The Bear Mountain Boat Shop

In my opinion, Steve has the seat set too far from center. I completed a Asymetrical solo last year, that is similar to the Freedom 15'3", and mine is set with the front edge, 6 1/2" aft of center. It's just right. If I were you, I'd hold off until I could put it in the water, and experime...

Should be fine ! It just goes to show, theres more than one way to finish the shear !
Good luck !
Jim

One other thing, Watco has never peeled or flaked, on me, it wears off.
As for fiberglass, I've had no trouble, in fact a friend of mine uses it to touch up scrapes in the varnish on his hulls.

Good luck !
Jim

Hi Terry I started out using WATCO in the green and white can, it was an exterior grade, but now I use the Teak, and it's in the blue and white container. Purchased at Menards for about $8 a quart. I start by wiping on a coat after a 1/2hr, I wipe off excess. The next coat is left on to dry. It take...

To date, since 1989, I glue and screw my inwhales, and glue my outwhales, with epoxy. My gunnels are cut to cap the hull. The outwhale is cut with a 1/8" lip that coves the hull. I've always used WATCO, but see no problems with varnish or a polyurethane. I've not had any problems with rot, beca...

Sorry one more method came to mind.
Countersink pan head, 1/4in bolts, enough to cover with a wood plug.
That would in my opinion be the best !
Jim

I'd stick with bolts. When I first started building, I used common zinc carrage bolts, and brazed the tops, then polished then to look like brass. It worked fine. Now I just buy stainless and polish them. As for wood dowels, They would look great, but I fear what time and the elements would do to th...

Nice rig Mark !
I've always wanted to learn to sail, but I would've had to travel too far for water big enough.
Obviously you know the art of sailing, so how does a canoe, with a sail, compare to a sailboat ?
Is it like trying to make a VW ride like a caddy ?
Again, nice looking setup !
Jim

Have you decided where you're getting materials from ?
Many epoxy makers use a 2:1 mix ratio.
Jim

I use the (T) top instead of the box beam. I won't say its better, it's just what I started with. Built it with 2x lumber. I have'nt had any trouble with sagging, but I put wheels on one end, so I could roll it outside for sanding. As far as the strings go, if it does'nt bother, I'd leave them on. O...

I always use 3/4 ply.
In my mind, I think it warps less.
I'd use it if I had it !
Good Luck
Jim

The legality of what you are doing is OK. Copying a set of plans for resale can however get you into trouble! I know designers are protective of thier plans, but once you modify them, they no longer are thiers. Back in 1989 when I started building, plans could be purchased for $5, they're a lot more...

Hi John It's refreshing to see builders going outside the box ! I think you're on the right track with your scaling down, but a few ?. Are you setting the puddle duck up as a solo, or a tandem? As a solo, it should be fine, but as a tandem, I would look at another plan of greater length ! 12ft. is a...

Well that eliminates contaminates, such as solvents.
I use rollers, and then go back over with a foam brush. If you over work the resin this can cause problems, usually clouding.
Again I'm not an expert, and West should have the answers.
Keep us posted, and we can all learn !
Good luck !!
Jim

Sorry !! One more thought . I never sand runs, I scrape them ! No saw dust to remove.
Jim