BWCA Fired UP! Boundary Waters Group Forum: Boat Builders and Repair
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11/27/2014 06:30AM   (Thread Older Than 3 Years)
Courtesy of this "new to me" section of the BWCA Forum, I have committed myself to a solo cedar strip build project. Thank you all who have provided insight through editions and additions to the threads contained.

The bug has been planted and I anticipate a Christmas stocking full of your recommended books, a cedar canoe model kit from Bear Mountain and a seven day pass from my understanding wife to attend the North House canoe building class in July of 2015. Chapter one of my adventure is research.

As I dream of designs, I ask for suggestions of models to consider. My current solo craft is a 1972 15 foot OT wood/glass tandem Trapper, restored last winter, that I paddle looking to the stern from the bow seat. It has been to the BWCA on three solo trips and I enjoy to no end the solid stability as it's beam is 35 inches. Beautiful to look at, the craft also tracks well and I have developed a nice balancing system to create a flat waterline. However it also weights in at 72 pounds dry...certainly workable but rather heavy, especially as I make more time for longer trips and additional portaging.

Fishing is important to me so I want stability as I dream of large prey. Also I utilize a double blade as it is much, much kinder to my shoulder bursitis than a single blade paddle. The canoe should accommodate my height of 6 feet and weight of 175 pounds. I am comfortable sitting or kneeling and like that option.

With the criteria of light weight, very stable, tumblehome for double blading and attractive too, what models should I begin to review as potential project canoes? I seek merits of designs and discussion of concepts I have as yet to consider as I am still a novice.

Kind Regards,

Mac

 
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tumblehome
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11/27/2014 12:38PM  
Oh good. Let's keep this forum going.

I can't offer any designs for you, rather, I'll just hang out and watch progress.

Jamesstown Distributors is a great place to buy a lot of hardware and canoe building supplies. Menards occasionally has enough clear cedar if you pick through the piles. I can walk into any Menards and spend an hour picking boards. I can leave with enough for a boat. Just sayin'.

Tom
 
02/04/2015 06:03PM  
I'm going to build one this summer too. I just ordered a copy of Canoecraft. I'm getting the cedar strip I've always wanted and a solo all in one package.
 
1JimD
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02/16/2015 08:42PM  
There are a bunch of great solo designs out there ! But some are easier to build than others, especially for a beginner. I would highly recommend Bruce Kunz's 38Spl.
Its tumblehome is not too difficult to strip, especially if you bead and cove your strips ! I definitely recommend bead and coving your strips !
It's a proven design. Great for tripping and flat water work!

Jim
 
SaganagaJoe
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08/20/2015 01:50AM  
Hey, how was the class?
 
brushbuster
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09/04/2015 09:05AM  
I cut up a bunch strips last year and finsihed the bead and coves this summer. Pulled out my plans for a voyager and hope to get started on molds this fall.

 
09/12/2015 07:17AM  
Off the grid since last spring due to too much work and lots of play. My canoe building class was put on hold courtesy of two week tour of the south east followed by a three week canoe trip upon the Noatak River in Alaska. However my build plans continue to move forward as my father finally moved his bench painting project fro the canoe construction area of the shop. Currently I am picking apples and processing cider as a part time distraction from my real job and plan on beginning the build in early November. I have procured many books and notes on the topic as well as great visits with fellow builders.

Once I begin the project I will share my challenges and progression.
 
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