The JAM 8 Wooden Kayak

Paddling JAM8 hull #2 on the French Broad River in Tennessee

Launching the latest boat (not quite finished here) 5 Sept., 1998

During the fall of 1994, I helped construct the first of what was to become a fairly popular series of 8 foot wooden boats.  Design was completed using Plyboats software and countless paper models were made until just the right hull shape was achieved.  The goal was to develop a comfortable, light-weight and easy to paddle kayak that could easily be car-topped and stored in a dorm room or apartment.  Ease of construction and low cost were also important criteria.  The designer succeeded on all counts.

By the following year my roommate and I were building our own kayaks in our living room.  I have enjoyed paddling mine over lakes and rivers of Tennessee, North Carolina, and South Carolina.  The boat's launching was been published in Wooden Boat magazine and many sets of plans have been sold.

For more information about the boat or to order plans, contact the designer at [email protected].

Paddling up the Little River in the Great Smoky Mountains

Contact me at [email protected]