JEM Watercraft

I am looking to buy some patterns and build a boat to fish from. I like to fly fish in lakes and rivers here in Texas. I've never attempted building a boat before and have limited "finish" carpentry experience. Which of these boats is fishable and won't make me pull my hair out? If I were experienced I would try the Laker from what I've read. I was thinking maybe the Eno or Touring Pirogue would be a better first boat. I'm welcoming any ideas.

I own a Mitre saw, a jigsaw, a cordless drill, a palm sander, and some saw horses. What else might I need?

Thanks in advance for any advice.

i just finished a Pirogue 14-29. it is a great first boat. Easy to build and learn off of. I am about to start one of Matt's Freedom kayaks. You can see the pics of my first boat in the builders log under the title of 14-29 Pirogue Finished. You have picked the right place to buy your plans from. I must have asked a 1000 questions during my build and they were always answered.

Eno or touring pirogue should be a fine starter boat. Eno would take a bit longer because more panels.

Darrels,

Same guy here that posted first question. Looked at your boat and it looks amazing. How does it paddle/fish? What is the speed vs. stability like? How long did it take you?
Very inspiring. Trying to estimate my cost for materials before I begin something I can't afford.

Thanks,
Will

The first four questions i cant answer yet. work is getting in the way of my maiden voyage.
This being my first build and not being sure of myself it took my about 75-80 hours to complete. cost was about $350.00. Hope to go paddle and fish awhile tomorrow (maybe maybe maybe maybe maybe)

OK now i can answer your other questions. Stability was great. Considering we had a 25 MPH wing today the speed was good. If you remember you are in a narrow boat when you set the hook fishability is fine.

G'day Will and welcome aboard mate.

I built the prototype Touring Pirogue but I can't find my build thread - sorry.

Mate, these boats are quick and easy to build, the pirogue 14/29 would probably even be a little easier.

They are great fishing boats, though I don't stand in them and fly fish from them.

The pirogues are probable the easiest of all Matts boats to build with performance that well exceeds thir simplicity of design. Any of them would do the job for you,

Willy wrote: I've never attempted building a boat before and have limited "finish" carpentry experience.

I own a Mitre saw, a jigsaw, a cordless drill, a palm sander, and some saw horses. What else might I need?

Thanks in advance for any advice.

Your choice for a boat to fish from is strictly a personal choice. My self I use a pirogue , canoe or kayak depending on the area and what the water will be like , same for camping with them.

As far as experience on building one ... That is really simple... BUILD IT. I would suggest starting with one that is easy to build that you like the looks of and believe would work for you , then move on up the scale after the basic skills and understanding are there. Heck the worse thing that happens is you have a boat to use while thinking of the next one you want.

You have the major tools , throw in some rubber gloves to use with the epoxy and a pair of scissors to cut the fiberglass and you would have it. All the rest is stuff you would have around home since you work with wood. This is not rocket science , just good ole fashion wood working , about like building a model airplane or a bird house , the only difference is when you are done you have something that is a lot more fun.

I will not say it is habit forming but my wife tells me I have way to many boats to use , I think the last count was 10 or somewhere around there. Dang , she might be right.

Chuck.

I would also like to convince you, that all you need is the belief that you can do it. Its not rocket stuff Matt sees to that, the plans are easy to follow if you take the time to read them in full. The support of builders around the world will help out with any thing you wish to ask (within reason ). All you need to do is find a craft you like the look of, study Matts tutorial on glue and stiching, send off for the plans. Aquire the Plywood, fibreglass and the epoxy
and GET STUCK IN.
If you only get half the enjoyment out of your craft as i did, your in for a great time. Dont forget to take lots of photos and keep us all updated with your progress. last of all welcome to a strange worldwide mix of like minded builders, who can all remember your lack of self belief.