Working away on a Boat
Fermon Martin 5196994095
http://fermoncanoes.com
A Stroke of simplicity
places to go canoeing in ontario
Tobermory Ontario is a beautiful place to go for outdoor activities. Have you ever been there? What did you enjoy doing while you were there?
Building a Whitehall Rowboat
Fermon Martin 5196994095
http://fermoncanoes.com
A Stroke of simplicity
The Gravenhurst Boat Show
http://fermoncanoes.com
A Stroke of simplicity
Kids canoe paddle
This is a 3 ft kids paddle made for a baby gift lucky baby eh Fermon Martin 5196994095
http://fermoncanoes.com
A Stroke of simplicity
paddles
The first "Shit Creek" paddles are nearing completion at Fermon Canoes. I just wanted to carve some small paddles for my little grandsons, maybe one for myself, all modelled after an old otter-tail my dad owned. My dad was a small man, 5' 8", but, boy , he could move a lot of water with that over-sized blade. He was a forest ranger, a river-rat, a bush-whacker. His paddle now belongs to my son. The only thing dad specifically willed when he passed. He knew his grandson best exemplified his own love of finding the wild places. That old paddle is in good hands.
"Shit Creek" is a little-known subsidiary of Fermon Canoes. So little-known, in fact, that I'm not sure if Fermon himself knows. I figured, if I was going to make paddles, I might as well add to the fun, do a send-up of the old saying. You know the one. I struggled with the idea of putting that name on my grandsons' paddles. Then I thought, "might be a good way to let the boys know that, long ago when the world was young, before grampa got grumpy and old, he actually had a sense of humour". Of course, Fermon knows what I'm up to. When I told him what I wanted to do, he just laughed, with his customary good grace, and told me to go ahead. Matter of fact, when I mentioned I was going to commission a friend to make my decals, he asked me to design a decal for him and have some made. Fermon makes beautiful paddles. Much better than mine. I can't get a shaft perfectly round to save my soul, even with the advantage of routers, belt sanders, small electric planers. When I began the project, I only wanted to use a spoke-shave and/or a draw-knife, just like the grandfathers. The difficulties were nearly beyond me. Fermon suggested I use his modern tools. "My grandfathers didn't use such things," I protested. "I want to do it like they did!" Fermon, ever patient with me and my foibles, suggested that, if the grandfathers had owned such tools, they surely would have used them. "Trust me," he said. "There'll be enough hand-finishing to satisfy your grandfathers." Dangit. How come such a young man is right so often? I remember my grandfathers, work-piece between their knees, nothing but a spoke-shave in their gnarly old hands, turning out oar and paddle shafts that looked like they came off a lathe. Fermon is to the manner born. I am not, but I get by with a little help from my friend.
I truly hope I have not offended anyone with the "Shit Creek" thing. It's all in fun. Tongue-in-cheek sort of stuff. My intention is, of course, to describe another delightful experience at Fermon's shop and in his company. The paddles I have made are carved from solid planks of cherry or ash. That rascal Fermon is working on a few laminated paddles. They look really nice. Ash and cherry. I'm interested. Maybe add a bit of walnut for contrast. I'm a contrast freak, and I wonder if my chums who own boats might like a laminated "Shit Creek" paddle. I have eight decals left.
Fermon apparel
Rice Lake
My name is John Hummel. I'm the proud owner of a Rice Lake skiff, a boat I built at Fermon Martin's shop, with Fermon himself often present to advise and guide me through the rough spots. I chose the Rice Lake because it's a smallish boat, I have a cottage on a smallish lake, and I have two smallish grandsons. The only thing not smallish about the situation is the sense of accomplishment. Turned out to be a good choice. Our lake seldom really acts up, but, when she does, the Rice Lake, a short, beamy craft with a well-rounded bilge, handles the heavier going quite easily. I'm not at all reluctant to put my wee boys in that boat, common sense being always considered. At the same time, the narrow transom and the slightly raised bow give the boat a sporty, rakish look. Kind of like how the young people wear their ball caps backwards. I planned to power her with an electric motor, so I did shift the stern seat 15" forward to allow for tiller space. I also omitted the fore set of oar-locks. The basics of the plans are pretty much written in stone, but one is permitted to play with and modify the trim. The boat rows very nicely, which is a good thing when your battery dies on you, even though you could swear you left home with a full charge. The natural beauty and elegance of cedar-strip construction give this boat, any cedar-strip boat for that matter, a special distinction. When utility and function follow form and appeal, well, that's about all a person can ask. If you want a beautiful little runabout that can handle a bit of weather, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend the Rice Lake. One word of caution. Because she's a small boat and power is , according to specs, restricted to 55 lb. thrust electric or 5 h.p.gas motor. she's not fast. If you're at the far end of the lake and it starts to rain, you're going to get wet. Oh, well. A rainy day at the lake, a fishin' pole in your hand, sure beats a rainy day in town. One other thing. I used 1/2" boards for the floors, as per the plans, but would consider 5/8" if I had it to do again. That would add a bit of weight, but would result in a sturdier floor.
I will admit to a particular bias, that of having become good friends with Fermon. Not hard to do, and only makes it easier to happily endorse him, his shop, and the quality of his work. I've learned that the fraternity of boat-builders is wide-spread and cooperative. There are really very few secrets, and the over-all goal is that you have a boat that is pleasing to you and a source of pleasant pride. Fermon Martin is an outstanding example of those who share his craft. I'm trying to include a few photos of my Rice Lake and a Hiawatha canoe I built the year previous, again at Fermon's shop and under his tutelage. I'm not very good at these pictures, being a bit of an old dinosaur with my computer. If they actually come through, you'll notice that I like contrast. One of the beauties of working with cedar is that one can find strips of varying colour and intensity, making it possible to create patterns, be as expressive as you wish. This is especially true of the hardwood trim. No two boats could ever be the same. Cedar boats are the omelettes of the boat world. Create your own.
