Seats & Brass Stem

Shaping and positioning the seats. These have a number of alternative positions forward and aft and also need to fit in with the position of the steering foot pedals, (plenty of measuring and trying out, before we finally commit ourselves!)

Some nice shiney new bronze rudder fittings (specially made up for this job) arrive from the very helpful 'Classic Marine'.

A brass stem band (to protect the keel) now fitted and running the entire length of both stems and keel).

Deck Beams, Carlins & Spars

Deck Beams and Carlins complete, watertight (or will be) box surrounding mast step.



And now for some spar making, in best quality Sitka Spruce (and most of it ends up as shavings).



Fitting the sheeve blocks in the top of both masts.

Rudder & Transport Problems!

Dress rehearsals
If we can work out a way whereby one person can get this 15’8” canoe onto the car top, won’t this be better than bothering with a trailer. Also an excuse to see the project in some daylight.


There you go – straightforward. Now off on-line to purchase a roof roller and canoe trolley.

In woodwork terms the weekend has seen the rudder yoke made and fitted to the folding rudder. Also the leeboard shaped.

Floors & Knees

Floors and knees now in place. As the weight increases with each component, thoughts of car top transport are now being replaced by trailer designs. Not part of the original plan!



A watertight boxing is formed around the mast positions in the forward and aft deck. Copper tube is then set in place to drain any water which will come through the mast holes and take it back into the cockpit. Hopefully this leaves us with watertight bouyancy (and storage) areas forward and aft.

I even get to start bulding the folding rudder - progress indeed. Now to find the bronze fittings to match.

Cockpit Coaming

Two 3.5mm Ash boards are laminated around the curved carlin to start to form the cockpit coaming. A third plank will be added (and a top lipping) once the deck is in place. Four knees support the carlin each side. The whole structure quickly starts to gain further strength.

Bulkheads

Bulkheads fitted and making a former to laminate the curved carlin around

Deck Beams

Setting out the positions for the masts and deck beams.




A breasthook forward and aft. Not strictly necessary I guess in the decked version, but for the small extra weight will add much strength and will also nicely pick up the deck above.

'Canoe Builder Senior', starts to fit deck beams

A small rebate plane helps with cleaning up the inside of the hull

The inside of the hull looking somewhat more finished

Caulking the planks (with epoxy), should add some further strength (and will require even more sanding).

You don’t need to own a green boiler suit to build a canoe! but it might keep you warm.