JEM Watercraft

I have a powered, hand-held jig saw, but use my Japanese hand saw, or coping saw, most of the time. I have two electric drills, but use a hand crank (like an egg beater) most of the time. I have a power sander and will defend it with my life. IE: a power sander is the only power tool I consider as e...

When we paddle and camp along Michigan's Au Sable River in spring, we watch those ducklings and goslings being raised. Canada geese are very attentive parents. I let my Granddaughter observe their Mom & Dad behavior when a pair of obtrusive fishermen tromped right through a large nesting area. S...

Inflatable paddle floats, in an emergency - where you've just been dumped into cold water and the first thing that happens is you (A) inhale cold water up the nose into your sinuses and begin uncontrollable coughing, (B) your breath locks in your chest for a while, and further breathing is difficult...

If you capsize a kayak, a standard technique is to lift the bow of the still inverted boat to empty the cockpit, then spin the hull to be upright. That's not an easy thing to do, but doable. Climbing in is a trick. An empty kayak will spin faster than you can climb, especially with a PFD on. If you ...

Really great idea on the entrenching tool, Lee. I LIKE THAT! Did the heat mess up the threads at all? I'll no longer carry a hatchet or trowel; just the entrenching tool like I used to do. John Voelker, a Michigan Supreme Court judge who was an avid trout fisherman - quit the bench to go fish, also ...

craiggamesh wrote:...I also stuff those air pillows that are used to cushion items being shipped to my wife (constantly) from Amazon.com into the empty spaces. They are free.

That's some of the most expensive "free" stuff you'll ever get!

Tor wrote:...Be careful of advice from hairy, jack and oldsparky otherwise before you know it you'll be on your second build

When you have enough boats to equip a small Inuit village, you're getting close to the right amount.

And, you can quote me on that.

Not only great boats, the smiles were worth all the time and effort, I'll bet. You are a good guy, Craig. A tip o' my hat to you.

When that little sweetie gets to be 4 or 5, start taking her camping. In the meantime, take her on day trips. The more we expose our kids to the outdoors, the woods, the lakes and rivers we inhabit, and teach them about animals, and let direct observation of animal behavior teach them - the better a...

jem wrote:Great stuff!

Maybe I'll add a general "do it yourself" section. ..

That is a good idea, Matt. Some of our guys are very talented at making many things.