JEM Watercraft

Isn't this the basic idea behind the Foam WYE 13-6? I seem to remember it, but can't find it right away.

Thanks much for all the comments and ideas. I must admit that in my normal manner, I went and did what I was originally thinking. (My father-in-law often called me "stubborn and bull-headed" but I prefer to consider myself "determined and persistent") I cut the corner off a 2 x 4...

I've read several on here that think a Laker is "tippy". I built the free laker about 3 years ago and would have agreed the first year-- the second was much better, even built a seat raised about an inch from the platform running level across the chines. Got along fine until a big powerboa...

I was taught to always check a new square by putting against a straight edge, mark along the edge, then flop it side to side, and check your mark. Most of them will not be perfect, but can be adjusted with a punch to be the same. A level should also be checked, but sometomes you just have to go with...

In your neighbor state, Iowa, they have some funny registration rules concerning sizes, power, use etc. A paddle craft over 13' is supposed to be rigistered, and they will issue a Hull Identification Number to affix to the boat. Mine were listed a "homemade", rather than the Handcrafted I ...

Abosolutely STUNNING! A beautiful piece of art--do not leave it lay around unprotected. Great work.

The first times you try this boat, it feels real shaky. I started with a platform seat about even with the chines, and still felt "tippy". After I paddled and found it was really hard to tip, I put a foam pad in there to cushion the bones. My legs would go to sleep after about 30 min. padd...

There is another idea on Paddlingiowa.com in their boat building forum. take a look there too, because it works great. Remember, cutting cedar can cause problems with the dust--a word to the wise

If I were into the paint thing, I would do it after glassing, so the fiberglas and epoxy had full grip to the wood. I think this is important to the strenght of the design. paint isn't that hard to touch up, when the need arrizes, and it will if you make good use of the boat. The fiberglas is critic...

Not thinking of changing the side of the hull- putting the rise only on the deck. Hope that makes more sense.