JEM Watercraft

Hello, I've spent a lot of time looking at JEM kayak designs and these forums. I live in Massachusetts and would like to use the kayak for fishing and 1 or 2 night touring. It really seems like a Freedom 13 - if it existed - would be the right boat for me! I am about 250 #s but pack very light for overnights. I want to build 3 identical boats since I have 2 sons (family project) so to cut costs and complexity a bit, prefer to use the same plans for all 3 boats (they are 12 and 14 y/o). It seems like stretching a Freedom 11 planset by 24" at the mid section would not be too tricky. Has anyone has done this?

I have a very complete woodworking shop, have built several redwood strip canoes so I am not concerned about the construction aspect. Any recommendations you have would be greatly appreciated.

cheers,
Michael

It could be done but it would look funny.

I replied to the other email you sent. Check that out and get back with me on email, please.

Thanks Matt, I did reply. As I mentioned, there are a lot of choices. I keep reading good things about the Laker 13. You mentioned a shortened Freedom 15. Would that look less funny, offer reasonable stability and still be able to carry my weight?

Perhaps the thing to do is bite the bullet for 2 sets of plans to optimize a kayak for the boys and me. But then, which 2?

cheers,
Michael

I sent another email.

Check it out but please reply via email.

Will do. It has been about 15 minutes but I have not received your email yet. When I tried to email you this morning, I got an error that your in box was full.

cheers,
Michael