JEM Watercraft

Hi Everyone,

I'm going on a lads and dads canoeing trip later in the year and decided I'd build a canoe as part of the challenge. I came across the DK touring canoe plans and decided to give it a go. The build so far has gone really well. For the first trip we're planning on going 3 up with number one son (11) in the bow, number two son (8) in the middle and me in the stern. Does anyone have any guide on seating positions for the DK or is this something we have to work out on the water?

I usually suggest you take it for a trial run to finalize seating position. But you should have good results with installing the forward seat immediately in front of 1 frame/thwart and the other seat a couple feet aft of the aft thwart.

Hi Spider,

It depends on how you want to fasten your seats - I screwed seat supports through the sides, so I couldn't of have it done after a test run (after painting it). So I just sat in it and made sure there is enough space for legs and enough of width in the aft. Otherwise just between the frames... Also - you place them rather lower than higher - gives more stability...

Thanks for the tips,

I haven't been able to do much over the last week or so as I've been out of town.

I'll insert images of the project as soon as I figure out how.

I hope the images of the build to date upload OK.


Floor Spliced


Stitched


Partially Glued


Glued Inside


1st Gunnel


Both Gunnels on

Wow, looking good. I'll be doing this to my Freedom 13 soon...I'll be following your work for sure.

Thanks for the tips on seat positions. Despite having been away for work for several weeks in the past month I've actually managed to finish the project a month before we're due to go on our canoeing adventure.








My 8 & 11 year old sons and I are going to go on a 4 day trip down the Glenelg River on the border of South Australia and Victoria in a months time. I'll post some trip pictures when we get back.

Hey Spider,

We paddled a DK on the Surrey river last year (just a picnic paddle).

One thing I'd suggest is a keel strip or two to aid tracking if you hit a head wind it will be a pain in the "arms". I'm not sure how big the strip needs to be but I'm sure it would help.

Tor

Thanks Tor,

I thought about adding a keel strip during the build and even put aside some timber for the job. I'll go for another paddle next weekend and see how I go.

Spider

Hi Spider,

That's a nice build - came up very well.

What type of ply did you use? Looks light in colour so I'm wondering if it's hoop pine and, if so, how good it is to work with.

From the last pic it looks like you are another Adelaidean and I must admit to being jealous that you are going to do the Glenelg River as that trip is right up there on my wish list. I hope it goes well and look forward to a report in the "Out and about" section.