Visa varukorgen
Design & Illustration

Frej – Ralph Merriman

Frej – Ralph Merriman

Ralph Merrimans nya Frej, lätt modfierat, är sjösatt uppe i Puget Sound i nordvästra hörnet av USA. Lika välbyggd som hans tidigare kajaker: en Njord och en Thule/2.

"Hi Bjorn:

After taking way too long to get a sailboat project out of my shop I was able to start my Frej in November. It went into the water a few weeks ago so I thought I would send the obligatory back yard beauty shots.

Although I am not particularly large I decided to make the boat a bit roomier than the plan. I am in my late 60s and I wanted more leg, knee and foot wiggle room than I might otherwise. My Njord lacks a bit in this regard, and I wanted to be happy with the boat. I added 2 CM height along the sheer and squared up the deck a bit from knees to toes. I also took out most of the swoop at the back of the cockpit to get me more lower back support. Deck height is 21.5 CM at rear of cockpit and 29.5 in front. Beam is 55 cm. So not as sleek and sexy, but comfier for an older guy (who is not quite as sleek and sexy anymore either).

I love the way it paddles. Maneuverability is wonderful. It reminds me of my white water days, when the boat needed a lot of attention. Skeg down it is quite docile. Secondary stability is very solid and reassuring, as good as I had hoped. I have not had it out in any rough stuff yet, but I am looking forward to it. Definitely a keeper.

I am staring longingly at my Panthera plans, which you were kind enough to send me. As lovely as it is I have not managed to overcome my dislike for rudders. Do you know if anyone has built one with just a skeg? I would not be surfing big ocean swells, just dealing with Puget Sound wind waves.

Thanks for the great design, and I trust I did it no great damage with my alterations."

Frej – Ralph Merriman

Kommentarer

Hi Ralph,

I refer to your Frej building post on Björn`s page; a beautiful boat by the way.

I have purchase the Frej plans and am worried a bit to fit into the boat with my legs and feet.

You have, as I understand, raised the deck by 2 cm. Did you do this overall to all forms along the sheer or only to increase space for your legs and hips?

Your response is very much appreciated.

Best regards , Wolfgang

Skriv en kommentar