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.
