I want to build the original merlin, but am having a hard time finding the plans. I want the non rocker version. If anyone can help me out I would really appreciate it. Thanks

I built the "original" (Bruce Kunz design 1985) canoe specifically because I thought I wanted a canoe without rocker. I like the canoe because it was my first build, but in hindsight I wish it had a little more rocker. It is a difficult canoe to turn, but it tracks straight as an arrow (as might be expected from a canoe with a straight keel line). It is also fast especially with a double blade paddle. I can get you a copy of the plans they look like this:

That would be awesome HPD. I'm looking for a lake tripping solo I can fly in. My dad has built several cedar strips and I am sure we could get going off of those plans. I will pm you my email.

Email sent drifter.

Thanks again for the plans and builders tips HPD. Forms are up and attached to the strong back. A few tweaks and double checks and we will be cutting the cedar. I did add about an inch of rocker to the original merlin plan to try to correct that steering issue. I will update soon!

Good luck with your build. By the way, there is a plan for a Merlin with rocker. It is called the NW Merlin and those plans are available free from NW Canoe.

NW canoe Merlin plan

I bought a set of forms and a strongback for the original Merlin a couple of years ago. I love it. I'm sure you will to.

Anyone know how to get ahold of some clear cedar 1x's, 16' long??? Almost had a lead on some up by two harbors but just got a text from the guy they are only 14' long. I sure wish I could find some to eliminate all the splicing.

I added stem rocker to my early original Merlins.
I helped build a pair of them for a husband and wife. They are great !
But I feel Bruces real claim to fame is when he enlarged the Merlin, and named it the 38Spl.! It in my opinion is an awesome canoe !

Jim

Finding good cedar is hard, or at least expensive.

Have you searched any Menards locations ? I have scored a few planks there, as reasonable as any.
Good luck !

Jim

I've gotten it from the local lumberyard and we're just a sleepy little town of 6000 people. They're hooked up with wholesalers in Sioux Falls so they can order pretty much anything I need. They got me 3 1x6x19' for about $220 and they showed up in about a week.

There are some large lumber wholesalers around Minneapolis and I'd think most good yards would be hooked up with them for special orders. You just need to specify, repeatedly, that you need clear.

I wouldn't think twice about using 14' pieces. Butt joints work fine, no need to scarf them all.

Alan

quote 1JimD: " I added stem rocker to my early original Merlins.
I helped build a pair of them for a husband and wife. They are great !
But I feel Bruces real claim to fame is when he enlarged the Merlin, and named it the 38Spl.! It in my opinion is an awesome canoe !


Jim


"

You lost me here. Are you saying that you added stem rocker to a finished canoe? If so, I would like to hear how you did that.

Hi High Planes Drifter

No, I added rocker to the stem forms before building. Sorry about the confusion!

Back to planks for canoes. I like to see what I'm getting before I buy.
I want slash cut planks. That means when you look at the end of the plank the grain should resemble a half moon. If the grain goes up and down you are getting Quarter sawn lumber. Not what you want for strips.
The Quarter sawn plank will produce neat looking strips, but flimsy, and prone to warping. They also sand uneven.

When I sort planks at say Menards. I will buy planks that are clear, without knots the full length, for at least half of the plank. Remember Menards cedar, at least in their 1x stock is #3 or better. I like to buy extra so when I start stripping, I have a lot to sort from.
And the best planks are always at the bottom.

Hope this helps!

Jim

Thanks guys for the help. I ended up finding enough strips pre cut and routered on craigslist. I got about 75, 14' long strips, nice and clear too. Also I got the barely used bead and cove bits and a book on sea kayak building for $200. I think I got a pretty good deal. Working on the bevel of the bow and stern today then on to stripping. Its gonna be the fun part soon!