JEM Watercraft

Hi new to the forum..though I have been hiding in the bushes for awhile..Matt I like your designs and am going to build a couple..but from what I have read a bigger garage for storage is probably
going to be needed as your boats seem to multiply....
Now back to my question..I am wondering about the stability of say the 15' Freedom and 14' Laker.
Retired 60 yrs. old; 6' ; 210 lbs. have back issues and the kayak roll is not an option..I currently fish out of a plastic sot on rivers and sounds in eastern NC and paddling is not an issue..I want to build my own..these designs appear to me to be more stable than the manufactured/kit wooden kayaks.any feedback would be appreciated..

Regards,
Doug...nckayker

Freedom 15 will definitely be more stable.

Matt,
I like the writeup OldSparky did on the Freedom 15 and since I like to camp/fish..it was my first choice..you so many good designs...it makes ones decision tough..

regards,
Doug...nckayaker

The original Freedom ( prototype) that I made had one flaw. On a long distance paddle the back , pointy edge of the cockpit would dig into you back if you were not careful and keep your seat just a bit forward.

That was the only fault I could find with it on several paddlings and after contacting Matt about the problem .... it was corrected. That is one reason I have never said anything about it , today's builder/paddler will not have that problem , as small as it is , it is not there anymore.

Not bad for a boat design when all you can find wrong with it is as simple to correct as sliding your seat just a bit forward. Now days a person does not even have to do that since Matt corrected that problem by lowering that area and getting rid of the pointy part.

Chuck.
PS. That is why a prototype is made and tryed , then the bugs are worked out so no one else has that problem , providing there are any bugs to be worked out. Best way to try a boat is to use it.

NCKAYAKER
I have a Freedom 15 and 2 Lakers a 13 and 15 5 and from your needs the Freedom would be the hands down choice.
Ron
You might want to look at my build and cockpit configuration ,it was built that way because of a bad knee.

I have read all the builds...and look forward to building soon as the holidays are over..as I am retired and DW still toils away my nickname is Mr. Mom.. and there's a lot cooking to do... Plus I am going to the Mt. Rogers,Va. hang in January..after that
hope to start..found a supplier of marine fir and okume ..45-60 bucks a sheet...need to order plans..and read and reread and make my checkoff list to save time when build starts. One thing for sure you guys have given me a lot of ideas for customizing my rig..kudos to all

regards,
Doug...nckayaker

stay away from fir. It's cheaper, but not very builder and weight friendly.

Lighter is definitely my goal..so okoume it is..of course accessories always add weight so I
need to be careful there also. .I do like the looks of the Sit Backer Canoe Seat. .that will be one
of my necessary add ons no matter which boat I build...
regards,
Doug...nckayaker