Building a Woodstrip Canoe

[Spam uel]

I am going to build a two person woodstrip/epoxy open canoe. I have been looking at websites on the net and there are some shorter designs out there. Because of my building space (garage) I am limited to a 13' 6" max length. I am a little concerned about the capacity and ease of paddle of such a short two man canoe. Does anyone have any idea of the smallest length to beam measurements that are necessary for a stable, easy to paddle canoe with the capacity for two? I am hoping that 13'6" long with a beam of about 34" will be good.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

[Owen]

Hi,

I've been paddling and Old Town Pack for a few weeks now, it's 12ft X 32ins. This is really only a solo boat and it doesn't track all that well; this could be more to do with the flat bottom though. Two up it would be quite cramped and possibly a bit unstable. Not sure if this is helpful or not as all boats are different and the only way to know for sure is to go paddle it.

[Toby]

I've been looking at the Selway Fisher website recently and umming and ahing about having a go at building a 'stitch and ply' open boat. Have you tried their website?

Here are the under 15' ones... http://www.selway-fisher.com/Opcan15.htm

(Incidentally, if there is anyone who has experience of building canoes/ kayaks from ply and they have any advice it would be nice to hear it... Well, read it..)

[besidethewye]

I built a cedar strip and fibreglass canoe about 10 years ago. 14 foot approx - absolute delight to paddle either solo or two up (might struggle with three - though happy with a child as third).

I'll find the book/name/design and post the details.

Still got the strongback and the formers....

I recommend the experience to anyone (building and paddling - though it's less distressing when there are no rocks around).

[besidethewye]

14' Puddle Duck - design in the book "Building a Strip Canoe" - Gil Gilpatrick, DeLorme Publishing Company, 1993.

The instructions are good, clear and straightforward, the designs of several boats are provided and it all seemed to come together nicely.

[Martyn Hartley]

Song of the Paddle http://www.songofthepaddle.co.uk/ are an active Open Boat forum with a section dedicated to self builders.

Would probably get more replies there