Nonpareil Touring Pirogue H2
- $1,700
- 15' x 29"
- Ideal load capacity 145-315lbs
- 44lbs net weight (Est.)
- Completed to a high standard of materials, fit, and finish
- Materials: BS1088 Marine Ply, Poplar trim, Oak bow-stem, 6oz. fiberglass cloth, Marine Epoxy, Marine paint, Marine Varnish, Graphite bottom coat, Chemical-resistant plastic ports, Brass hardware
- Watertight compartments with 6" access ports
- Bow and stern, braided poly strap with leather carry handles
- Non-Skid interior
- Car-toppable
- Recommended seating: type IV flotation cushion (not included)
- Service warranty: One re-coat of graphite bottom and one recoat of varnish UV protection with instructions to maintain in the future. Recommended after 1-2 seasons of use.
- Limited warranty: Covers defects in workmanship. Repair or replace at the discretion of foot on the sea.
- see previous entries (below) for construction details

WARNING! Participating in activities in or near the water puts you at risk of injury, drowning, and death. Always wear an approved PFD and make certain that it has been properly fitted and adjusted. Do not expose yourself to water areas, situations, or conditions that are beyond your level of experience and skill. Always be aware that water and weather conditions may change rapidly. Do not participate in water activities when lightning may occur. Small boats are highly sensitive to load weight and load distribution, Use caution to prevent capsize or sinking. Watertight compartments are for dry storage and do not prevent capsize or sinking.

View from astern:


Detail of stern:


Detail of bow:


Fish-eye view:


Fish-eye view:


Detail of thwart and non-skid interior


Detail of interior:

The 15' x 29" (Max Beam), nonpariel Pirogue designed by Matt Langenfeld of JEM Watercraft launched for trials at a popular bend along the Harpeth river. This hull style continues to prove itself as a fast and stable paddler for 1-2 adults. The sealed end compartments provide several cubic feet of dry storage and are convenient place for swim towels, phones, shoes, and wallets. The initial trial was a success and the hull is now undergoing the final varnish coats to protect the unpainted areas of epoxy from UV light.

Detail of forward compartment:


Detail of stern deck:


The oak bowstem is shaped into a horn at the nose. This will provide a saddle for the bow carry handle (not shown) that will thread the bow through-hole. The horn will lift the nylon and leather handle, keeping it from dangling low while under way. The stern is also fitted for a carry handle.


Trial day on the Harpeth, friends in Hull#1:

H2's hull has been sheathed outside and in, and the compartment bulkheads, gunnels, thwarts, and decks have been installed. The bow-deck coaming is shown rough-shaped prior to finishing and fastening. Next, the decks will be glassed and the poplar gunnels and thwarts finished and sealed.



The interior has been painted with Petit's sandstone and includes System-Three's non-slip additive along the belly. The compartment interiors have been painted with Kirby's cream and the rough openings for the hatches and through-fittings have been fully prepped.


Coming up will be applying bottom paint for the exterior and varnish throughout.

Hull #2 is a 15' x 29" (Max Beam), nonpariel Pirogue Designed by Matt Langenfeld of JEM Watercraft. Matt's Pirogues are nonpariel, shallow-"V" bottom, shallow-draft paddlers that seem to combine the best of Canoe carrying capacity, Kayak agility, and Pirogue stability. The wood-core/fiberglass/epoxy construction is stronger and weighs less than a comparable fiberglass or plastic production boat with the added benefit of beautiful wood-grain. This Car-Toppable Pirogue floats in 2-3 inches of water when loaded with 1 adult. The smooth, shallow "V" bottom tracks and turns well and slides off submerged limbs and rocks nicely. It will carry up to two adults comfortably in sheltered water, with several days worth of stores and fishing, hunting, or observation equipment plus room for the dog (however, best performance is achieved with a load under 200 lb.). The smooth bow entry and tapered transom gives a very "stealth" footprint and a smooth, quiet paddle unlikely to spook wary fish and wildlife. When it comes to weight distribution, the Pirogue is much more forgiving than a traditional Kayak or Canoe making it a better choice for paddling with pets or small children (Always wear PFD).

Hull #2 is being modified to incorporate watertight compartments at each end topped with extended decks over the bow and stern. The compartments will provide dry-storage and reserve floatation should the boat capsize. Hull #2 also incorporates a hardwood stem at the bow for added collision protection and a secure tie-down point for car-topping.

Hull#2, looking forward from stern


Hull#2, looking forward from stern