The
Planned route uses rivers and coastal waterways to pierce both
continents. Most of it is in protected waters, but getting from
North to South America will
require day passages between islands in the Caribbean. The length
of the journey is about 15,000 knotical miles and may take years to
complete. The obstacles to be overcome
or circumvented en route include numerous reservoir dams, occasional
stretches of white water, two drainage basin transfers (one of which is
highly problematic), long stretches without access to fuel, and various
day passages across open and exposed waters.
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Kobuk
is
a
shallow
draft
river
boat
powered
by
an inboard and jet drive. A
small outboard provides auxiliary power and extended cruising
range. Constructed
over a five year period, the 20' hull has mahogany frames,
marine plywood planking, and fibreglass and epoxy
sheathing. Broad in the beam and blunt in the bow,
Kobuk can carry a fair load for her small size. The hull
shape is most suitable for running on flat water and is little affected
by
current. Kobuk already has survived the Great Lakes, but it
remains to be seen whether she is
sufficiently versatile to handle the rough conditions that can be
expected in the Atlantic and the Caribbean. |
