Moccasin 2 Versus Flyfisher

[potomac]

I am starting a new canoe build and am looking for the most stable platform available. There will be a three year old on board and I'd like to have him be able to move around a bit without us going over. We'll be using this in the Florida Intracoastal and encountering speed boats at times, also going against the tide at times. I had considered going another direction like the Oughtred Acorn 15, but I like the idea of something very light and cartoppable. Total weight to carry is about 225 lbs. with two passengers and gear, but the little one is growing.

[Gordy Hill]

I built a Moccasin and a Flyfisher. Both were wonderful, but my 240 pounds was a too much for the Moccasin and just about max for the Flyfisher. I'm thinking of building a Moccasin 2 next. With the young one aboard you'll appreciate a little more boat, and the trade off is minimal as far as cost and weight go.

[Slipperhead]

Gordy,

I'm building a Flyfisher now. Did you glass yours? I'm thinking about glassing the outside or perhaps just the bottom to give some abrasion resistance around the ramp and the beach.

Any surprises pop up during your build?

thanks in advance,

Garland Hanson

Midlothian, VA

[Gordy Hill]

Garland,

I built mine pretty much as planned. I think if I were to add glass, I'd keep it as light as possible. There's a trade off, for sure, but the lightness of the boat is truly amazing. I always considered adding buoyancy chambers in the ends, but never got past trying to design something that looked right. Swamped, the boat has enough buoyancy to carry a short verbal message.

Enjoy your build.

Post pictures.

Lots of pictures.

Gordy