RandomChimp

I made a crude model representing the general idea of the modular boat in solo configuration.

Solo configuration with low bow and "alligator tail" stern.

Some changes to the planned dimensions have to be made, including more consideration of what the crew space should be… otherwise it’ll get mighty long. Current scale works out to a 17′ boat in solo config. I can probably cut that down a bit.

Slightly more "V" than the Adirondack, but similar profile otherwise

Borrowing from the first boat-building preparation, I’ve pulled one of the stations I cut and trimmed it for a “reference” piece.  It’ll be the profile for all mating surfaces in the modules.  It has similar contours to my current Adirondack, just a bit narrower.  Obviously, I expect it’ll be a bit less stable than than the Wenonah, but not crazy.

Actually the first thing I physically did was resurrect a portion of the old 17′ strongback from plan 1… A section long enough for the modules I think.

Module-sized should conflict less with the garage pole than the 17' original attempt

Also, I’ve been researching construction material options.  I’ve contacted some resin vendors and it sounds like there are a few good candidates for epoxy systems.  They should be compatible even with polystyrene foam.  The only major shortcoming is UV resistance, so painting will be a requirement afterwards.  I have to plan out some more of the structural features (attachments, controls, seating, storage, etc), but I at least feel like I’ve got a start now.

Ok, here are some of the ideas I’ve been mulling regarding the boat plan.  The gist is that it be made of modules that get attached together to form a boat.

1. I have a book about building kevlar canoes. It describes a process using the blue foam available at home improvement stores to make a male mold over which you layer fiberglass and kevlar to build a boat. I’m thinking more along the lines of actually sandwiching the foam between a layer of fiberglass and kevlar/fiberglass for better buoyancy.
2. I’d like to make the bow module more kayak like.  One of the most difficult situations in handling a canoe on a long haul is in high wind.  You can blow every last calorie of energy keeping a wind-pushed boat going the desired direction down the river.  So I’d like to make the bow low-cut with minimal profile, a covered,deck, and with a rising portion at the tip for mounting a light and cutting waves so the spray goes to either side rather than in the face of the bowman.
3. Center modules should be standardized and canoe like with adjustable seats and foot braces for efficient, comfortable endurance paddling.  I’m thinking high enough sides and shallow-arch hulls with adequate tumblehome akin to what you’d find on a traditional canoe like my Adirondack.
4. There could even be a separate “gear module” for containing supplies.
5. The rear module is probably the most complex.  When ultramarathon canoing, using paddle strokes other than a power stroke has a cost in energy and diminished physical endurance.  J-strokes are darn near forbidden.  C-strokes are typically the main means of steering.  Sea kayaks have rudders to handle steering.  So my thought is an “alligator tail” to make a more smooth way to steer without specialized paddle strokes.  It’d be more like the tail section of the canoe changing shape to affect direction rather than a sudden rudder at the end.  It seems smoother in my mind than a traditional rudder, if more challenging to fabricate.  I figure it could also be low-profile like the bow for reduced wind effect.

So those are my starting ideas.  Now if only I knew any mechanical or aerospace or other engineering type people…   One obvious challenge is joining the modules together.  And would the layer of foam in between the glass/kevlar layers make it more or less rigid?  What other problems am I missing?  Is the “alligator tail” actually better than a conventional rudder?  Lemme know your thoughts!

Once upon a time I accumulated, in my garage, an assortment of tools I believed I would use to make beautiful things of wood… furniture, toys, nicknacks. I read the techniques of masters of carpentry and took care to adjust the equipment I’d gathered. But I didn’t make much. I made a few amateurish items, boxes and such. Despite the lack of fine artful projects, the tools did go to good use, just in more of a general DIY home repair and remodel context. I yearned to make something more significant.
I also wanted to improve my physical fitness.
I identified a way these two desires could overlap: I could build a wooden canoe suitable for local lakes and river floats. I bought the plans. I made the strongback, barely fitting it in the garage. I made the stations for the mold. But I never got any farther than that. My workshop is a garage and I sometimes have to put cars in it. The strongback made moving around the garage extra challenging as it was almost as long as the useable area in any direction. I had other things to do. My wood supplier stopped supplying wood. I had excuses.
So when the opportunity presented itself, I bought a canoe, a nice 16-foot Royalex Wenonah Adirondack. It’s suitable for river or lake use, solo or tandem. It’s been a joy to use. And then Missouri Conservationist published an article about the Missouri River 340, the longest non-stop canoe/kayak river race in the world, right here in my own state. I mentioned it to Alex who seemed eager to give it a shot with me for the 2009 race. Alas, cancer cut that plan short. Adam rose to the challenge of teaming with me, but a fortuitous opportunity to start a family made the timing wrong. I was thrilled when, to my surprise, Rachel agreed to do it with me. We began preparing in earnest with some good runs on the river in preparation (and workouts on the Paddlesizer 2009 MkIII). Our actual run in the race didn’t go as well; a failure of my metabolism and nutritional decision making stopped me at the 50 mile mark. But it was a start.
For the next year’s race, Carrie agreed to join me. We both prepared even better and I was ready to incorporate the lessons from the previous attempt. And then rain. Lots and lots of rain. The river levels caused the race to be postponed, an insurmountable problem given the vacation and childcare arrangements needed to make a week-long race doable.
The race had become my boating focus for two years, leading, so far, to disappointments. So I needed to diversify my interest in canoeing beyond just this race.
I’m back to the notion of building a boat.
Of course, I’m not dropping the MR340 out of sight. I’m hoping to incorporate it into my building plans.
Here’s the concept:
I want to build a modular boat that is suitable for Missouri River trekking. It should combine the best attributes of canoes and kayaks. It should be configurable as a solo boat or a tandem or even team boat. I’m looking at doing it using kevlar/fiberglass construction.
I have lots of ideas and lots of things I don’t know yet. I’m hoping you can help. I’ll post some of the ideas I’ve come up with soon. I invite your suggestions and sparks of brilliance. Ultimately I invite your hands-on help if you’re interested, and should you be so inclined, your participation in putting the end product to use.