JEM Watercraft

I just completed the Texas Water Safari a couple weeks ago. I was wondering which one of your current plans either a canoe or kayak would be best for this type paddling event. I built the touring pirogue 2 years ago and it is a great little boat, but I need one with a faster hull design for this event. Any suggestions. Oh yes, I have been told by more than one persons, that wooden canoe or kayaks, just are not suited for this event, but I think one would be if built right, and paddled properly.

Is it mostly calm water or do you get into to some soupy stuff?

How much gear do you take?

A decked canoe like the North Wind or South Wind would do well. Mick is gearing up to prototype a touring kayak I drew but it's likely doesn't have the capacity for a longer trip.

Do you desire an open cockpit or prefer a spray skirt?

The water safari is 260 miles long. It has some class 1 and class 2 rapids, long stretches of open river, and at the end of the race, 5 miles of open water across a bay to the finish line. All gear, food and supplies must be carried on the canoe or kayak. The race has a time limit of 100 hours to finish. This year, my team mate I completed it in 94 1/2 hours. To finish the race you must be capable of averaging 4 to 6 miles per hour over that 100 hours. We used an metal canoe this year which weighed 150 pounds with all our gear and boat. I hope that gives you some kind of idea.

jdfdave, Are you wanting to do it with a team mate in the boat again or solo?

I am open to the idea of a tandem, but would prefer a solo boat. I think gear would weigh somewhere around 40 pounds total I might add. I weigh 160 pounds.

The North Wind is closely modeled after the Kruger Sea Wind. I'd take a look at that one. Consider adding a rudder or at least prepping the hull for while you build.

North or South Winds will do the job easily, also consider Okwata, Smaller, lighter and possibly faster in the long run.

If solo - Freedom 15, Kevlar tape on keel and chine. Graphite in epoxy below the water line. Or ask Capt. Jack