JEM Watercraft

Matt,

Wow, that was really quick! I didn't expect the new Okwata out so soon. It's really a nice looking boat. I'm having a really hard time deciding between it and the Laker series. I know it won't be the last one I build, but could someone kindof nail down the performance and handling differences of the two? I mean, both are V bottom, about the same width x length... Okwata has more chine curve, and Laker is straigher chine. What difference will this make? Thanks for being patient with a slow guy.

I thought I liked the Lakers more, but maybe the new Okwata will change that. It is one sharp looking boat.

Thanks Matt, I'm really trying to decide quickly.

Billy

G'day Merlin,

Very good question mate. i don't pretend to know the hydrodynamics stuff, but I love my laker and the way it performs, challenges every thing I thought I knew about boat design. It really is that good.

Re the Okwata - It will have to be a darn good boat to be better than Laker (and I think it will be)

It is a more complex design with more panels and more twist in the bottom panels and will be a little more challenging to build than laker but still pretty easy.

Having said that, I think the added chine rocker in the new Okwata and much finer entry both ends will make for a cleaner, quieter and generally more effecient hull to paddle. the extra deck panel sloping from the cockpit coaming to the side will also make it a better paddlers boat. I don't really have the words to adequately describe what I am trying to say here. The lines of the new Okwata just look "right" to me.

To this end, I am waiting anxiously on delivery of said plans and will commence a build as soon as they arrive. this will be my little Chrissy pressy to me.

Laker is more for flat water. It'll handle some chop but it's at home on a bay, river, or lake. Very quick in that environment for it's size.

While Okwata is not an outright sea kayak, it'll handle rougher conditions better than the Laker. A little more complex to build since the design was made with an emphasis on performance, paddling ease, and looks rather than ease of build. I'd say Okwata will be a little more predictable in it's movements than the Laker.

Laker was designed with easy build in mind every step of the way, especially the Free Laker plans.

Hope that helps!

Dang that is a pretty boat , I will be watching this build Mick.
Ron

Mick,

I know what you mean, it looks right to me, also. After several years of small boats, I'm still trying to figure some things out. For instance, I know it's prototype, and one hasn't been built yet. That doesn't bother me. Everything I build at work is a prototype.

Having said that, I think the added chine rocker in the new Okwata and much finer entry both ends will make for a cleaner, quieter and generally more effecient hull to paddle.

That's one of the things I wonder about. Will it sit lower in the water than a Laker, therefore having more resistance, and being a bit harder to paddle? But, I also think that as you load it up, it becomes more stable?

I'd say Okwata will be a little more predictable in it's movements than the Laker.

Maybe predictable would be a good thing for to have right now.

May have asked some of this before, I forget.
I like the lines of both, if space was no object, well....

By the way, will the Sitbacker padded seat work in either of these boats?

Billy

G'day Billy,

I think the sit backer would fit but it might rase the centre of gravity a little high.

I haven't seen the plans yet but I am guessing a seat arrangment like on my Laker would be a better option.

Matt, this boat would qualify as a true sea kayak here,especially if fitted with bulkheads, hatches and deck lines

Rod holders, purpose built, removeable rear deck tank well,(that slips into the rear hatch), echo sounder etc etc are all viable options - as are day hatch to a live well/kill bin.

Not real sure just how far to go with this one just yet. I am tipping Mz Robin will want to paddle her and then for sure, I will lose another fine boat.

Sit Backer seat will work in the Laker and the Okwata. It'll will a little bit tighter in the Okwata because it has a smaller cockpit. But it will fit.

Okay, thanks. Maybe hold off on the seat until it gets built.

I'll try it with something else first.

Billy

You'll have about 1/2" inch left on either side of the Okwata cockpit. I have a Sit Backed and a mocked-up cardboard cockpit at home. I'll test it out and post a pic later today.

I'll have to double check and see if a spray skirt could be used with a sit backer. I'm thinking no but I'll investigate to know for sure.

Here's a grainy picture of a sit-backer in the full scale mock up of the cockpit. I was in a hurry this morning and still haven't figured how make the dang camera in my cell phone work better.

I made the mock up out of corrugated cardboard to ensure a standard size 1.7 spray skirt would fit it.



It does fit but 2 cautions:

1) It will not slide all the way to the back of the cockpit opening. It hits the rim about 3.5" forward of the very back of the opening. This shouldn't effect anything but worth mentioning.

2) You won't be able to use it with a standard spray skirt installed. But if you had a really baggy spray skirt or didn't plan on using one, you'd be just fine.