JEM Watercraft

I'd like to build something to take the family out in for recreational use--I'm 6'3", 200 lbs., wife is a petite 5'4", two kids currently 8 and 5 yrs old. Was thinking the larger Iroquois. Would also be my first attempt at building a boat, but am fairly handy around the house with tools. I'm thinking the Iroquois would work for a newbie and for what I want to use it for--and I like the look! Originally got the idea of making my own from seeing Uncle John's website, but after research thought the pirogue design might not work as well for the family.

Also, would like to know about the chances of a first-timer accomplishing a varnished wood grain look versus needing to paint--I really like the look of the finished wood on some of the boats I've seen posted.

Finally, if you do the full fiberglass, do you really need to tape and epoxy the seams, or would glue work to hold it together prior to the fiberglassing?

JT,
Welcome to the world of boating!! You'll never get it out of your blood!!
My advice, (and this is totally free!! ) is that you RENT a boat from a local livery and find something suitable to what you are trying to accomplish.
Are you wanting some quiet time with the misses?, an adventure for a father-son get away?, Fishing?, Camping? Figure out what you want the boat to do for you. THEN, start finding that exact boat.
I'm raising 5 kids, (three still at home) I've owned ALOT of boats. NONE of those boats have done everything, at all times, to fullfill all of my needs and wants.
If you 've already narrowed yourself down to a canoe, Matt has some awesome plans. If you're still unsure, by all means try out some different styles and types.
Lastly, join the forum, we'll keep you entertained and you can entertain us, while we all try to steer you in the right direction!!

Lee

If you glass the boat then the usual step is to varnish it so the wood shows which I think is the beauty of the boat.

When I make mine I stich the panels together , then glue them with some epoxy , epoxy fillet the seams , glass the outside and inside of the boat.

As a final step I like to run some fiberglass tape along the center line and up each end of the boat to give it a little more protection on the hull since that is where the boat gets most of the abuse. Usually from launching and landing , some epoxy and graphite from the water line down helps.

Chuck.

jt wrote:I'd like to build something to take the family out in for recreational use--I'm 6'3", 200 lbs., wife is a petite 5'4", two kids currently 8 and 5 yrs old. Was thinking the larger Iroquois. Would also be my first attempt at building a boat, but am fairly handy around the house with tools. I'm thinking the Iroquois would work for a newbie and for what I want to use it for--and I like the look! Originally got the idea of making my own from seeing Uncle John's website, but after research thought the pirogue design might not work as well for the family.

Also, would like to know about the chances of a first-timer accomplishing a varnished wood grain look versus needing to paint--I really like the look of the finished wood on some of the boats I've seen posted.

Finally, if you do the full fiberglass, do you really need to tape and epoxy the seams, or would glue work to hold it together prior to the fiberglassing?

The bigger Iroquois should fit the bill as a family cruiser and a good first-time project.

You can do the natural wood finish. Biggest thing to remember is to be stingey when applying epoxy and filleting material (epoxy thickened with woodflour).

Make the fillets for the seams joints small. Apply epoxy in thin, consistent coats. You'll get results you'll be proud of.

So, is it possible to spread the cost out over two (or more) paychecks--could the wood and epoxy for seam stitching be purchased prior to getting the fiberglass and it's epoxy resin, and then maybe the varnish/paint? If so, any suggestions on what order the steps would be for purchasing the supplies?

Also, I did go ahead and purchase the 15'5 Iroquois plans last night. My son and I are looking forward to the build--can't wait to get started!

jt wrote:So, is it possible to spread the cost out over two (or more) paychecks--could the wood and epoxy for seam stitching be purchased prior to getting the fiberglass and it's epoxy resin, and then maybe the varnish/paint? If so, any suggestions on what order the steps would be for purchasing the supplies?

Well you could buy a small amount of epoxy at first and then the rest later. But you'll end up paying a whole bunch more than just getting it all at once. Don't forget you'll be paying more in shipping by breaking it up.

If you wanted to break it up, get the wood, epoxy, and woodflour (fine sawdust filler). Then get the fiberglass cloth.

If you just plan on using fiberglass tape, then getting it all at once will only cost about $40 more.

G'day JT and welcome aboard.

I agree with what Matt has allready told you.

I would recommend that you buy about a gallon of epoxy - wood flour and your ply at first.

Add to that, about a yard or two of fibreglass cloth. (for your panel splices)

At Duckworks, the cloth is real cheap and should only set you back about $5.00 a yard.

With this, you can start your build and be sure it will keep you occupied for at least a couple of weeks.

There is a lot of work that can be done in building your boat before you need to buy more cloth or tape and will take at least up to your next pay check. and then significantly more work to be done before you need to buy varnish or paint.

These are the main things you will need, to build a very good boat. As you proceed, you will need to buy other smaller things but you can do that as you can afford it.

Oh yeah, Please share with us your build adventure in the builders log and we will all help out where we can. -

Merry Christmas!!!

JT,
I've got two five gallon buckets of wood flour. It's from the maple gym floor that was installed here where I work. I'd be happy to send you some if you need it. It's a pretty close match to the ply I'm using (baltic birch).
If you send me a private message with the address, I'll ship some to you.

Lee

LEE SCHNEIDERMANN wrote:JT,
I've got two five gallon buckets of wood flour. It's from the maple gym floor that was installed here where I work. I'd be happy to send you some if you need it. It's a pretty close match to the ply I'm using (baltic birch).
If you send me a private message with the address, I'll ship some to you.

Lee

That should work fine. Just be sure the floor didn't have any varnish or anything on it. The sawdust/woodflour needs to be clean.

Maple will be a little harder to sand than pine woodflour.