JEM Watercraft

Is a Laker 11 a feasible mod? If I build 1 yak, I'll be building 4 at a time.
Tentatively, 15.5, 14, and two 13's, but may trade one 13 for an 11, if there was one. My son is kind of small for his age, and pretty light.
About 70 lbs.

Would this work?

Thanks,
Billy

Merlin,
You could always have him be the sherpa and carry the extra gear for everyone else.

Lee

It's feasible to scale just the length.

Offset the Frame Reference Lines 10.2" instead of 12" (85%) and it should get you really close.

I can't guarantee a perfect fit but in theory, if you scale only the longitudinal dimensions of the hull panels, it should work.


Now that being said, the boy will grow. Throw a couple gallons of water in the boat with him when he paddles solo and he should be fine at his current weight. I'd even let him try it with no extra weight on board. Kids have a natural sense of balance.

Lee,

good idea. we could do that. probably won't have much gear right now, we are kind of new at this and not sure everyone will like it. However, I will try to urge him gently to get used to longer trips. An overnight trip is in my plans someday soon.

Matt,

thanks. I may lay that out and see. I'll think it over some. You're right, he will grow, and get used to the larger one.

thanks,
Billy

Good question. I'm looking for a REALLY simple kayak for my son who is 7. Had thought about building an escape without the keel. Have considered a Laker, but I think a "properly" sized boat will be better.

I'm really thinking an 8 or 9 foot three panel pirogue with decks is what I'd like to do for him. - maximum stability, maximum ease of build, minimum cost.

I'm hoping to build it along side my sport pram without him noticing so I can surprise him on his birthday.

Other Ideas?

Jbo

You could do up a simple, short pirogue very easily. Make the sides and stems straight like a tug boat. Deck would be the same as the bottom board except with a hole cut in it for the cockpit.

G'day Merlin,

Mate I wouldn't bother with the scaling down.

Laker 13 isn't a big boat by any stretch of the imagination. At 7 years old, your boy is just about to hit a growth spurt and all too soon, will brobably be too big for an 11 footer.

A kids pirogue however, would be very cool.

Whatever boats you guys decide on, be sure they WILL love them.

Mick,

Actually that was JBO's son who is 7.
Mine is 11, but is rather small and is a slow grower.

Anyhow, I'll stick with the 13 for him, as all you guys suggest. Probably 14's for the wife and daughter, and probably 15.5 for me.

Was it you who nicknamed the 15.5 Laker "Cuda"? I like that name. Needs to be official.

Later,
Billy

Merlin,
Not sure if you have access to them, but I use recycled wine bladders for water in my Freedom. They're 5 liters each, so that's pretty close to 9 or 10 lbs. when filled with water. They lay flat on the bottom, and conform pretty well to whatever the shape of hull that holds them.
I'm not a wine drinker myself, but the boxed wine is very "shiek" according to "Grumpier Old Men"!!

Lee