Well, I finally started my canoe build! I went to Menards and Kinkos after work this morning to pick up copies of my plans and materials for forms and strongback.

I used two sheets of 3/4 inch industrial grade partical board for the forms. I clamped the two sheets together and then spray glued each cutout to the top of the two sheets. I cut the forms, and then went to work on a strongback. I decided to do a simple 2X4 strongback, finished dimensions 4.5" wide X 3.5" high X 16' long. Then I made a couple T's 39 inches tall for the stands and used the left over partical board for the T triangles. Ripped another 2X4 in half for station cleats, screwed into place, snapped a chalk center line on them after mounting, and then screwed the forms to them.

Now I gotta find a supplier for my wood, but a good start anyway.

The man who taught me how to build said most people will build 3 canoes. First one you sell/give away because you learned on it, made a few mistakes. SEcond one you build for a friend. Third one you keep.
My observations are some folks will build one and never build another. Then there are those(myself included)that start building and will never stop. That half the fun always another design, solo or tandem, always thinking 3 boats ahead.
Welcome to the brotherhood, may you be like that last group.
CB

I kinda regret donating my 3 strong backs and 3 sets of forms. But at the same time I know that each time I do a better job.

Come on Bannock, you know deep down you want to build another.

Bumabu

Good luck with your project.

I am sure, as you go along, you will have your good days and bad. Most of mine have been GOOD +. But there were days where I found myself totally frustrated with my work....... After a good night's sleep, I returned and found the work didn't look 'half-bad'.

These canoes are addictive. Finding good materials can be frustrating (but gratifying when the right piece of wood is found). I am over the hump on my first build, and in my mind I think "what next"?

Cheers

quote Cedarboy: "Come on Bannock, you know deep down you want to build another.
"

Absolutely!!! That's why I regret getting rid of my strongbacks and forms. I'd really like to build another 38 Special. I'd also like to build another "Tradition". The Tradition is a 17' tandem which was in the the Canoe & Kayak Magazine book, "How to Build a Strip Canoe". It's an all-purpose canoe similar to the wenonah SpiritII, and is a nice BWCA canoe.

Good Luck. You will do fine. I am hoping to start mine next fall.

Good to hear Bannock
Always 2 boats ahead I downloaded plans from NWC for a Northwest Passage solo today. Am looking at bumping it up 4.4% for a "44 Magnum". Stations at 12.5 inches instead of 12.
My 38 special was bullet fast but I want more/some rocker.
CB

quote Cedarboy: "Good to hear Bannock
Always 2 boats ahead I downloaded plans from NWC for a Northwest Passage solo today. Am looking at bumping it up 4.4% for a "44 Magnum". Stations at 12.5 inches instead of 12.
My 38 special was bullet fast but I want more/some rocker.
CB"

CB - I built the Passage. I found two of the forms didn't seem fair to me. I think it was 3 and 11, or maybe 4 and 10. I ended up sliding the two forms a half inch to an inch towards the stems. After I finished there was a brief discussion about it on the NWC forum. A bit reassuring that it wasn't just me. Take a look at it if you have not already.

Thanks RAFA
I will ask Dennis about next time I stop by the shop.
CB