JEM Watercraft

Hi All
I'm the guy who pirated hairymicks build report thread and posted questions on a Laker as a first project.
Since this would be my first build i do have some jitters about it...
thought of building the Laker free version but i'm lil worried that it might be inferior to the paid version of it...
Some posters suggested to build an easier project than the laker as the first step...
so my question is... is a canoe easier to build than a kayak as a firstie?
If i want feature like that of the laker... what's the best canoe that i should be looking at that falls within my abilities to build...
or should i just build the bloody laker and take things as they come
thanks guys and sorry for being a PITA

G'day GD,

Mate no canoe will perform like a Laker.

We suggested a pirogue build first, simply because there is a lot less work, read less marking out, filleting etc than a kayak or even a canoe.

Pirogues are still very, very good boats - they are just way easier to build and for a practise boat, they are ideal.

I think a first time builder with reasonable wood work skills could build a laker, but I wouldn't recommend it. The build itself is really straightt forward and simple - once you understand the processes. A pirogue is a very good place to get that understanding.

I found some free plans for a pirogue on line, did a little math and made a 1/4 scale model using the same techniques as a full sized build.
The experience taught me alot and the cost was under $50.00 American (or Canadian since China owns all our money)
You may want to consider something like that if you're not confident about some of the details.

Lee

Touring Pirogue would make a nice first project.

IMHO you should build the boat you feel you would enjoy the most. My first build is a wadefish, and while challenging, I find it very doable. I started building it because I wanted a Kayak, Now I find that the building of the kayak may be the most rewarding part of the experience.

One caveat, though; I thought I would have a whole lot more time to devote to the build. Then I got a new girlfriend, oops, no more time. So time is definitely a factor.

Nothing screws up building more for guys than work and women.

Necessary evils, though.

Can I get an amen on that?

AMEN!!!

jem wrote:Nothing screws up building more for guys than work and women.

Necessary evils, though.

AMEN! I told my wife that a husband is like a fine wine; he gets better with age. The next day, she locked me in the cellar.

wow...missed on this one...
the thread has expanded quite a lot from my last visit here

thanks guys for all the tips and do agree with you all on the time factor... i'm in advertising... free time is very hard to come by

Started buying the tools etc for the Laker build, got a jigsaw and trying my hand at it
also doing the plans in adobe illsutrator 1:1 scale to get an idea about the whole thing and to make model with

Even with the software being very precise and easy, it does take some thought into getting it done right...
Seems like a "builders/carpenters square" is an absolute necessity for these builds since accuracy of the measurements and the final result all depends on it...

I have done technical drawings and drafting while studying architecture sometime ago...hope those skills and those forgotten set squares etc will come in handy

Hi
How about an open top laker?
Breast hooks and a couple of thwarts?
Would make the build easier and You would still get the lakers performance.

Would that be feasible Matt?