todays work was to set the drive well up in position.



Glue the front deck in position.



I cheated & slipped a few screws into frame 4 through the bait bin & fitted it with the bin (another day waiting for glue to dry cut out) & also did the scuppers in position the same time.





The hole in the washer is a snug fit to my glass tube & the hole in the bin & hull are slightly smaller.

Glassed the bottom of the seat well.



Its now ready to have the rod tubes fitted.

Set up the holes for the rudder tubes to be fitted & also managed to break the tip off of the rear deck.



Today is the last day of my long service leave. . . . .I might get some more done Sat & Sun but Im close to having two magic boats.