Guys, I need a home for these - even if it's temporary.
I built my Merlin at the neighbor's, and they have sold their house.
My shop is pretty maxed-out.
AS many know, a huge % of time and expense is devoted to building, cutting out and tweaking the forms and strong back.
I spared no expense when making mine. I used good plywood for the strong back and 3/4 MDF for the forms.
The forms have also been shaped - of course - to the curvature of the hull.
These need a home for a while.
They helped me to build my 15' 11 5/8" Merlin.
I'm in Northern Minnesota.
The strong back got additional horizontal lengthwise bracing.

The entire build is available earlier in the forum.

Hey Karl, how long is a "temporary home"? My build project won't begin until late in the summer of 2015, after my class at North House, and completion likely early 2016 as my construction shop is at my father's property and I won't be able to lay strips on a daily basis.

I haven't landed upon a canoe yet, but have been offered the loan of forms for a 38 Special (thank you Ben), although no strong back to borrow. My homework includes checking out a couple of strippers this spring and making a decision from there based upon action on the water.

My Dad and I could use another road trip, we live in the twin cities. Your Merlin is a mighty fine canoe and I enjoyed your project, one of many inspirations motivating me to build my own.

Thanks for your consideration,

Mac

Wish I would have known this a couple days ago and we could have talked.
I'm driving a moving truck to St. Paul today - in about 20 minutes. I could have brought it with me.
I guess by "temporary" I just mean that I'm not giving it away.
Someday I may want it back.
But I do not see myself building another canoe in the next year.
Closing on their house is next Thursday.
I could get it tarped up outside, since we don't really need to worry about rain and it would be ok until you could get it.
I'd want you to take the forms as well.
It's a "package deal". The forms are no good without the strong back and vice versa.
And you could see the Merlin, as well.

Northern MN? Where? I'm in Forest Lake.

I sent you an email to your profile address. Thanks

These have found a temporary home.
We should all expect another progress/build thread sometime next year.

Wanted to take a moment and thank Karl allowing me the opportunity to utilize his forms and strong back. Last Saturday I traveled from Forest Lake to Warba in a dense fog/drizzle. The welcome was warm and incites plenty for this wanna be boat builder. I can hardly wait to get moving on my build. Also thanks to Ben for his kind offer of a 38 Special form.

With the forms in the shop and two episodes of the Alaskan Adventure under my belt, I may not sleep at all tonight.

Mac