Well, after three years my canoe is done. It was a interesting first build. Including tearing down the strongback and forms because we had to move. It was also a two month marathon to have it ready for our trip today!

I had a lot of help along the way which I am very grateful. It hasn't even been paddled yet I I'm very happy with the end result. Wanted to share and post some photos.

Looks really nice! Congrats!

Must be very rewarding! A homemade canoe is still a dream for me but hopefully we'll be starting soon. Looks very good.

I REALLY like the curved seats with webbing. I think we'll try to duplicate that in ours. What did you use for decks? It looks like they are wrapped in vinyl?? Did you use something lighter weight to lose some overall weight?

Looks very nice...Job well done.

Congratulations. Your work looks nice. I too wonder what you used on the decks. What is the length and model?

Thanks! It's a 17 ft Northwest Cruiser. The decks and triangle on the point are made of a wood called wenge. It's from west and central Africa. I acquired it through the generosity of a stranger. I'm not the most experienced wood worker in the world but it is a crazy wood to work with. That's it's natural color and it's extremely hard. I ripped the blade off a carbide router bit shaping the handles I'm installing in the future.

Had my first paddle this weekend and was very pleased. Stable, comfortable and handled the wind and waves well. Didn't get a chance to load her down but she felt good on the portages. Looking forward to many trips with her.