Thursday, March 2, 2017
Foldable Canoe
A few years ago, someone create a foldable layak called Oru. Very cool and useful.I believe, the same people have now developed a foldable canoe. Also very cool.
 |
| MyCanoe |
When Oru came around, they only had one model. Now they have many models, and most of them are SOLD OUT. A proof that many people like the portability, lightweight and ease of storage of these contraptions.
At the time, I actually developed for fun some plans for a foldable Kayak. I only went so far as creating a paper version of it. It seemed decent enough.
With the winter still upon me here in Simcoe county (Ontario, Canada), I think its time to dust off this plan. So, at the next free weekend (when I can no longer ice fish!), maybe I'll finally build / fold it. If its any decent, I will OpenSource the plans. As I have a hard time justifying $1000 on a foldable kayak when it's basically made from at the most $30 of Coroplast?!
I'll keep you posted.
Friday, January 6, 2017
How about portable boats?
Well, its cold and full of snow here. A couple years ago, I came across the site PortableBoat plans by Ken Simpson's of Arizona. |
| 1-Sheet Wedge |
So, I think, just for fun this winter, I may just build the 1 sheet wedge that he has...could be fun to go fishing and go through the canals around here.
His plans comes with tuns of fun options...you can even increase its length for a second occupant. You could row it, use a trolling motor and even create a sail version.
Check his stuff out, he has a lot of neat stuff and he uses a very cheap and proven building methodology. No epoxy here.
I'll keep you updated!
Cheers!
Thursday, January 5, 2017
Living the Vendée Globe through The Godforsaken Seas
As the Vendée is in progress, I am also reading one of the best book documenting the 1996 Vendée Globe race.
This not something I would do, for me sailing is about visiting places, and racing is usually in teams, more fun to me.
Regardless, I admire the people that have the guts to do it and the stamina as well.
This is a great book about the process of many people going around the world alone. It is also a book for anyone, no need to understand sailing, everything is very well explained.
Cheers!
Tuesday, December 20, 2016
Its not a drag: the foiling craze is officially upon us
It started innocently enough, 20-30 years ago, it was proven that boats could move faster and with less power with foils. This was first and still is applied to many ferry crossing boats (I think of the ones in the greek islands).
But as far as foiling with wind power, this is relatively recent.
The Moths, starting about 10 years ago, I want to say 2015, have done more for foiling that any other boat. And made wind geek like drool of envy.
Then, America's Cup of 2013 made it legit and mainstream, and I admit much more interesting than keelboat racing.
Finally, now it appears that there is a boat for the rest of us, the Waszp! Definitely on my toy list!
Do read here for actual good and fail history of foiling with wind.
Fair winds!
Thursday, November 24, 2016
She's got the legs and knows how to use them!
No kidding! |
| Leggy Lady! |
I dont know how I came across this, the wonders of the interwebs...well it turns out a Kiwi company make boats with legs. We heard of amphibian, but they usually look like cars. This is a boat that grows and retracts legs as needed to launch or when done.
I have no affiliation with this company, just impressed, also check out the youtube videos, fun to watch too!
Neato!
Tuesday, November 15, 2016
Homemade houseboat crossed the Atlantic
An interesting story really. A houseboat crossed from Newfoundland Canada to Ireland. |
| Rough looking, but strong enough |
There are a lot more details here and here.
The question is whether the builder Rick Small was in it. No one's sure. But his creation was strong enough to make it across, pretty amazing, really.
I suspect we'll find out soon.
Tuesday, November 1, 2016
Before the flood - quick review
Leonardo DiCaprio took three years to complete this documentary called Before the flood about the alrady ongoing climate change crisis.
It is actually quite positive as it shows the various problems and also, as opposed to doom and gloom also shows positive. Best example is when he visits Elon Musk's Giga factory and is told that 100 of these would provide all the power needed for the planet. And it's and his reaction is "That's it". It is doable!
You can watch it for free on YouTube and other services.
Thanks Leonardo!
