The Launch

It was out at Marina59 in the Rockaways that we came to launch the kayaks. Here’s a report-back:

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Hello Boatbuilders!

Thank you all for contributing to this heroic effort! We successfully built and launched two boats in a week. It was great to have all of your help and hard work in making it happen. I wish everyone could have been there to see the boats off. For those of you who couldn’t make it out to Marina 59 on Saturday, let me fill you in with what we learned…

#1. Despite all our talk about “center of buoyancy” vs. “center or gravity” and “primary vs. secondary stability” yada-yada-yada, they were a little tippy. (full disclosure: I went in the drink twice.) For those of you who plan on building one of your own (and I am one of you), I think we can do better. Fundamentally, if the design is altered to make the shape a little flatter on the bottom, I think we can make them real comfortable-like. The digital model I showed you all during the workshop can easily be modified and new drawings can be printed out, so it will be easy to make the modifications before new parts get cut.

#2. The fundamental construction method worked! The shape can be changed, but I am really happy to know that bamboo, zip-ties, and canvas are totally viable boat-building materials. The one boat that got painted stayed totally dry. The other one that I brushed automotive wax onto and heated up with a hot-air gun (!) also worked pretty well. It took on water for a few minutes (about an inch or two worth), but once the canvas soaked up some water and the fibers swelled, it totally stopped taking on water for the rest of the night. They stayed in the water overnight, and were waiting for another trip out in the marina the next day.

#3. I have a plan (or two) for making the boats we already built even more awesome–and less tippy. (See #1). In fact, we were able to put one into effect on Saturday with great success. By lashing the two kayaks together with an oar and a piece of wood I found (with zip-ties of course), we made a great little catamaran. By the end of the night, we had a couple of groups of four paddle out into the inky darkness–sitting high on the boats, casually conversing about the sea as they faced each other on opposite sides of the cockpits. I think with canoe paddles, you could really get around that way.

#4. The kayaks are back home at the Studio, and ready for the the other plan to make them more awesome. Don’t worry. It’ll be easy, I swear. In a word: outriggers. Two bamboo poles, a little foam or balsa (I got a line on some), and some zip-ties, and we will have two sweet polynesian-style proas with outriggers. If anybody wants to schedule a time to take one out, please let us know.

#5. One last thing. With Dylan’s help on Saturday, we also have perfected the art of plywood and bamboo paddles. You should come see them. They are rad. Don’t be fooled by those fancy store-bought boats and paddles. We don’t need ’em.

Thanks again, and please let us know if you want plans or want to borrow a boat. We will be happy to help get you out there.

Also, send us pictures! Here are some great ones from Dylan. Enjoy.

-The Mare Liberum Collective

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Yoke

Dylan