Mystery Craft

[Tsuga8]

I was out canoeing a tidal bay of the Hudson today when I spotted something up in the woods. As I approached it seemed to be some sort of watercraft, but what?

Here's an early view. Anyone want to guess? I'll post subsequent pics with more clues later.

 

[sailsman63]

I'm pretty sure that is a foldable boat of some kind (looks to be either plastic or a modern composite.) The frame folds flat for storage, the red thing is a waterproof skin that is stretched into place.

Not sure about what kind of use the hull is designed for. Either a (poor variation of) a SOT type kayak, or the hull shape might be a sailing craft, perhaps a version of a sailboard (think "Lazer") or a Mersea Duck Punt. Depends on if the hull is right-side-up or not. Also, that angle is quite a bit of a tease...

 

[Black_Fly]

It’s a canoe graveyard. Shhh! Don’t disturb the spirits.

 

[scoutergriz]

It’s a canoe graveyard. Shhh! Don’t disturb the spirits.

if there are spirits there, they need disturbing- it's a shame to waste good booze...

 

[Tsuga8]

I'm pretty sure that is a foldable boat of some kind (looks to be either plastic or a modern composite.) The frame folds flat for storage, the red thing is a waterproof skin that is stretched into place.

Not sure about what kind of use the hull is designed for. Either a (poor variation of) a SOT type kayak, or the hull shape might be a sailing craft, perhaps a version of a sailboard (think "Lazer") or a Mersea Duck Punt. Depends on if the hull is right-side-up or not. Also, that angle is quite a bit of a tease...

I had similar thoughts - skin on frame with the red skin untightened somehow? Or all punt or skow either under construction or with the bottom missing so it can't be stolen....

Any more guesses before we get closer?

 

[Tsuga8]

 

[Tsuga8]

Now it should start being more obvious....if you know what you're looking at.

By the way, @sailsman63 , I was unfamiliar with Mersea duck punts and looked them up. Looks like a fun, versatile little craft.

 

[Boatman53]

It’s an ice boat. The runners on the ground gave it away. Not sure what model though.
Jim

 

[Tsuga8]

You got it, Jim! As soon as I saw the runners I realized what I was looking at.





Ice boaters are a declining breed around here, probably because our ice is also on the decline. Many regions have ice boats and boaters - getting good ice on the Hudson is rare these days between the tides, wind, and ice breakers keeping a shipping channel open, and of course the changing climate. I did get the opportunity to ride in one last year after about 5 yrs of trying to but failing to be in town when the ice set up smoothly. It was exhilarating and I'd be tempted to take up the sport if conditions for it were more frequent.

Here's a short video about ice boating on the Hudson.

Any other CTers engage in this sport?

 

[Gamma1214]

Looks like a great way for some of our far North friends to dispose of some income. Whatdya think @memaquay?

 

[Boatman53]

I’ve been ice boating many times and built a DN and a Gambit which is basically a two seater DN.
It’s a fine line between cold enough for ice and not too much snow, when the ice is perfect people drop everything and go because it might be the only good ice for the winter. I could manage that because I was self employed and my only deadline was spring. Nothing like going 60 mph a foot above the ice with ice chips flying in your face.
Can’t wait to go again.
Jim

 

[Boatman53]

The last time I went was in 2022. There wasn’t much wind but the ice was great. I set up my skate sail but there wasn’t even much wind for that.


Jim

 

[memaquay]

Whatdya think @memaquay?

Wouldn't work up here, as our ice is almost immediately covered by several feet of snow, and then develops anywhere from six inches to 3 feet of slush. If we have a good year, the slush disappears in February, leaving a harder layer of snow that can be travelled on, but I don't think it would work for the sail boat. This year we had more snow than in the past 30 years, and the slush never left. We are all thinking we will be lucky if the ice is off the lake by May 15th, the walleye opener.

 

[Tsuga8]

As @memaquay says, bare, smooth ice seems to be a rarity in a lot of places. I briefly looked into backcountry or wild ice skating after seeing a few videos. But quickly realized that while frozen water is increasingly rare down here, good skating ice in the wild is even more of a unicorn condition. In terms of the climate, seems like paddling is a safer bet than winter sports - my paddling season often runs April - Dec here, if not longer. Too bad the harmful algal bloom season is also increasing rapidly.

But you sure are right, Jim, there's not much that can beat ice sailing when conditions are good. Thanks for sharing the pics.

 

[Steve in Idaho]

Wouldn't work up here, as our ice is almost immediately covered by several feet of snow, and then develops anywhere from six inches to 3 feet of slush. If we have a good year, the slush disappears in February, leaving a harder layer of snow that can be travelled on, but I don't think it would work for the sail boat. This year we had more snow than in the past 30 years, and the slush never left. We are all thinking we will be lucky if the ice is off the lake by May 15th, the walleye opener.

Well then.....

Getting pretty popular around here.

 

[stripperguy]

Ice boat!! Very cool
A bunch of years ago I stumbled on a couple guys with a DN on Round Lake (near Ballston Lake, NY)
They found the boat in their dad's storage, and had no idea how to make it go.
After some idle chit-chat, they asked if I wanted to try it, since I had explained that I sailed many times on that tiny lake.
The ice was flawless, smooth and completely clear of snow.
Holy cow!! So much faster than soft water sailing, almost scary.
With hardly any breeze that thing was zipping, I quickly ran out of room...
And virtually no drag, so that was an adjustment, but it was definitely exhilarating.

As mentioned above, if we had consistent clear ice conditions, I would build an ice boat.
And yes, I showed those guys how to sail...