JEM Watercraft

A couple of questions before I drill out the holes through the end pours in my canoe--I've read the instructions, but I don't have a lot of boating or boatbuilding experience, so I'm wanting to make sure I don't miss something...

1) How big is the suggested diameter for the hole--I know it needs to be bigger than the diameter of a rope, but how big is typical?

2) This might depend on the answer to question 1, but what kind of bit do you use to go through the epoxy endpour?

3) Again, this might depend on the diameter of the hole, but, do you guys just leave the it empty, and just run a rope through when your need to--or can you add some kind of hardware (like a u-bolt or something) to tie off to?

I thought about just leaving a loop of rope, but I'm assuming it's not wise to leave rope like that do to the risk of it weakening due to water or rubbing on the edge of the hole...

Here's what I do:

I drill the hole just big enough for the rope where I want it. Then I use a bit 2x as wide and redrill the hole. Any type bit works.

Get yourself a plastic drinking straw. Now fill that hole up with a thick epoxy-woodflour mixture. Push that straw through the middle of the hole. Work it toward the middle of the hole. Ensure the hole is filled in around the straw.

Let it cure, pull the straw out. It won't stick because it's plastic. Open up the hole with your first drill bit, if needed, just enough to fit in the rope.

I like this method because it ensures all wood grain is sealed off and the rope won't wear a hole it in and expose the grain to moisture.

Sounds like you have already done the endpours.
I like to use brad point drill bits, but like Matt says, any will do.

Another tip, dont try to drill all the way thru from one side. Locate the hole on both sides of the hull and drill about halfway thru from each side. Then you can join up both holes. Then after the edge of the hole is all sanded, coat the wood part of the holes with epoxy.

DM

JT,

In anticipation of your next question, let me offer a suggestion about the rope? A 1/8" rope is strong enough to hold your boat. But, if you handle the rope much, a 3/8" rope is easier on the hands.

About 12'-15' is usually sufficient. I tie in a large bowline knot, with a loop just long enough to swing up over the stem ends of the boat. This makes a handy carrying loop. Just slip your hand and wrist through the loop, grasp the rope with your fingers, and pick it up. (You'll need another paddler on the other end, of course.)

To stow the ropes, I drill four holes in my deck (breast hook if you're nautically inclined.) I run small bungee (1/8" diameter) through these four holes to have bungee on top of the deck to the left and to the right. (Under the deck, the bungee goes left and right.)

Gather the rope in your hand, with the end next to the bungee, double the loop up and loop doubling the loop until you have a small, neat bundle. Stow it under the bungees. It is secure, out of the way, and quick to grab without tangling.