Okay, well here goes. I need some place to document the process. From beginning to (hopefully) end. Who knows, I may pour 6 months into this and end up buying one, or maybe just sticking to inflatables?
Anyway, so far I've had my hands and tape on a Redwood boat. I'm hoping to get some time with a Metalhead this weekend, and others if the PramFest 2010 comes together as planned.
I've drafted up something close and a few revisions and made 1:12 scale paper models. Here're some photos so far...
As of now, I'm thinking I'll be doing some sort of Carbon/Glass/Kevlar composite with maybe thin plywood or foam core. Single seater, car topper, target weight of 40 lbs. Haven't done the math on the areas yet, but I think that I may be able to go lower while having the required rigidity and strength. We'll see.
I want to be able to row stillwater easily but outright speed isn't necessary. Stand with better than average stability, and be able to run some small moving water. Maybe a small electric or gas motor.
Some rocker but not so much as to sacrifice standing stability. If it doesn't glide on the river as well as a "mini-drifter" I'll live with that. Flat bottom for ease of build and stability, kevlar bottom for durability.
Does anyone out there build a high tech composite pram? I can't possibly be the first nutcase to consider it right? I know Spring Creek makes a fiberglass/kevlar jobber, but isn't it at its core a chopper gun "plus"? Not feather light by any means...
Anyway, feel free to chime it. Follow along. Point fingers and laugh. Just don't tell my wife about this or her suspicions of my madness will be confirmed and I'll never get to go fishing again!
_SHig
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