JEM Watercraft

What an exceptional boat. The attention to detail is amazing.

I can't wait to see the finished product.

Your pictures are getting me motivated

Installed the remainder of the cockpit floor, glassed the seat, started the cockpit front wall, made rudder support side brackets, and started the storage area behind the seat. http://www.picturetrail.com/tx-kayak

Dare to venture to guess how much this will weigh when completed?

It is currently at 51 pounds; and I expect that it will probably be in the 60's when completed. However; if I where to build it again, it could easily be 10 to 15 pounds lighter. There is a little excess weight in it due to design changes and this beginner boat builder.

Started making a paddle, and made progress on the rudder. Also, modified the storage area just behind the seat. I needed more clearance for the seat so I sloped the top front the the storage area.

Added a couple of seal coats of epoxy and white pigment to the cockpit and tankwell. Also, made a little more progress on the rudder.

wow! Excellent work on that rudder. I may be bugging you about that later.

Hi David,

Nice job mate. Are you going to feather the blades on your paddle and are you going to laminate the shaft?

If so, How do you plan to ensure a uniform thickness of the shaft and how are you going to attach the blades please.

Hi Mick,

Yes, I plan to feather the blades. The tang that you see on the blades will go inside of the shaft. I will then add a little more plywood for reinforcement and to fair out the joint. As far as the rest of your questions, I am still working on different alternatives.

One idea for the shaft that I am thinking of is to make a hollow hexagon of plywood strips and then cover with a glass sleeve.

Another option that I may try is to laminate glass and graphite. I will need to find a thin, lightweight core to mold this over. I have thought about using a shatter shield that they put over fluorescent bulbs. It is a little larger diameter than I want; however, I may be able to slit it and shrink it down. I am still looking for other core materials. I have also seen a shaft made this way with a removable core such as pipe or metal tubing. However, I am afraid that if I do this, my pipe may be stuck inside of the shaft that I am making.

I am also considering another alternative for the blade: Laminate two pieces of 3 mm plywood in a curved form.

With the Hobie drive, I will rarely use a paddle. However, for safety sake, I will always take a paddle with me. Ha! If the Hobie drive ever fails me, it could be a long, long paddle back.

To all, Thank you for all of the compliments!

David please HURRY UP and finish....the water is starting to warm up, and when the fish gets hot, I don't want to have to listen to you cry.