Boats as art
On Nov 17, 11:19 pm, wrote:
On Nov 17, 11:14 pm, Frogwatch wrote:
On Nov 17, 10:53 pm, wrote:
On Nov 17, 7:28 pm, Jim wrote:
Boater wrote:
Frogwatch wrote:
I agree with HK that strip canoes are very pretty. I disagree over
practicality. OTOH, I have seen several boats that in the end were
not really meant to ever be used, One was a variation on the
Stevenson projects "Weekender" that was astonishing to look at with
varnish so clear and deep it looked like a hologram. Every detail was
done right with cabinetry of such high quality that it was exquisite.
She was on display as an example of the boatmakers art and had never
seen water and probably wouldn'. Many strip canoes are like that,
once built, they are too perfect to be used. Would you really want to
be on a canoe trip with one, the obsession over not scratching it
would make you nutso.
Around here, in summer, the river banks are lined with hornet nests
every 3' and you get into one you have a choice of paddling like hell
and running yer boat over logs or jumping out into the gator infested
water or running into the weeds where the snakes drop into the boat.
A strip canoe will not stay pristine for more than an hour.
I believe a well used boat is a happy boat that inspires memories.
Strip or canvas over strip canoes are practical in the appropriate
waters. There are many lakes where using one can be a real pleasure.
I never recommended one for general use in areas where it might be
subject to being banged up.
The problem, of course, is that this newsgroup is infested with assholes
who look for something, anything, even in possibly interested on topic
subjects, they can use to post their usual lowbrow insults.
I don't mean you, not in this instance.
We used to canoe when I was a kid on a couple of really nice Connecticut
lakes. Lake Zoar was one of them. I have no recollection of banging up
the Old Town cedar and canvas canoes we were using. This was well before
the days of plastic canoes. There were plenty of aluminum canoes, of
course, but jesus they were ugly. And noisy.
Those stripper canoes are more of a furniture item than a practical
boat. One would look nice on Wayne's lawn but still would need
maintenance to keep it looking good.- Hide quoted text -
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A decent strip canoe can take a beating and can be used in pretty wild
conditions.. Just cause it's pretty doesn't mean it's wimpy...
My 12 yr old daughter has decided she wants a "sit on" type kayak
instead of a "sit in" one so I will prob buy her a plastic one instead
of building one. Like I need more boats.- Hide quoted text -
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Be sure not to get sucked into the trap of a 10-12 footer. They just
won't perform and she will get bored and tired fast. Look for
something 14 feet or longer. The longer the better, but I suspect you
already know that.. Just makin' sure..
I really DONT know about kayak length because I cannot sit in a kayak
too easily (legs too long) so have not paid any attention to them.
Tell me about kayak length. Why do they sell those really tiny 6'
ones? Around here turning is critical in swampy areas with lots of
branches so too much length is bad I think (although it has never been
an issue for the 18' Grumman canoe). I also worry about her being so
exposed to gators but I s'pose that is just me being an over
protective dad.
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