Building the Vireo 14
A Michalak Prototype
by Steve Fisher

My first rowing boat. I wanted a boat I could cartop to Florida this winter. Last year we took 2 small canoes and while we got in lots of paddling they weren't ideal for fishing, thus the Vireo 14. I've built a number of boats but this was my first from Jim's plans. In spite the fact that I didn't follow his building directions (arrogance on my part) it all worked out perfectly. A very simple quick build using 1/4" luan, taped interior seams and fully glassed exterior with an additional layer of 4" 10oz tape on the keel. The bottom panels are graphite/epoxy and the upper panels are bright (for now).

Using my clunky oars I was very impressed, it moves along effortlessly. Next I plan on building a set of oars to Jim's specs. Jim doesn't approve but I plan on using a 2 hp Honda 4 stroke on occasion adding a removable transom extension to get the correct depth per his book. A very pleasant building experience. In fact I'm trying to decide what my big project will be next summer.

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