JEM Watercraft

I would like to build a kayak/boat/canoe. Around the Galvestion/Freeport TX area.

My stats are 6'0" 260lbs. I have lots of tools and moderate woodworking experience (some furniture, fences etc etc).

I am looking for a design to use for myself and carry 1 of my children (2 kids, 3 & 4 yrs old) for mainly fishing, some paddling. I have 21' center console fishing boat, but am looking for something that will get me back into the shallow, protected areas for fishing. My kids love to fish so I want a design to be able to carry at least 1 of them along with me.

After looking at all of the designs, I am leaning toward the pirogue 500, with some decking, but still able to fish with 1 kid. My wife has expressed and interest in paddling also, but since I am unsure how strong her interest will be/last, I want to stay versatile.

So I was thinking of building the pirogue 500, for me, then depending on how everyone likes it, then building a pirogue 14-29 for my wife, she weighs a lot less than I, so that she can go and have a stable craft to take the second child in.

I would like your thoughts, as builders and paddlers, with this plan or if there is a better option that I should be pursuing.

Thank you in advance for your replies.

the P500 will definitely handle your needs. Plan on sitting low in the boat and she'll be nice and stable.

Otherwise, take a look at the Townsend canoe. Merrimack and Iroquois too.

Oops I forgot to log in on the above post.

If I am building the pirogue 500, how much more epoxy and glass is needed that what is shown in the building materials if I am planning on completely glassing the hull inside and out? Or is this type of information already answered in the plans?

Thanks for the reply.

You'll need 60" wide cloth, 12 yards. you should be able to build with 1.5 gallons if you're careful with the epoxy.