Built the Montana Pram over 10 years ago, it was an easy build and has held up well.
Built the Montana Pram over 10 years ago, it was an easy build and has held up well.
Parn, good side of a canvas boat is that it is easy to patch, bad side is that it is easy to hole. I bowfished out of a 14' canvas canoe for years, and it was always dicy whether we'd make it back without swimming to shore for a patch job.
Washougal,
Butler's version of the Montana Pram? That is very cool. What type of ply did you use?
Very cool, it's very rewarding to fish out of a boat built by yourself. 300 bucks is about right for a one man pram. I use 3M 5200 as an adhesive sealant when asembling the chine to the sides. Easier to use and remains flexible in the joint as small light boats flex alot in the water.
This thread got my curiosity going so I e-mailed Paul Butler, explained that I wanted a flyfishing platform for two people and asked for his suggestion. Got an almost immediate reply that he would suggest the John Boat that Sagittarius62 has in mind, also in the 12 foot version.
I ordered the plans on Monday and they arrived today. Nice spiral bound booklet explains everything about building these boats in a very readable form with lots of pictures and drawings scattered throughout the step-by-step instructions that even I could follow. Included are numerous builders tips about changing the basic design to better suit your specific needs.
Since VEE is starting to have some shoulder problems that will affect her rowing her pontoon boat, this may be just the ticket for lake fishing.
Thanks for bringing it up Saggitarius62.
[This message has been edited by Ron Eagle Elk (edited 15 June 2006).]
[This message has been edited by Ron Eagle Elk (edited 15 June 2006).]
Happiness is wading boots that never have a chance to dry out.
Sagittarius62,
Saw that same Butler design a few years back in an Outdoor Life. They loved it. Good luck.
------------------
Eric "nighthawk"
American veteran and proud of it!
Sag...,
Yeah, I have a comment. I think you have a great idea here. Not just an idea but a very interesting and worthwhile project!
I looked over the site. I love the looks of that row dory too. What a cool project for a guy.
Do you plan on trailering this boat? Maybe it's small and light enough for your truck or topper?
Either way it's a great choice. Let us know how it turned out and how you use it. I'm a woodworker by hobby so this stuff just sits well with me!
Seal her up well and take the time to do a good job. Otherwise for the next 10 years you'll be looking at your mistakes and wishing you'd...!
Jeremy.
Hey Sagi,
Over the years I have probably built a
dozen or so small craft. Each was very
satisfying and at the time ideal for my
fishery. My suggestion is use the best
materials you can afford and pay a lot of
attention to detail. Measure twice and cut
once takes special meaning in boat bulding.
I know of no other project where attention
to detail is more important or rewarding.
Good luck! Warm regards, Jim
"Keep your pencil and your plane sharp!"
[This message has been edited by Jim Hatch (edited 15 June 2006).]
"..measure twice and cut once"...
Evidently Jim you don't have one o' them there "wood stretchers" eh?
Me neither. Too 'spensive!
Jeremy.
Guys, I guess one of the great things about those Butler boats in their simplicity. No nails or screws. It's all held together with epoxy. From what I gather from the plans book, it's a rough cut, trim it up after it's assembled kind of deal. Perfect for the first time boat builder, or woodworker for that matter.
Happiness is wading boots that never have a chance to dry out.
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