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Boundary Waters Quetico Forum :: Group Forum: Boat Builders and Repair :: Finally, it is done.
 
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Red Beard
09/23/2013 06:57PM
 
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.
 
Red Beard
09/18/2013 02:11PM
 
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.
 
HighPlainsDrifter
09/18/2013 08:31PM
 

Congratulations. Your work looks nice. I too wonder what you used on the decks. What is the length and model?
 
KevinL
09/18/2013 07:44PM
 
Looks very nice...Job well done.
 
Bannock
09/18/2013 07:14PM
 
Looks really nice! Congrats!
 
okinaw55
09/18/2013 07:24PM
 
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?