Thank guys, this one is a prototype assymetrial hull and I took her for a walk yesterday to work out seating & thwarte placement etc.
Nice one Mick,
I like the look of the green paint. Is that graphite on the bottom?
Also is that ribless, with braces between the gunwales at about 1/3 and 2/3 of the length?
Steve,
The build of this one is a little different to a U.J. job. (no centre ribs or stem pieces) This thread is a little arse backwards so I will continue in the same vein. :lol: Will post my review of her and then walk you through the build sequence and methodology. Both methods work very well.
OK, here are my humble opinions of this loverly boat.
Stability adequate to good, though some may find her a little tippy till they get used to it.
Speed Bloody good for a canoe. I can only compare her to my Swampgirl because that is the only other flat bottom boat I have paddled. She is considerably faster than the 'girl. and as fast as some of the rec kayaks I have paddled.
Tracking superb.
Manouverability adequate to good.
Weathercocking minimal to non-existent. I would call it as being superb.
Wind signature punching into 15 knots, significant but manageable and much less than either the Swampgirl or my Canadian
Weight I would guesstimate this boats weight at around 43 to 45 pounds. I used hardwood exterior bracing ply. I believe 32 to 35 pounds or less is achieveable using quality Gaboon or other lightweight marine ply.
In short, this boat is a hoot to paddle. If I could only build one paddle-craft and had to choose, This one would be it .
I can't compare it to a symetrical pirogue because I haven't paddled one yet, but I will tell you this, It would have to be a bloody good boat to be any nicer to paddle than this one. I enjoyed paddling her today so much that I don't want to finish her off tomorrow, and then make & fit the seats. I just want to take her out again, as she is.
Thank you Matt, for the opportunity to build this fine boat. I believe it will be a winner and should appeal to those who can apprecieate the grace and beauty and simple elegance of a pirogue with the added carrying capacity and versatility of your lovely assymetrical hull.
a couple more piccies