toddeppley Posted November 27, 2015 Report Share Posted November 27, 2015 I have seen a few photos around of builders that have made their own foot rests from wood. Does anyone here have any ideas, drawings, patterns, plans etc.. that I could follow to build a set for a Free B that my brother and I are building for a Christmas gift? Thanks for any help on this matter. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Action Tiger Posted November 27, 2015 Report Share Posted November 27, 2015 I'm pretty computer dumb, or I would put a link or what all, but use the search thing up there. A couple of guys have made some cool ones and posted photos here. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kudzu Posted November 27, 2015 Report Share Posted November 27, 2015 I am one of those guys that will rarely buy a jig of fixture for the shop. I would rather just make it. But when it comes to footrests, I have decided you can't beat a commercial set and not because I sell them. There are some nice ideas out there and I have seen a few ideas that really impress me. But the effort and time to make a properly working set far exceeds the cost of a commercial set in my mind. Most I have seen are not anywhere near as good as commercial unit and do not adjust in small increments. Not trying to talk anyone out of making them if they want, but after trying a few sets until something better comes along all my boats, included clients boats, get SeaLect designs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hirilonde Posted November 27, 2015 Report Share Posted November 27, 2015 Here are some photos of the ones I made for my wife's Freebie 12. They work quite well, they were amusing to dream up and tweak until they actually worked, but I won't ever bother to do it again. I drew no plans, so this is the only record of it. Basically the line to the cockpit fights against the shock chord going forward to hold the footrests where you set them. But when you actually use them, your foot pressure binds the footrest onto the oak runner, hence it does not slip or exert a pull on the line. The cleats in the 3rd picture are of Meranti lashed to the frame at the for end of the cockpit just inside and outboard of the opening. If you find the idea of doing it alone to possibly be amusing, then go for it. Otherwise I suggest just buying Jeff's. Don't do it to save money. Even at peanuts per hour your time is worth more. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
woodman Posted November 28, 2015 Report Share Posted November 28, 2015 I have put these in a few of my boats. ....https://www.flickr.com/photos/mo_kayaks/albums/72157632150588548 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
toddeppley Posted November 30, 2015 Author Report Share Posted November 30, 2015 Thank you all for the input. I definitely like the idea of keeping it all wood but on the other hand plastic is for ever. So plastic it is Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andy00 Posted November 30, 2015 Report Share Posted November 30, 2015 Tod(d): Good decision. I agree with Kudzumeister Jeff. This parallels my philosophy on boat building in general, i.e., building a boat is worthwhile if a mass produced boat fulfilling your needs is not available. There is no mass-produced boat with all the advantages of a SOF kayak, so I built one; however, mass-produced foot rests fill the bill, so my SOF boat has them. Fair winds, Andy 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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