PRODUCT DESCRIPTION:
| Design |
Laker 13 Kayak |
| Overall Size |
13' x 26.5" (4.0 x .67 m) |
| Estimated Hull Weight |
30-45 pounds (14k - 20K) |
| Capacity |
110 - 250 lbs on board. (50k - 113 k) |
| Intended Use |
Day touring and recreational paddling. |
| Stability |
Moderate: Not as stable as a canoe or wide kayak.
|
| Cost |
Cost ranges from about $225 for a basic hull to $600
for an ultra tough, very lightweight version. |
| Time to build |
25-50 hours |
| Required builder skill level |
A beginner with past woodworking skills and patience
can make the hull with very good results. |
ABOUT THE BUILDER
Mick, alias “Hairymick” has built several JEM Watercraft boats,
starting with a Swamp Girl, moving to the Wadefish SOT Kayak. He lives
in Australia with his lovely wife, Robin. Both have been heavily involved
in paddle craft all of their lives, from surf skis, to canoes &
kayaks. Until recently, most of Mick's paddling experience has been
in open ocean and surf conditions.
REVIEW OF BUILDING THE BOAT
This boat is relatively easy to build. It requires only three 8' X 4'
sheets of ply to complete the hull and decks and there are no complex
or difficult bends in the hull requiring "torturing" of the
ply panels.
The hull is symmetrical in that the front panels are identical to the
back ones. This makes for quick and easy mark out. Only one bottom panel
and one side panel to measure and mark. Trim them to size and use them
as templates to mark out the other three of each. - easy.
Stitching and filleting the hull is quick and easy. There are only
four panels to stitch together and again - no hard torturing of the
panels to shape - easy.
Installation of the decks is likewise quick & easy and is only
limited by the builder's imagination. A little care is advised here
because this is the most visible part of the boat.
I have installed a rear bulkhead and hatch in both of the Lakers I
have built. This enhances their usefulness and I think is well worth
the little extra effort.
I fish from all of my boats so I set mine up according to my needs.
This involved mounting 5 flush-mount road holders. The design of the
boat lends itself very well to easy customisation. Like wise, I made
my hatch to neatly take a small 11" X 13" plastic tub to hold
my tackle while fishing. The large cockpit works very well. I can straddle
the boat, sit in the seat and then put my legs in.
My seat is installed as shown in the plans, with the addition of a
1" foam pad on top, and a store-bought kayak back band. I find
this to be very comfortable even after hours in the boat.
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