The Bear Mountain Boat Shop

Progress Update: Three months later, I finally have the hull finish-sanded, fiberglassed, and turned right side up on the mold. I used West System 105/207 epoxy with one layer of 6 ounce cloth plus an added layer of 4 ounce cloth as a wear patch on the bottom. I really like the new 207 "Special...

WOW, extreme is right! Those look amazing. The most unique kayak designs I have ever seen!
The video is great, but I would like to see some close up still photos as well.

Congratulations and well done!

Jeff

Michael,
A few years back, I ordered some 3/16 stainless bolts 6 inches long, so I know they are available. However, at the moment I can't recall who I ordered them from.
I will look for the receipt at home. Feel free to send me a PM as a reminder if I have not replied again.

Jeff

Hello everyone! I really enjoy reading about other builders projects. So, now that the last strips are on my kayak hull, I am finally at a stage where I am ready to share my progress. This is an Expedition Sport design from One Ocean, about 16 foot 9 inches in length. The hull stern is pinched to fo...

Randy makes an excellent point, and with my angled gunwales I was concerned about point-loading the canoe at the four gunwale locations instead of line contact across the gunwales resting on the two roof rack bars. However, I have used Minicel foam blocks along with the roof rack. The foam blocks sn...

Hello John, My canoe has significant tumblehome as well, but I did not shape the gunwales to be level with the water. Like so many other things, this is a matter of personal taste. I think the gunwales look great as they follow the tumblehome, and they might have looked strange to my eye if the thic...

I know that there are many different opinions on this, but I can say that I have used both 1/2" MDF and 1/2" OSB without issue. I intentionally avoided using a common grade of plywood because it tends to warp. Both MDF and OSB have worked very well for my purpose, especially because I have...

Thank you both for the kind words! John, My cover was made with the strechy polyester. It fits like a glove and doesn't flap in the wind at all. I'll send you a PM with my phone number and email. You are more than welcome to come by for a visit. Dawne, The gunwales and seat frames are ash, but the t...

Hello John, Don't give up on the idea of a canoe cover. Four years ago, I purchased a canoe cover custom made by "The Bag Lady" at Waterworks Canoe Company. http://www.waterworkscanoe.com/ . I simply provided measurements of my canoe which she requested. A canoe-racing friend of mine recom...

Lamar, I would suggest a polyurethane marine adhesive sealant such as 3M 5200. I used this under the brass stem bands on my canoe. This adhesive provides firm yet flexible support for the stem band, as well as a bond far exceeding that of the attaching screws. The extra strength will prevent the ste...

Glen, In discussions with others, I have used the Bear Mountain Boats Forum as a shining example of what the internet was intended for! It is a pure forum for boat building only. I appreciate the time you spend to make it that way, all of the builders/contributors, and of course BMB for hosting. Jeff

I glassed my canoe in my unfinished basement. I was also concerned about the epoxy fumes in the basement, and especially the living areas. To be safe, myself and my helper both wore respirators with carbon filters. For as little as $25, a respirator is cheap insurance against health problems that co...

Greg, For my kayak, I wanted a very stark contrast in colors. I decided to use the extremely white colored western red cedar sapwood along, with dark chocolate colored red cedar, and finally some rosey red colored red cedar. I found the white sapwood and the red colored WRC at the big box stores, ge...

Hello Greg, I see you are in Galesburg, MI. If you can drive to Ann Arbor, you will find a very large selection of exceptionally clear western red cedar boards at Fingerle Lumber. Ask to see their select grade lumber inside the warehouse. They have clear lengths up to 20 feet, but it is not cheap! F...

Right now I wish I hadn't left my previous house with the open basement and easy egress straight up the stairs and out the door. Back then, I was able to build my canoe in year-round comfort. However, in our present house, I am struggling to make progress on my Expedition Sport kayak (One Ocean). I ...