The boat was built from a kit supplied by Allan but also built on a 'strong-back' that in many respects is just as impressive as the kits. This lightweight 'Expedition' model is the same hull shape of the other earlier DS iterations, which are still available, but is fully enclosed, and, by using 3mm Okoume plywood and an internal structure, the boat can be built to as low as 22kg weight.
My impression on seeing the first boat that Allan had built was that he'd designed a boat that ticked all off my boxes. I'd previously made a stitch-and-glue rowing skiff (to a free set of plans I'd taken off the web) which was essentially the same concept in being fully enclosed, but it was a disappointment with respect to weight, being a hassle to transport on a car-top as just getting it on and off was difficult for one person. Other than also being fully enclosed, Allan seemed to have solved all the design problems very cleverly, and produced something that was just a joy to look at (Why else own a wooden boat?).
For all rowing a longer, narrower boat is usually going to be better. For recreational use it's sensible to add some width to gain stability, but the boat length is the key to that wonderful feeling of gliding a long distance at the end of each stroke. At 5.5 metres, this DS model is a good length (a longer double version is in the pipeline), and being able to get it from home to the water and back easily, without having to resort to a trailer, a key to its getting lots of use. Despite its light-weight though, it's still a bulky thing to handle, so for a single person to manage transport a 'system' is needed, but everyone will adopt one that works best for them. I have a ute so sliding the boat on from the back in a frame I've built is easy.
I do think that this kind of rowing skiff can be used for expeditions, there is certainly more than enough volume in the front and back sections of this Expedition DS model's hull to store equipment for an extended trip, but on a true expedition a boat is going to get knocked about, so it would be necessary to make some allowances for this kind of use in construction, such as to give it a tougher bottom. Larger hatches on the front and back of the boat, such as in sea-kayaks, would also be desirable, but adding slightly to the weight and time needed for construction.
Apart from the proven DS hull shape for recreational rowing, this model has an innovation that I think is quite clever in that there is no need for a drop-in rigger and sliding-seat unit. Instead the rigger arms attach to the side of the boat in a very simple but strong way. This system takes advantage of the fully-enclosed nature of the boat with attachment 'platforms' on the sides of the cockpit, onto which each rigger arm is clamped tight with a screw-bolt. This system also provides flexibility to change the rowing position easily when either taking a passenger or not.
The Expedition DS seems well capable of overnight trips without any special customisation, something I am looking forward to trying soon. By just packing gear through the inspection ports into the sealed-off front and rear compartments, it's likely to remain dry under all conditions.
The self-draining cockpit is also a feature that I am keen to test. Other than the need to remove any water that comes over the side this is also an important safety aspect, in the event of a spill to just get back on board and start rowing again is the goal. This focus on safety through good inbuilt buoyancy and being self-draining is a feature of both the new Expedition DS and Allan's Derwent Raider design.
No comments:
Post a Comment