I have built a couple of pirogues already, which have all been versions of the Uncle John's plan. Unfortunately, the one that I kept for myself, was stored in a friend's old barn while I've been away, and got infested with termites. For this Christmas, I've decided to build another for myself and one for my son, who is 5. I don't need to be told that he's too young, as I know my son well, and he is far from the average 5 year old in size, maturity, and experience. We've paddled quite a bit together already, camp out quite a lot and ridden many miles horseback through varying terrain, usually camping with the horses during the trip. He can also swim very well. My hope is that this build will be small enough for him to handle now, in very controlled conditions of course, but large enough that he won't outgrow it before his teenage years, possibly, this pirogue may even become a family keepsake that my grandkids may use someday. I'm aware of the potential of compromising something into oblivion and winding up with something totally useless and want to avoid this error myself.
Just figured that some of you much more experienced guys could offer me some advice on this one. For instance, I definitely think that the UJ 15' 6" pirogue is too long. I was also planning on building myself a new 12' with a flat back along with the one for my son. I was thinking that a 10 footer might be more suited to a kid, but, again, was hoping for some advice.
Thanks in advance.
Just figured that some of you much more experienced guys could offer me some advice on this one. For instance, I definitely think that the UJ 15' 6" pirogue is too long. I was also planning on building myself a new 12' with a flat back along with the one for my son. I was thinking that a 10 footer might be more suited to a kid, but, again, was hoping for some advice.
Thanks in advance.