Tested the Little One
Okay - I got 2 boats put together and it was a slow day - so tested
one. I posted a little bit about it maybe a week ago. It is 7'6" on
the waterline, 8' overall. Widths on waterline are 18" at transom,
24" midships and 12" at the bow. Flares out at 65% (more or less,
lol). It is open on the inside - no seats, just sit on a floatation
cushion when paddling about.
Had decided to hold off on launching, except it was a beautiful 68
degree day with colder wetter days ahead. So off we went! Did not
bring camera, but did bring kids to play at the beach and at the
park. A little windy (flags were straight out, lots of waves on the
little lake).
First thing I noticed is that it is stable enough when sitting on the
cushions. Thank goodness! Rowing is difficult - the oarlocks are too
close together. Will need to figure a way to get them a little
further out. Maybe another 3" on each side would help out here.
Anybody have ideas? I was thinking maybe building something out of
1x1's would work fine.
Did row it out and had a blast. Got wet - brought a lot of water in
from rowing and splashing about. Also the waves helped with that. An
occasional one found it's way over the bow transom. When I got the
rhythm right it was fun and I was able to go in the right direction -
lol. Also had fun rowing/surfing it back with the wind (and waves) at
the transom.
Well - rowing not a complete success, but I built it fairly narrow so
my son could use double paddles and take it out that way. So on to
the double paddles! Okay - don't laugh too loud, but 8' long and a
flat bottom is not the best platform for paddling. Not much
directional stability. The 2 furring strip runners don't add a lot to
directional stability either - lol. Also noticed it was a LOT more
tender when I was sitting back on my knees. Tried kneeling up(not
sitting back) - but it was VERY tippy. Okay, I learn fast - lowered
back down again. Directional stability was not good going into the
wind, but it seemed fine when I turned around and played with the
wind at my back.
I think by moving the oarlocks out a bit it will be a good little
boat for rowing out and fishing from - in VERY protected waters.
Something about a short narrow boat with 10" side panels makes it wet
in waves. Even little waves - lol. I did not try the double paddles
while fully seated. That might work a little better.
On the good side, it is very light. Easy to carry and pop on the roof
rack. It was fun to row - although an adventure. Definately a one
person boat. Think I'll play with it a little more and then try again.
Bruce
one. I posted a little bit about it maybe a week ago. It is 7'6" on
the waterline, 8' overall. Widths on waterline are 18" at transom,
24" midships and 12" at the bow. Flares out at 65% (more or less,
lol). It is open on the inside - no seats, just sit on a floatation
cushion when paddling about.
Had decided to hold off on launching, except it was a beautiful 68
degree day with colder wetter days ahead. So off we went! Did not
bring camera, but did bring kids to play at the beach and at the
park. A little windy (flags were straight out, lots of waves on the
little lake).
First thing I noticed is that it is stable enough when sitting on the
cushions. Thank goodness! Rowing is difficult - the oarlocks are too
close together. Will need to figure a way to get them a little
further out. Maybe another 3" on each side would help out here.
Anybody have ideas? I was thinking maybe building something out of
1x1's would work fine.
Did row it out and had a blast. Got wet - brought a lot of water in
from rowing and splashing about. Also the waves helped with that. An
occasional one found it's way over the bow transom. When I got the
rhythm right it was fun and I was able to go in the right direction -
lol. Also had fun rowing/surfing it back with the wind (and waves) at
the transom.
Well - rowing not a complete success, but I built it fairly narrow so
my son could use double paddles and take it out that way. So on to
the double paddles! Okay - don't laugh too loud, but 8' long and a
flat bottom is not the best platform for paddling. Not much
directional stability. The 2 furring strip runners don't add a lot to
directional stability either - lol. Also noticed it was a LOT more
tender when I was sitting back on my knees. Tried kneeling up(not
sitting back) - but it was VERY tippy. Okay, I learn fast - lowered
back down again. Directional stability was not good going into the
wind, but it seemed fine when I turned around and played with the
wind at my back.
I think by moving the oarlocks out a bit it will be a good little
boat for rowing out and fishing from - in VERY protected waters.
Something about a short narrow boat with 10" side panels makes it wet
in waves. Even little waves - lol. I did not try the double paddles
while fully seated. That might work a little better.
On the good side, it is very light. Easy to carry and pop on the roof
rack. It was fun to row - although an adventure. Definately a one
person boat. Think I'll play with it a little more and then try again.
Bruce