Launch day!

Per request from the many Laker builders, the section is dedicated to braggin' about your Laker kayak.
tasman
Posts: 1
Joined: Wed Feb 09, 2011 8:01 am
Type of boat I like: canoes and kayaks.
Location: North West Tasmania

Launch day!

Post by tasman »

Hi all. I've been checking this site out for a year or so and finaly decided to take the plunge and build a Laker. The whole project was done on the cheap and used ply offcuts instead of whole sheets. This made things very...er...interesting to say the least. Donated paint and left over marine varnish added to the savings. I left frames two and three in as bulkheads for extra flotation.

Anyhow, Today she was launched. I'm impressed. Thanks for a great design Matt.

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The bungee anchor points were made from the webbing from an old bicycle helmet. The seat anchor loops and carry handles are from 1" webbing. The handles are three layers thick with strips of 2mm rubber between each layer.

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Most of the morning was spent cruising around in the Mersey River at Latrobe, Tas. The Laker handled great, really easy to paddle. My son had a go and now he wants one too. Maybe next year.
Mick
Posts: 141
Joined: Fri Feb 25, 2011 4:26 am
Type of boat I like: Kayaks and canoes
Location: Fraser Coast, Queensland, Australia

Re: Launch day!

Post by Mick »

G'day Tasman and welcome aboard mate.

Let me be the first to congratulate you on your magnificent Laker. Bloody well done mate. Nice job!

These really are great little kayaks arent they.

respectfully,

Mick
PiratePete
Posts: 305
Joined: Fri Sep 11, 2009 6:57 am
Type of boat I like: Wadefish + Mirarge Drive.
Location: Tassie, Australia

Re: Launch day!

Post by PiratePete »

Good looking kayak Tasman

Im based in Latrobe & you may want to look at http://www.tassiepaddlers.net

We had a BBQ day today at Hawley Beach.
john the pom
Posts: 192
Joined: Mon Nov 12, 2007 8:12 am
Type of boat I like: <-- Please read instructions to the left and delete this text. Then, tell us what type boat you like! :-)
Location: S.E. Queensland

Re: Launch day!

Post by john the pom »

Excellent! There is nothing to beat good stuff done cheap. As I'm getting older I see young people waste money like its going out of fashion and I'm pleased I can appreciate the value that can be had from not spending a great deal of money in order to achieve something others spend thousands of dollars on.
The boat looks great, you look happy. Doesn't get any better.
Cheers John.
Oldsparkey
Design Reviewer
Posts: 1272
Joined: Sat Jun 19, 2004 11:08 am
Type of boat I like: Wood boats .
Location: Somewhere around Central Florida
Contact:

Re: Launch day!

Post by Oldsparkey »

No one would ever know that you used what was on hand and did not go our and get all new stuff for that Laker , congratulations on one fine looking boat. Job well done.
Now comes the fun part , paddling and relaxing with it.

Chuck.
Remember:
Amateurs built the Ark...... Professionals built the Titanic
Visit some fine paddlers at The Southern Paddler
OnkaBob
Posts: 401
Joined: Fri Jul 18, 2008 10:12 am
Type of boat I like: <-- Please read instructions to the left and delete this text. Then, tell us what type boat you like! :-)
Location: Seaford, South Oz

Re: Launch day!

Post by OnkaBob »

Hi Tasman,

Congratulations on a very nice Laker - looks neatly put together and the use of recycled materials makes it extra special.

Hope you enjoy your time on the water with it.
Cheers, Bob

Laker 13 - christened and slimed (just).
Laker accessories underway.
olsnappa
Posts: 300
Joined: Mon Dec 17, 2007 7:03 am
Type of boat I like: <-- Please read instructions to the left and delete this text. Then, tell us what type boat you like! :-)
Location: Melbourne, Australia

Re: Launch day!

Post by olsnappa »

Wow!!! Very smart looking laker there, tasman.
Nice work. :D
John.
1 Cape Fear Sit In....a couple more planned
2 Laker 14's
1 Paddle board

"People who don't make mistakes don't make anything"
Bemm 52
Posts: 309
Joined: Wed Feb 13, 2008 3:57 pm
Type of boat I like: <-- Please read instructions to the left and delete this text. Then, tell us what type boat you like! :-)
Location: Sydney Aust

Re: Launch day!

Post by Bemm 52 »

Wow thats a work of art well done :shock: 8) :D I like the different colours in the fillets or is it a paint effect :? you've done such a good job I can't tell :oops: :lol: :lol:
Cheers Paul
goanywhere
Posts: 374
Joined: Wed Mar 30, 2011 7:20 am
Type of boat I like: Fishing SOTs.
Location: Adelaide, South Australia.

Re: Launch day!

Post by goanywhere »

Well done Tasman! As a first time builder about to commence my own yak I am greatly encouraged. Obviously you were donated good stuff, or else you made the absolute best of it. Goes to show that not only the well heeled and wasteful get to ride in style!
My psychologist reckons I need lots of fishin' therapy!
jem
Site Admin
Posts: 4915
Joined: Fri Jun 18, 2004 8:14 pm
Type of boat I like: Wooden
Location: Greensboro, NC
Contact:

Re: Launch day!

Post by jem »

Great job! Love the colors.
-Matt. Designer.
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