The completed boat ready to roll
A few weeks ago I got working on the boat exterior and that took a bit of time even though I was at it daily. Multiple layers of epoxy with 24 hour dry times then priming, drying, two coats of enamel with 24 hours in between, etc… Finally on the 19th I had a painted and dry boat so got it off the platform and onto the ground to install the seat, hatch cover, oar locks and handles. I got all that installed on the 20th and loaded the boat up for a test float on our local lake with Lira in tow. Luckily Catherine got home from work just in time to join me and take some photos and video of the maiden voyage.
I got the boat loaded up into the back of the Tacoma and we headed off to the lake.
Pretty easy to launch with two people and doable by myself since it only weighs 55 lbs. Lira was not too sure about it at first but quickly settled in and enjoyed the ride, her tail wagging the whole time. I knew the seat screws were a bit flakey and sure enough, the seat came off the bracket. I have since replaced those with very solid screws so that won’t happen again. Today I took it out again with the repaired seat and actually fished from it. It is very nice for fly fishing since I can stand up no problem and cast plus see in the water. I still need to get on the rod holder for trolling and my anchor bracket so I can hold in place a bit but I managed to get a few trout in a short time today. The boat rows very easily and fast, I’m not sure if I’ll ever put a trolling motor on it since that is just more crap to carry around and the oars get me where I’m going quickly in these small lakes.
It was quite a fun project over the last 10 weeks but I don’t think I’m 100% done yet. The designer, Warren, has another series of videos on creating a set of wheels for this boat and I think that is going to be my project next winter since it would be way easier getting the boat in and out of the truck and water with some wheels. I’m also considering trying again on the front hatch area, I gave up on it to get the boat done but can always add it later.
Where I got everything:
- Warren Messer – Red Barn Boats – boat designer
- Duckworks Boat Building Supply – got a lot of assorted tools and hardware here
- SystemThree – all my epoxy and fiberglass related material
- Crosscut Hardwoods – where I got the marine ply and mahogany
- Fisheries Supply – where I got more supplies and paint
- Marshall Cove Marine Paint – primer and paint