JEM Watercraft

Matt,
maybe instead of calling it Bluefish it should be called Orca. Looks like my son and I will be going to the gym to bulk up for carrying this beast.

Sweet looking rig. That tail looks nice.

Scott,
WOW!!
Very smart idea/decision to use the graphite epoxy on the bottom panels. It's time to re-varnish my Sabalo, the hull is especially discolored on the lowest panels. You may not even need to do annual maintence on the hull. What is the procedure for that graphite step? Powder or cloth?
There is a new kayak cart called a "roll-ease", but I don't have any specific knowledge or link to give you now, maybe in a few weeks when they have a website. Those who have used the prototypes rave about them.
What is your rudder plan? Maybe a Hobie tandem kayak rudder would work.
Post more pics of the maiden! More close-ups of the rails showing the angle of transition to the well more clearly.
The front hatch is very good approach, lots of advantages that way, no disadvantages that I can see.
I strongly recommend you inspect the scupper holes for leaks before a fishing maiden trip. A member of a kayak fishing club here in Central California had a new plastic Hobie tandem completely fill with water (known Manuf defect in a hull seam) and had to be rescued by CG helicopter fast because they launched in Great White Shark Central Headquarters!!
That is another reason why the black graphite hull is a good idea because the GWS is aware of colors and loves the brown seals and sea lions.
Craig

Craig Lewis wrote:... they launched in Great White Shark Central Headquarters!!
That is another reason why the black graphite hull is a good idea because the GWS is aware of colors and loves the brown seals and sea lions.

Craig, email me at kayakjack@acd.net and I'll detail the graphite process for you.

Your above comment reminds me of the story of a farmer who painted a large word "C O W" on all his cattle during deer season. Maybe a kayaker could do something similar on the bottom of a boat to dissuade GWSs?

Graphite write up

http://jemwatercraft.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=134

Kayak Jack wrote:

Craig Lewis wrote:...
Maybe a kayaker could do something similar on the bottom of a boat to dissuade GWSs?

Jack,
I recently learned a true story about an abalone diver who was in a small aluminum fishing boat with his friend. His friend wore a camo-colored neoprene wetsuit top. As his friend took a deep breath and prepared for the dive, a GWS leaped several feet into the air over the boat passed the other guy and straight toward the camo-colored suit. They don't go into any further description of what actually happened, but he was killed. The have an annual fishing tournyment in his name to benefit his family.
The survivor said they both noticed the sea lions and seals where all on the rocks making a huge racket and knew what that meant, but wanted one more dive.
Craig

WOW! I guess we don't want to mess with Mother Nature too much.

I'd love to paddle the ocean, but likely never will. I'm pretty content with the Great Lakes region's rivers, streams, and lakes. Black bear get my heart racing enough for me. Works faster than ex-lax too.

We don't have many large predators, or small dangers around here much any more. People are the worst thing we're likely to encounter. I've seen one massasauga (rattler). Mostly we get to see deer, beavers, eagles, osprey, ducks, geese, moose, sandhill cranes, swan, and those damnable raccoons.

Craig Lewis wrote:Scott,
There is a new kayak cart called a "roll-ease", but I don't have any specific knowledge or link to give you now, maybe in a few weeks when they have a website. Those who have used the prototypes rave about them.

Here is the link to the rolleze cart:
http://www.gwkc.com/carts.htm

I picked up a roleez at Kayakfishingstuff.com (http://kayakfishingstuff.com/Merchant2/ ... ry_Code=kw). It is amazing!!!

I was able to move my 17', 120lb+ kayak around myself and load it onto the top of my SUV in conjunction with the Thule rollercoaster. I only weigh 145lbs and was able to do it all myself! I can't wait to try the big balloon wheels on the beach sand!

Below is a photo of the roleez.

Looks like tires with a silicone implant.

I got a bit of a chuckle out of their description of the "standard" balloon tires. they emphasized that the tire has a grippy tread. It isn't a powered drive wheel that needs traction; it's a driven wheel that is pulled along.

The cart and assembly look nice, useful. The original cheap cart made of a small hand truck looks useful too. All nice ideas.