Comment

Comment by Tom Martin on October 17, 2009 at 9:00pm

Hi Mike, we are using 3/8" Hydrotek marine grade plywood. Fulmer used the same thickness marine ply. And yes, we have uncovered a large collection of original photos of this boat from the 1950's Grand canyon river trips. I'll post a composite we just made. Yours, tom

Comment by Tom Martin on July 6, 2009 at 12:29pm

Hi Jeff, yes, the rower faces to stern. This boat is based on a 1940's Woodie Hindmen design. While Woodie turned around later in the 1940's, Fulmer, the guy who built this boat, didn't know that. So yes, this will be pushing with the transom downriver.

As to the oarlocks, the original boat was pushed into the Colorado River just above Lava Falls, and was not seen again for six whole years till low water in Lake Mead allowed the boat to emerge from the depths. Somewhere along that six year journey most of the deck was ripped off, the transom was deformed, and the oar locks ripped off. Your guess is as good as mine as to what-rocks-where were responsible for the damage.

For more of the story, read the blog at my home page on this web site. yours, tom

Comment by Jeff Peak on July 6, 2009 at 10:05am

Looks like the rowers back is facing what I might call a bow? I've come across this debate once before somewhere...Fletcher's book maybe? My guess is you'll be pushing a lot, with the transom downstream?

Do you know why both oarlock sections are ripped out in the original? One on-river accident?

Comment by Tom Martin on June 29, 2009 at 6:43am

Thanks Greg. This forum has been invaluable while working on this project, and your encouragement is most appreciated. yours, tom

Comment by Greg Hatten on June 29, 2009 at 6:04am

Very cool shot - love the side by side pic.
You're making great progress!! Well done.
Greg H