cedarcroft Posted April 20, 2015 Report Share Posted April 20, 2015 I have been building, in desultory fashion, one of Jeff's Messabout designs. I have built boats over the last few years but this is my first with lashed frame and will be my first with a sewn skin. New skill sets! Anyway, today was a big day: the frame is finished, off the strongback, and outside where the oil can dry. The stringers are Sitka spruce and the floors are clear Western Red Cedar. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Action Tiger Posted April 21, 2015 Report Share Posted April 21, 2015 Very pretty. Those floorboards are especially lovely. The sewing of the skin is bittersweet, but an exciting task. There goes all your pretty wood... but, look at your new boat! Congratulations on your new frame. I look forward to seeing your new boat, too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cedarcroft Posted April 21, 2015 Author Report Share Posted April 21, 2015 Got the foot braces mounted today and another coat of oil on the frame. I was thinking about the seat back for the Messabout. Given the boat is intended for "messing about in," seems like a little taller seat back--something you could really relax into--would be desirable. Particularly with the low aft deck of the Greenland-style boats, the normal back band ends up hitting pretty much at the small of your back. Nothing for upper back support. Here's my other Greenland kayak (a Tom Yost design) and while it's fun to paddle, I'm looking for something a big more comfy! At the same time, I don't want to ruin the "look" of the boat, as I think a big, plastic SOT-style seat would do. Any ideas or suggestions? I'd be particularly interested if someone has done something in wood. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
von Posted April 22, 2015 Report Share Posted April 22, 2015 Try this link for traditional wood canoe seats with back rests. I particularly like the bucket version. Looks like it might fit in the mess about. http://www.edscanoe.com/caac.html Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TArthur7190 Posted April 22, 2015 Report Share Posted April 22, 2015 I remember some time back someone took a plastic lawn chair and cut the legs off it and was going to use it in a kayak..didn't look too bad, he painted it to match kayak. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kudzu Posted April 23, 2015 Report Share Posted April 23, 2015 Each to his own, but I find the high placement of the a back band comfy enough. Anything to tall will get in the way of getting your but up on the back deck when needed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mitchmellow Posted April 24, 2015 Report Share Posted April 24, 2015 Here's a blogspot for the plastic chair idea: http://justyakkin2.blogspot.com/2011/04/reduce-reuse-recycle.html. I tend to agree with Jeff: if you have support in the low back region you're good to go. Upper back support doesn't make me more comfortable. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Action Tiger Posted April 25, 2015 Report Share Posted April 25, 2015 Tight hamstrings make for sore lower backs. So do weak abs. Especially as we get older... Stretch and work that core! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mitchmellow Posted April 26, 2015 Report Share Posted April 26, 2015 Amen, brother! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
woodman Posted April 29, 2015 Report Share Posted April 29, 2015 I built wood seats for my first kayak.... Never again....Foam, is the only way to go, carve your own .....Once you get it right you can paddle for hours with no pain.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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