Hi all. I've been checking this site out for a year or so and finaly decided to take the plunge and build a Laker. The whole project was done on the cheap and used ply offcuts instead of whole sheets. This made things very...er...interesting to say the least. Donated paint and left over marine varnish added to the savings. I left frames two and three in as bulkheads for extra flotation.
Anyhow, Today she was launched. I'm impressed. Thanks for a great design Matt.
The bungee anchor points were made from the webbing from an old bicycle helmet. The seat anchor loops and carry handles are from 1" webbing. The handles are three layers thick with strips of 2mm rubber between each layer.
Most of the morning was spent cruising around in the Mersey River at Latrobe, Tas. The Laker handled great, really easy to paddle. My son had a go and now he wants one too. Maybe next year.
Excellent! There is nothing to beat good stuff done cheap. As I'm getting older I see young people waste money like its going out of fashion and I'm pleased I can appreciate the value that can be had from not spending a great deal of money in order to achieve something others spend thousands of dollars on.
The boat looks great, you look happy. Doesn't get any better.
Cheers John.
No one would ever know that you used what was on hand and did not go our and get all new stuff for that Laker , congratulations on one fine looking boat. Job well done.
Now comes the fun part , paddling and relaxing with it.
Chuck.
Remember:
Amateurs built the Ark...... Professionals built the Titanic
Visit some fine paddlers at The Southern Paddler
Wow thats a work of art well done I like the different colours in the fillets or is it a paint effect you've done such a good job I can't tell
Cheers Paul
Well done Tasman! As a first time builder about to commence my own yak I am greatly encouraged. Obviously you were donated good stuff, or else you made the absolute best of it. Goes to show that not only the well heeled and wasteful get to ride in style!
My psychologist reckons I need lots of fishin' therapy!
you've done such a good job I can't tell 
