JEM Watercraft

I haven't tried the syringes yet. It all seems like too much trouble. I use a zip lock bag and cut a really small hole in the corner. Works OK for me.

Decks are on. .







Started work on a small hatch.



I have stained the decks with a water based cedar stain but I am not sure if I like it or not. I guess if I don't like it, I can allways paint over.

Mick:
I have purchased the plans for the laker from Matt. I like what I see on what you are doing. I think this boat will fit a need(want) that I have in a boat. Unfortunately, I have many wants and needs in boats which results in a number of them.
I want to keep the weight down on this one to no more that 30lbs so I can handle it myself and go and do what I want to when I want to. I plan on using 3mm okoume ply and follow some of your hints as well as Matts and Chuck's to build it light weight. Also, plan to use either 3.25oz or 4oz glass and only cover the outside of hull with a partial cover on the inside, say between bulk heads. How much weight do you think the forward and aft decks add the way you have added them? I like the looks of them but it they add too much weight might have to make some changes. Your thoughts? Or anybody's. Thanks
James

G'day James,

Using the 3 or 4 oz cloth, with 3mm ply, I would recommend covering the entire hull inside and out. Allmost all of the impact strength on a boat is by way of the glass on the inside because it is in tension there. The glass on the outside adds the toughness to the skin.

While I was glassing up my hull, I kept looking at it and thinking what a nice little solo canoe it would make with just mini decks, fore and aft. This would keep the weight right down. My decks and their supports have added a lot more weight to my boat than I thought they would have. it is about 13 kgs or 28 pounds now and I haven't put the glass on top yet.

I didn't set out to make mine light and I am only using what is left over in ply and matt from other builds. I am using the last of my cheap, rubbish ply on this one and will never use it again. I don't know how our prices for ply compare to yours, but for me, the ply is the cheapest part of the boat. Better ply makes the build easier, quicker and a whole lot more enjoyable. Money well spent, I think.

Good luck with the build mate. I think you have chosen a fine boat to add to your collection.

3mm costs $50, 4mm costs $53 and 6mm costs $63 at Houston Hardwoods. Prices just went up from a little over a month ago, 4mm was $43.

It is not the wood or the boat , it is the builders ability and how well they want to make there boat , you can purchase the best stuff and end up with a piece of trash or get the cheapest , build it well and have something that will last.
Then it is the paddlers ability to have there creation to do what they want it to do........ for there enjoyment.

Plain and simple , make it the way you want it , spend what you can but make it right and then have the skills to enjoy it.

The wood is nothing more then the peanut butter between the two pieces of bread (fiberglass) to make the sandwich.
The wood creates the shape and color (Unless painted , lets call it the peanut butter ) the fiberglass ( the bread) creates the outer skin and protection for the boat to protect the Peanut butter.

If you go out and purchase a ready made one ... what do you get..... A pre made form that will be the center with glass on each side of it and some gelcoat to add a smooth surface and shine till you scratch it.

If you do not know how to work with gelcoat then you are sunk when wanting to getting rid of the dings and scratches.

With our boats it is simple ... Sand them , add epoxy if necessary or just apply some varnish ..... A new boat.

It's going to be your boat so do it the way you want it.

Chuck

Hi Mick, another beautiful looking boat mate. I'm just amazed at how you do such a great job of them. Not too many of the plastic yaks in the shed anymore either

Cheers......Nick

anybody have any idea of the weight difference in 3 mm okoume and 1/8 inch luan? Thanks

probably around 2-4 pounds per sheet

Mick
Have you finished the Laker or given it a test paddle.
Ron

Hi Mick, another beautiful looking boat mate. I'm just amazed at how you do such a great job of them. Not too many of the plastic yaks in the shed anymore either

G'day Nick,

Thanks mate. the piccies don't show all my mistakes.

Mick
Have you finished the Laker or given it a test paddle.
Ron

Not yet mate. been a little busy on other stuff.

Been playing with the cockpit coamings when I can.

Got a new 'putor and can't resize piccies yet. Hopefully will be able to do so soon.

Will try something now.



I did this one just using Photobucket to do the re-size and it took about 15 minutes to upload. Hopefully, I will have a better re-sizer installed in this vista pig tomorrow.