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Permalink Reply by Jack Rose on February 9, 2012 at 9:15pm

Quarter-inch sides seem a bit flimsy on paper, but you'll be surprised at how rigid the whole boat becomes when you wrap those sides around the frames, and how much more so when you wrap that 1/2" bottom around the frame bottoms.  All that torsion really tightens things up.

I was reminded of that just recently, when replacing the bottom on my boat.  I kept thinking that there's no way that 16 year old hull would be whitewater capable, again.  Then, I put the new bottom on, and all my worries disappeared.

And there's no question that 1/4" sides will go on easier than 1/2".  Actually, I can't imagine making that bend from the front seat to the bow with 1/2" plywood.  You'd surely need some help with that and plenty of resolve, too.

I remember obsessing over lots of water intrusion concerns when I first built my boat.  But after just a few minutes, your first time on the water, you realize just how little of your boat is actually in the water.  I've never measured it, but I'd guess no more than 2-3 inches, with most of the bow and stern completely out of the water most of the time.

Of course, if you're rowing lots of whitewater that equation changes.  But even then, it takes a pretty serious blow from a sharp rock to penetrate even a 1/4" side (spoken from experience).

So Guy, I'm not sure where you'll be using your boat, but I'm sure that 1/4" sides and a 1/2" bottom is perfect for Mike's rivers in Michigan.

So which rivers, Mike?  My wife and I bought a cabin up near Harbor Springs, a year ago.  But I spent most of last summer freshening up the 80 year old bathrooms and kitchen.  So this year I'm looking forward to learning the rivers in my new back yard.

Jack

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Permalink Reply by Guy Fredrickson on February 9, 2012 at 9:53pm

Thanks Jack.  Guy

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Permalink Reply by Michael Rosso on February 10, 2012 at 4:59am

Harbor Springs is an amazing area, Jack!   You're a lucky guy.   My wife is originally from Traverse City so we try and go up as much as possible.  The river we'll primarily be using the boat on is the Manistee.  The in-laws have a cabin right on the river just downstream from the CCC bridge (roughly about 20 mins south of Kalkaska).  The fishing is amazing there.  Last year a friend caught a 23" brown right in front of the cabin.   I suspect I'll want to try the Boardman and the Ausable rivers as well.

I don't know many 'fishing' rivers up near Harbor Springs.   I've heard of the Bear River, but that's about it.  Depending on where exactly you're at, you may not be that far of a drive from the Upper Manistee though.  Still, I hear the Fall run for Steelhead on Lake Michigan is absolutely awesome! Planning on making up for it this year.  :)

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Permalink Reply by Jack Rose on February 10, 2012 at 8:25am

Michael, a cabin on the Manistee that you don't have to pay taxes and maintenance on?  I'm thinking you're the lucky guy.

I keep reading great things about the Manistee, but it's just a bit far afield for me, 3 hours or so, though I'm sure that I'll get down there.

But the whole area is rather hallowed ground for American fly fishing and there's so much to choose from.

After all, this is where Hemingway learned to fish as a kid. And TU was invented on the Ausable.  And Len Halladay created a fly that he named after his client/buddy Judge Adams on the Boardman.

There are a few smaller rivers closer to our cabin, but between the stories I'm hearing about smallmouth on their beds in late Spring and carp cruising the flats, I'm thinking I may have to buy a heavier rod and learn about lake fishing.

Best of luck with your boat.

Jack

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Permalink Reply by Michael Rosso on February 10, 2012 at 9:14am

Ah yes!  the fabled "Adams Parachute"!   I had just heard last fall that it was developed on the Boardman.  I was lucky enough to have one when I was in Telluride fishing last Sept and it hooked a lot of browns for me!  

Yes.   I consider myself VERY lucky.  Just the fact that I consider both my wife's parents true friends would be cause enough, but the fact that they taught me how to fly fish AND provide me means to do it with relative ease I consider a blessing.  In fact, the boat I just started to build is primarily for them because of those reasons. (okay, I won't lie.  it's for me too..)

I also was just talking to the owner of The Northern Angler in Traverse City regarding fly fishing for carp and small mouth in Traverse Bay.  Sounds like a blast!   I'm gonna have to start priming the wife for a 8 or 9 weight rod/reel come this spring.  :)

Normally I would be counting the days till Spring, but with this project going I suspect it'll be here before I know it. 

Take care

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