B and B Moccasin Vs Jem Laker

I am looking for a light, fairly compact solo craft. I have a Michalak Larsboat which is very stable and at 15.5 ft. it tracks well.

I now want something lighter and easier to throw onto the car.

I can get access to moulds for both Thomas Hill's Charlotte and Oughtred's Wee Rob, but don't have the patience or workshop space for a Clinker build.

The Laker 13 comes as a free plan an by stretching with a 6" straight plug it should carry about 120KG, and have a generous cockpit opening.

It is a bit agricultural in looks, but I have a Michalak canoe, so obviously that's not such a big deal.


Graham Byrne's Moccasin can come out of 2 sheet of 4mm for the 12'9" version and being a canoe,is lighter than the kayak and can cartop upside down, which is more stable.

The downside is that he only sells paper plans and the exchange rate and postage add up.

It is, however a very clever shape, which he uses in his very successful range of canoes, Diva kayak and a range of sailing and powerboats.

Any thoughts?

Steve.

for light weight look at the Pygmy Boats range of stitch and glue kayaks.
Pygmy Boats: Voted Best Wooden Kayak Kit

I don't have any experience with Moccasins but I have built a Laker 13. Weight of mine is around 15kg but I'm sure it could be lighter. I used a non marine grade of 4mm plywood and it feels like a tank. Back on page 6 of the build logs on the Jem site you can find details of one made with 1/8" ply, the thread is titled Hairy's Laker.

I used 84gsm glass (both inside and out) and R180 epoxy (marine quality and cheaper than West). With 84gsm and 3mm ply you might be able to load it 1 handed. Glass on both sides costs more but I don't think ply will stand up to the weather too well without it - even with epoxy coating.

Stretching it should make it more stable as well as increasing capacity. Some people have criticised it as being unstable but I tend to disagree. It's a bit like a bike with trainer wheels - it won't stay perfectly upright on it's own but settles to a stable position as the righting forces kick in at a slight angle. I have no trouble fishing and taking photos from mine and as you mentioned, it does have an open cockpit which is easy to get in and out of.
Don't try surfing in it if you build one - they don't surf. 'Nuf said.

As for looks, a painted hull and bright deck can look quite nice. Or you could just polish it up and take the photo from a more appealing angle :U.
Attachment 399276

Thanks Ian,

This is a great range of designs, but I am looking at more of the casual paddle close to shore in calm conditions.

I have been in a sea kayak off Fraser Island, but these days I reserve open water for sailing and creeks and rivers for paddling and rowing.

G'day FairDink
Have paddled Bob's Laker - it's a nice little boat. Pleasingly quick for such a short boat.
Suggest you delete the raised seat & sit on the bottom for more stable feel. Layer up a fitted seat from 16mm foam.
Attachment 399353
As a canadian is on your list, you might also want to consider Michael Storer's Eureka. It's a bit more boat for your 2 sheets of ply.
Built in 3mm rather than 6mm, 2oz glass & minimum resin, you should get out at around 15-16kg.
cheers

Thanks Alan,

I have seen Eurekas up close- Geoff Taylor has built several excellent examples and is finally doing one for himself.

I am not looking at a Canadian at this stage-maybe when my joints seize up a bit more, I might.

Moccasin is more of a pack canoe- like an undecked kayak.