JEM Watercraft

G’day Hairymick!

I totally agree, mate. Matt’s design is pretty great… so many people – not only fishermen but just about everyone that sees her wonder where I got it from. Pontoons are rarely seen down here also, and they imagine all the things you could do on it. Most picture themselves sitting back comfortably, just fishing and chugging down a few beers… can’t get hold of any Vic Bitter around here but we get by nicely!
Just to let you know, Australia is a very special place to me: my wife grew up there (in Melbourne) and both her siblings are currently living there.
I’m a bit further up north of Patagonia – I live in a city called Mar del Plata (in the province of Buenos Aires) and I mostly go fishing at Mar Chiquita which is about 40 km NE from where I live. If you Google-Earth Mar Chiquita, you can see a photo of the pontoon. The video you saw was taken on Nov. 23rd. And believe it or not it’s Spring down here, Summer’s just days away… but every now and then the southeastern gales bring the temperature down. Patagonia is way colder!

Hi Kayak Jack!

I navigated 2.5 km in that weather (gale winds at 45 kmph and 60 cm waves),

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LKP327IHmck

the boat sailed nicely but the outboard was going at maximum speed and put under a lot of pressure, that’s why I had a go at something with a bit more hp. Overall it was a pretty good experience… when I finally made it to the shore that is! I couldn’t sit further up because the prolonged handlebar wouldn’t fit properly on that motor (i.e. 6hp) and that made it hard for me to use my weight on the other end like I wanted.
The thought of building a bigger pontoon constantly crosses my mind, maybe 30% bigger… but for now I just want to try out this new motor.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c3r9nE__J-Y

Brace yourselves!

educpuey wrote:... Hi Kayak Jack!... I couldn’t sit further up because the prolonged handlebar wouldn’t fit properly on that motor (i.e. 6hp) and that made it hard for me to use my weight on the other end like I wanted.

My thought was to slide the entire platform more forward on the pontoons to give more pontoon available to support your weight aft operating the motor. It may be a hair brained idea.

Hi, everyone!!

Finally, The Test: Stitch & Glue Pontoon with Yamaha 15 HP Two Strokes

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kLbafzxyHTg

Now, THAT'S a nice ride. Looks good, and looks like it has capacity for more.

May I ask a question? I notice the motor is tipped forward a bit. Have you tried it with the motor a bit more upright? Just curious.

A pontoon seems to me to have a lot of capabilities. Great on lakes for fishing, lazing around, exploring, etc. Nice job.

That was pretty cool!

But please don't think it's a power boat. (yeah I know... kill joy. But just want everyone to be safe!)

Hola! again Eduardo!!

That video shows just how good your pontoon really is mate! I just love the way she lifts on to the plane with a minimum of fuss. beautiful.

The comment at the end was completely unnecessary, but thank you mate.

I think there will be many, many more of Matt's lovely designs being build under our shared and beloved Southern Cross!

Bloody GOODONYAMAAAAAATE!!!!!!!!

That was way way cool!

Coogs

Don't worry, Matt...this is how I usually ride...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FHJ8se0Fv_o

There you are! A balanced ride. How is it reacting to waves and such? Have you installed a charcoal BBQ yet? A beer cooler?