John's Spring Run

The position of carrying loop holes were marked on each end of the boat, and small end-pours of epoxy and microballoons were made using a temporary dam from a plastic milk carton.

The exact positioning of the hole allowed for very small end pours.  After the hull and deck were joined, I added an ounce or two of an epoxy-microballoon slurry end-pour to seal the ends. 

The underside of the deck was covered with 4 ounce e-glass cloth.  The cloth was applied in two parts: From the bow to the rear of the cockpit recess, and from the stern to the front of the cockpit recess.  Thus, the cockpit area has a double layer of cloth for more strength.  

Hatch rims were made form fiberglass and graphite cloth.  A strip of graphite cloth was added behind the cockpit for extra strength, but this probably isn't needed since a wood bulkheads was later added at this location. 

The bulkheads were shaped from form stations, and rough pit to the boat before gluing the hull and deck together.

The coaming rim was made from thin strips of 1/8" thick mahogany, 3/8" wide.  

A messy process, dealing with long, sticky pieces of coaming rim.  The cockpit area was masked off to contain the mess. 

We've fast-forwarded to the outfitting of the boat.  I really like my Guillemot seat and backrest, so I went with the same on this boat.  

Just another shot of the cockpit. 

I installed Yakima footbraces, as they seem to hold their position better under tougher conditions such as rolling and racing.

This is the finished boat!  I am so proud.

Rear view.

My friend Steve tries the boat on it's first day in the water.  The Spring Run tracks very well, and had no significant weathercocking in moderate winds. 

The primary stability is a little weak, but the rounded bottom provides good secondary stability and a low paddler center of gravity.  It rolls okay, but not as easily as my Guillemot.  I will add inside knee braces to make the rolling a little easier. 

This will be a fun boat, and one I will enjoy for camping, winter paddling, and to loan to new kayakers.