Project Canoes and Kayaks

[stuphoto]

Thank you Alan,

I did get one coat of paint on the top last night.

Just a couple more photos before it hits the water.

I made up a normal style cockpit last fall anticipating the construction however it just didn't look right on basically a 4000 year old design.
So I made this one up to resemble the traditional design.

I did put on a sprayskirt lip, which they didn't have traditionally but made it look as period as possible.

The floorboards aren't traditional however about 1/2 the people making similar boats have adapted them for comfort.

This photo is the front.

Again around 1/2 the people building these boats install foot pegs, which weren't traditional.
However I chose not to partly because of how tight I engineered it.
I always point my feet forward while in a kayak and don't have the room to point them upwards.
I may or may not change this in the next design.

The weather is finally clearing so I can hopefully get it all painted today.

[alanjh595]

It looks damn uncomfortable from my point of view........but so does sleeping in a tent these days.

[stuphoto]

And I am packing up my tent tonight.
You are right though Alan, it will probably be uncomfortable by today's standards.
I should mention, although it's my own design it is loosely based on an East Greenland style kayak.

Designed for hunting in calm waters protected by ice, which partly explains its low profile design.
You may notice the hull design is the main difference with mine, which I designed to cut through the water rather than over it like the original.
My guess is these hunters were only on the water a couple hours at a time.

The West Greenland kayak is a different monster, designed for open water.

Designed for rough open water.
The best theory I have read about the high bow is it may have made it easier getting through the ice flows.
It's more roomy inside and may be a little more comfortable.

Oh now that its painted I weighed the boat.
33 pounds, and my paddle weighs 2.25 pounds now that I added armor to the tip.
I am happy with it.

[stuphoto]

I am at Christina Lake and took it out.
Great news, it floats with no noticeable leaks.
It travels straight as an arrow.
It sits level.
For the most part I did an amazing job and am proud of it.

The only semi bad thing is, it's a lot more tipsy than the old kayak.
I there is a chance my shorts got soaked while first entering it
Once I started to relax it started feeling better, however it will take some time to get fully comfortable in it.
I was expecting this and know I will have to learn how to roll it.
Good thing it was designed with that in mind.

Sorry this is the only photo my friend got before accidentally switching my sport camera to video.

I almost wish he would have captured me falling in.

[seewood]

Terrific story Stu. Really wish the best in your kayaking trips.

Were you going to put any floatation in it? I suspect it would float but with the coverings might it sit a bit lower?

is the armored tip spring loaded?

[stuphoto]

Thank you Seawood,
I will get flotation bags asap, kayak stuff is in high demand now and getting hard to come by.
For now I am using drybags inflated and slid down.
The paddle armor is honestly Silk Socks with fiberglass resin
I am serious, the socks fit the paddle tip like a sock and the resin does its job.

A couple more photos

[seewood]

Love it, very impressed.
Next project with boat building with wood? Any ideas? Mirror dingy: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mirror_(dinghy)

[alanjh595]

Is it supposed to sit that low in the water?

Doesn't look like it would take much of a wave to come over the gunwale.
.
It sure is a beauty! Nice job. Thank you for showing and sharing the whole process with very detailed photos.

I am truly impressed .......and......I don't impress easily.

[alanjh595]

Hey Stu!

I just had a thought (Yeah, I know, but it does happen from time to time) How about using "Expanding foam insulation"?

Build a disposable form to the desired size and shape, line it with poly and fill it with foam.

I have some rolls of contiguous bags up to 18" wide that could be cut to any length.
There is also a business close to where I live that does spray foam insulation.

I am thinking that it might be possible to even have a bag filled while you are sitting on it to created a personized, form fitting seat that would also help with floatation.
They may have some pits and pieces of scraps that could fill in the major portion of the space in the bag and then fill in around it with fresh liquid......
I don't know, it was just a thought.

[stuphoto]

Thank you Seawood,
The Mirror dingy does look like something I would love to do.
I am also toying with the idea of a teardrop trailer with the sides built using the same and the rest built like a cedar strip boat.
I am thinking it should be light enough for most cars to tow and be dry.

And Alan,

In a way this was a group project we can all be proud of.
You gave me tips on how to make mortises and everyone else gave me tips along the way.

I have pretty much nailed the waterline I wanted.
I am hoping this is a playboat with just enough inside room for a 1 to 3 day trip.
The low volume should allow me to easily roll it.
I haven't had a dry paddle in it yet and don't expect too.

However at the same time you are absolutely right.
The next boat I build will be more user friendly including a higher deck and more foot / leg room. Not to mention probably a little more flat bottomed.

Plus good idea about the foam.
Sorry your other idea has already been invented and called a SeaSock
[youtube]https://youtu.be/QDrokCmYnwQ[/youtube]
They are wonderful for keeping both the water and sand out. I am looking into making one in the near future.

I did find a couple pinholes so I just ran a light bead of clear silicone over all the stitches and gave it one more clearcoat.
I was of course expecting some and am grateful that is the worst thing.

[stuphoto]

The other day I didn't see a nasty rock looming 3 1/2 inches below the surface when I need 4 inches of clearance until it was too late.
I hit it quite hard and it ripped 4 small holes into the fabric.

This was the biggest

Thankfully the wooden rib kept most of the water out, so I may have had 2 inches inside after a 3km paddle back to the parking lot.

Got it home and patched it up.




Then the next evening was simply magic on the water.

I stayed dry.

The boat is sure attracting a lot of attention.
I may have a faithful market for them here on Hornby Island.
My plans are making at least one canoe and a rowboat. Then seeing if the demand is there.