Angler's Pack

Ashes drew the Angler's Pack as an answer to the sit-on-top fishing kayak rather than to other pack canoes. She is 13 ft long and a broad 33 in, with shallow arch sections that give high initial stability and let a small boat carry up to about 320 pounds. The hull is symmetrical, which means the seat sits just aft of centre and there is no room for a shaped yoke; Ashes suggests carrying her on the shoulders from the seat front or over one shoulder like a kayak.

She is built for slow water and stillness: protected lakes, estuaries, canals and creeks, for anglers, photographers and birdwatchers. Very little rocker makes her track straight and feel secure to a beginner, but it also means moving swell and current lines need an experienced hand. A double paddle works, though her width makes a single blade the more comfortable choice. Cedar strip, full size patterns, no building manual included.