The Bear Mountain Boat Shop

Ross, did you attach them to the rounded deck structure or did you build a recess to receive the hatches? Your photo shows a recess. This may be the part that interests Jim. Glen, You are quite right. I fashioned a recess from layers of glass and carbon, and I mounted the hatch ring to that. Howeve...

I installed a similar set of hatches in my last kayak. The hatches I used were made by Kajaksport, but they're probably close to the ones you referenced. I scuffed up the bottom surface of the rim with 60 grit sandpaper and used thickened epoxy to glue it into the opening. No problem with adhesion s...

I've used redwood on a number of mine - it's about the only clear wood I can find in lengths here in Cleveland. I like the color and it's only slightly heavier than wrc. Ross Wee Lassie: http://www.blueheronkayaks.com/kayak/wlii/launch2.jpg Whiptail: http://www.blueheronkayaks.com/kayak/whiptail/wt_...

Whatever epoxy you choose, be sure to apply it when the temperature is constant or falling. If applied when the temperture is rising, you'll get bubbles in the epoxy as the air in the wood expands and attempts to escape. Wait until mid-day when the temperature peak and then begin glassing. Once that...

One problem with pneumatic staples is that they may be coated with glue that activates with the friction of being driven in. They can be difficult to get back out.

Ross

Here's a link to the Paddlefest: http://www.ohioriverway.org/paddlefest/ It's on July 6-7. The 6 mile float down the Ohio is a hoot. Nothing but canoes and kayaks up and down the river. Of course, most are not wood, but it's fun nonetheless. :) On Friday, you can display your wooden boat(s) on the g...

Will you be bringing that beauty to the Paddlefest in Cincinnati in July? I'm sure it would draw lot of attention at the wooden boat display.

Ross

You might want to check with Don Harper, but I think it's pretty informal - just show up with or without a kayak. I was only able to attend once a few years back, but I'm planning to be there this year. I hope to see some of you there.

Ross

Meet at the Beach 2007 (Midwest) Home-built kayak/canoe Rendezvous Saturday June 2 - 10:00AM Macatawa Beach, Holland State Park Holland, Michigan Come and show off your boat and see what other builders are doing. Have a great day of swapping ideas and doing some paddling on Lake Macatawa and out to ...

Here's the info on the Midwest meet: Meet at the Beach 2007 (Midwest) Home-built kayak/canoe Rendezvous Saturday June 2 - 10:00AM Macatawa Beach, Holland State Park Holland, Michigan Come and show off your boat and see what other builders are doing. Have a great day of swapping ideas and doing some ...

Mike, That kayak is just looking awesome! Will there be any longitutinal wood support in the hull when it's finished or just glass? It's going to be a real looker. Any chance you might take it to the Midwest Meet-at-the-Beach in Holland, MI this year? I haven't seen any postings for the event yet, b...

Looks great! I love those accent strips.

Ross

I've used it on my last 4 or 5 kayaks and have been very pleased with it. I use the 127 resin with the 350 slow/no-blush epoxy (I'm a slow worker, so that's perfect for me).

Ross

Hey guys - thanks for the comments. The Whiptail does have quite a low aft deck. I've been enamored of the low-volume SOF kayaks that are so commonplace over on the qajaq site. I wanted to achieve a similar design with strips. I've not attempted a roll yet - maybe this weekend if I can get out. I'm ...

After a series of late night working on the Whiptail, Renee and I packed-up and headed to Peterborough for the rendezvous. The day before the event, I got to launch the Whiptail in Little Lake. I took a few pictures that day. Many thanks to Scott Innes for the pictures he took during the rendezvous....