Synergy Boatworks

Length: 7' - 4"

Width: 32" at sheer

Weight: ~23 pounds

Capacity: 200 pounds

The JAM 8 embodies what we do here at Synergy which is to create unique boats unavailable in the commercial or home built marketplace.  The JAM 8 was designed when I was a graduate student and at the time I had wanted a small kayak to get on the water with a minimal expense.  My situation drove a design that is easy and inexpensive to build, low hassle to get on the water.  The JAM is a light boat built of wood weighing in between 19 and 27 pounds depending on the construction details. The lightweight makes it easy to carry, transport and launch.  A memorable paddle with my wife was walking down the to the launch ramp with our boats slung on our shoulders passing a group a of four people struggling to unload kayaks from the rooftops of cars, we walked passed them, threw our boats in the water and paddled off.  Over the years the JAM boats have taken us and our friends down class 2 rapids, through salt marshes, around lakes and into all sorts of nooks and crannies not accessible by other boats.

The Jam offers:

1.     A kayak you can build between $150 and $250

2.     A boat where you can launch in minutes, anywhere, by yourself

3.     A boat you can keep in your closet

4.     A stable design that without experience you can paddle without any practice.

The design is not totally perfect (none are!).  Due to its length, it is suited for smaller paddlers under 200 pounds

The JAM is constructed from 2 sheets of  3 or 4 mm plywood.  The parts are cut out and stitched together with wire.  The boat is then glued together using epoxy, a high strength glue.  The construction time takes about 40 hours depending on how fancy you want the boat( I had one hanging in my living room)

My sister and her husband convinced me that anyone can build a JAM.  I had given them a boat as a wedding gift and they had decided to build another one so they could paddle together.  I sent them the full size plans and instruction manuals and they, with no real woodworking experience launched CLAM after six months of on and off work.

JAM Kudos

The JAM was published in the "Launchings" section of WoodenBoat as well as the "One of Kind" section of Sea Kayaker magazine.

It was also a cover story in BoatBuilder Magazine.

You can do it too! 

The 23 page instruction manual that includes everything you need to build the boat is available for download.  The detailed manual has successfully guided first time boat builders through the construction process numerous pictures and illustrations as well as material and tool lists. 

 

The manual is free upon email request to jam8manual. 

Full Size Plans for the JAM 8

The FULL SIZE PLANS cost just $50(which includes shipping and handling). The full size plans take out the time consuming step of drawing out all of the pieces getting you to the fun of assembly.  The plans are shipped rolled not folded so you so not have to fight the creases.   Ordering instructions are below.

Please send check or money order to:

Edward Sutt

Synergy Boatworks

294 Cameo Drive

Danville,CA 94526