Hey folks -
Long time reader/lurker who has finally ready to get started, so I'm here with hat in hand looking for advice. I'm an experienced cabinet and furniture maker with a full shop (and maybe enough clamps...), so the build itself doesn't worry me -- I'm excited to get this up and going. But I could sure use some advice on which boat to build. I'd like to build a boat to accomodate two things: 1. Solo fishing and paddling on local lakes and ponds; and 2. Outings with two grandsons who will soon be old enough to join me one at a time. No plans to be on any other kind of water -- it's local lakes all the way. I'm a fairly experienced paddler, and feel comfortable on the water.
I think I want a 15' boat because of lighter weight and easier storage, but am happy to be talked out of it. I've looked at the Bear Mtn. 15' Prospector Ranger, and the Ashes Anglers 15' Day, and also at the 15.5' Hiawatha in Ted Moores. (I like that sort of classic recurve at the stems, and am not worried too much about wind as the local lakes I'll use are pretty well sheltered.) Does a 15' boat do the trick, or should I move up to 16'? And I'm sure there are other designs out there that I should take a look at and will appreciate suggestions and advice.
One other question - I'll be milling my own stock and can get western red cedar from a local supplier here in central NC, and also cypress (and in lengths that might just make it possible to use full strips). Advice on which way to go?
Looking looking forward to the build, and to any help you folks can send my way.
Clyde
Long time reader/lurker who has finally ready to get started, so I'm here with hat in hand looking for advice. I'm an experienced cabinet and furniture maker with a full shop (and maybe enough clamps...), so the build itself doesn't worry me -- I'm excited to get this up and going. But I could sure use some advice on which boat to build. I'd like to build a boat to accomodate two things: 1. Solo fishing and paddling on local lakes and ponds; and 2. Outings with two grandsons who will soon be old enough to join me one at a time. No plans to be on any other kind of water -- it's local lakes all the way. I'm a fairly experienced paddler, and feel comfortable on the water.
I think I want a 15' boat because of lighter weight and easier storage, but am happy to be talked out of it. I've looked at the Bear Mtn. 15' Prospector Ranger, and the Ashes Anglers 15' Day, and also at the 15.5' Hiawatha in Ted Moores. (I like that sort of classic recurve at the stems, and am not worried too much about wind as the local lakes I'll use are pretty well sheltered.) Does a 15' boat do the trick, or should I move up to 16'? And I'm sure there are other designs out there that I should take a look at and will appreciate suggestions and advice.
One other question - I'll be milling my own stock and can get western red cedar from a local supplier here in central NC, and also cypress (and in lengths that might just make it possible to use full strips). Advice on which way to go?
Looking looking forward to the build, and to any help you folks can send my way.
Clyde
