So I need some opinions...there are a bunch of plans out there to choose from. I'm having trouble figuring out what to go with! I know some of you more experienced folks can help me. This will be my first build and hopefully something I can enjoy for a lifetime. With that being said, it's important I go with the right design. I would use in locals rivers and small lakes as well as 2 people with gear to the BWCA/Quetico yearly trip. And...fishing is a must. What do you guys think???

It is a confusing world out there. When you buy a boat "off the shelf", the advice is "try before you buy". That is good advice, to avoid buying a boat that paddles like a brick.

But what about the person like yourself who wants to build (and avoid building a brick or something too damn tipsy). I guess the same advice applies but worded as "try before you build"

I was very lucky in the selection of my solo. Tom, a member here (and experienced builder), said take mine and give it a try. I took it, and knew in a few paddle strokes that that was the solo I wanted. My first build turned out good and the Merlin is one heck of a good design...... Thank you Bruce Kunz (designer)

I think my advice when you find a model is to ask the members.

I want to build a tandem. I am on the fence and about to post a help wanted (as you did)......... Good luck. I will watch your post.

Boy! As HPD says, there are a lot of great plans out there that may fit the bill. There are many "right" choices for you.

I'll throw one out there for you. It may or may not be the right one for you, but I think it is an option. I built a canoe called the "Tradition". The publishers of Canoe Kayak Magazine put out a book called "Strip Canoe Building" (something like that) and that design was in the book.

The Tradition is a 17' tandem, 33" wide, semetrical, with a hint of rocker. I don't recall the depth. It was your typical 17', general-purpose canoe. It was good on lakes or rivers. I took the one I built to the BWCA and it was fine.

If you want to know more about it, I'll see if I can find my copy and send you more info.

sorry to hog the thread, but bannock's post has my interest

Bannock, can you post a couple pictures and give the vital stats like weight and "rocket" or "slug" rating :)

I have been looking at the Bear Mountain "Cottage Cruiser". A tandem or good solo. The boat has a stupid name but the boat is sweet to look at. Apparently, the design is rooted in the famed "Prospector". It is a bit on the short side at 15.5'

quote HighPlainsDrifter: "
sorry to hog the thread, but bannock's post has my interest


Bannock, can you post a couple pictures and give the vital stats like weight and "rocket" or "slug" rating :)


I have been looking at the Bear Mountain "Cottage Cruiser". A tandem or good solo. The boat has a stupid name but the boat is sweet to look at. Apparently, the design is rooted in the famed "Prospector". It is a bit on the short side at 15.5'"

I was going to start on a Cottage Cruiser this winter, but the specs are very similar to the Bob's Special. The offset tables for Bob's in Canoecraft sealed the deal for me because I was torn between the two, and I liked the idea of saving a hundred bucks on plans. It should be in the water in another month.

Sorry, no pictures, at least no digital ones. I built it maybe 10 years ago (or more; probably more). I kept it for one season and sold it. I liked it a lot but at that time that's what I was doing (ie building a canoe during the winter months and selling it before starting the next canoe the following winter).

There was a little rocker. I'm guessing 1.5".

The book and plans were sold by Canoe Kayak Magazine. The book is "Strip-Built Boats, How to Build Any Canoe Stripper Style", by Lew Miller. It's a small book, nearly a pamphlet. There are 5 featured canoes. The "Tradition" is one of them and I had to order the plans separately from info in the book:

"TRADITION STRIPPER PATTERN 17' long. Mid-section: 32 1/2" at the rails; 33 1/2" at the 6" waterline; 3 1/2" at the 3" waterline. Weighs 53#s. About 71 hours to build. Item #526 $5.95

TO ORDER: Send your name, address, item number(s) and check or money order to: The CANOE SHOPPER, P.O. Box 3148, Kirkland, WA 98083, or call 1-800- MY-CANOE and use your Master or Visa Card."

That's all the info I have, though I may have the actual plans somewhere. I believe the canoe I build was less than 53#s, but took much longer than 71 hours to build.

I thought it paddled great and was a great BWCA canoe.

quote Wables: I was going to start on a Cottage Cruiser this winter, but the specs are very similar to the Bob's Special. The offset tables for Bob's in Canoecraft sealed the deal for me because I was torn between the two, and I liked the idea of saving a hundred bucks on plans. It should be in the water in another month."

I believe some of the offsets in Canoecraft have errors. It might be worthwhile to check in at one of the canoe building boards to see if the BOB is one of them. If it is, no worries, there are corrections to be found online.

quote Bannock: "

quote Wables: I was going to start on a Cottage Cruiser this winter, but the specs are very similar to the Bob's Special. The offset tables for Bob's in Canoecraft sealed the deal for me because I was torn between the two, and I liked the idea of saving a hundred bucks on plans. It should be in the water in another month."

I believe some of the offsets in Canoecraft have errors. It might be worthwhile to check in at one of the canoe building boards to see if the BOB is one of them. If it is, no worries, there are corrections to be found online."

You are correct. The corrections can be found at bearmountainboats.com. The lofting wasn't nearly as bad as I had expected. I only had a few minor tweaks to make while fairing my forms. I had to do that with my Freedom 17-9 as well. I wouldn't hesitate to loft plans again, but I wouldn't recommend someone to do it on their first boat.

Awesome info. I was kinda debating between the Freedom 17 and the Nomad 17 from Bear Mountain Boats. I just hadn't heard from anyone who's paddled them like Bannock has with the Voyager. With this much time invested I want it to be the right one but...this is part of the fun I guess...

Not meaning to sound stupid or anything, but what the heck is an offset table? I opened Canoecraft, found Bob's special and the numbers basically look like a foreign language.... was there a college course that I missed?

quote HighPlainsDrifter: "
Not meaning to sound stupid or anything, but what the heck is an offset table? I opened Canoecraft, found Bob's special and the numbers basically look like a foreign language.... was there a college course that I missed? "

Here are the basic techniques for lofting:

http://www.bearmountainboats.com/offset_lofting.htm

and

http://www.bearmountainboats.com/faq_02.htm

Northwest Cruiser at Northwest Canoe would fit the bill perfectly.

FREE plan at northwestcanoe.com

CB

quote HighPlainsDrifter: "
Not meaning to sound stupid or anything, but what the heck is an offset table? I opened Canoecraft, found Bob's special and the numbers basically look like a foreign language.... was there a college course that I missed? "

Basically they are points on a graph (X & Y axis). Connect the dots and you have the outline of a form. When you buy plans you get paper outlines of your forms. Using offsets you're creating your own outlines.

Bannock
Thank you. So the more points the smoother the curve. I can understand that. Now, I assume there would be a table of (x,y) coordinates for every mold station and bow and stern stems.... sounds like fun.

I was thinking bob's special and northwest cruiser too.