TNRiverRat
Curious about Wooden Canoes
Hey whats goin on. I just joined the forum a few days ago, my names Brendan. Theres alot of good information here, im glad i found the place 
Anyways I'm building my first tape and glue canoe. I've got a little experience in construction, machining, fabrication, and done quite a bit of wood working. Built docks for 6 years, owned a few boats. Spent alot of time on the water. Jack of all trades, master of none! Im an avid canoer, takin a couple trips a summer using rental canoe's. I drive almost 2 hours to rent canoes, and I live 5 minutes from the lake, river, and creeks. I decided I wanted my own canoe, and after looking at the prices of the canoes that had the things i want, building myself was an easy choice! I'm basically using the method for tape and glue. I did a little reading, and the asymmetrical hull seemed like it suited my purpose. The sides are almost straight up and down, bottom is flat with a very slight curve up at the front and back. I added a 1x2 strip on the bottom, vertically if you will, to allow an attachment point with screws, and give the bottom a little strength to the bottom. I'm unsure about a keel. The boat is 16' tip to tip, and 32" wide. I dont really want the keel for tracking, more for rocks and such. I'm planning on spraying bedliner smooth on the bottom. I'm using fiberglass mat for all the seams inside and out, and butt blocks sealed with liquid nails, and will be glassed over. I'm planning on making a cooler in the middle, essentially a plywood box to strengthen the canoe with a styrofoam cooler inserted. I want a dry storage box on each end, for camping gear and what not. I guess my biggest question is where to put the seats? My girlfriend is about 95lbs, i'm about 220. Another advantage of the asymmetrical hull design, was i could sit closer to the widest part of the canoe for better weight distribution...i hope I dont think i want my seat at the widest part of the hull, for paddling purposes. I'm guessing 18"-24"? I've also got alot of 1x2 strips, im planning on ribbing the inside every 24" to strengthen the canoe. This 1/4" plywood makes me a little nervous. It's 16' long. The widest point is 32" and is 9' from the front of the boat. The angles came from a piece of pvc. I didnt have any scientific formulas to figure out the best curves, just kinda winged it. I'm not planning on hitting any rapids, or doing anything crazy. I want a cheap, fun canoe for me, my girl, and the dogs to use. Any input/suggestions is very appreciated!!
Anyways I'm building my first tape and glue canoe. I've got a little experience in construction, machining, fabrication, and done quite a bit of wood working. Built docks for 6 years, owned a few boats. Spent alot of time on the water. Jack of all trades, master of none! Im an avid canoer, takin a couple trips a summer using rental canoe's. I drive almost 2 hours to rent canoes, and I live 5 minutes from the lake, river, and creeks. I decided I wanted my own canoe, and after looking at the prices of the canoes that had the things i want, building myself was an easy choice! I'm basically using the method for tape and glue. I did a little reading, and the asymmetrical hull seemed like it suited my purpose. The sides are almost straight up and down, bottom is flat with a very slight curve up at the front and back. I added a 1x2 strip on the bottom, vertically if you will, to allow an attachment point with screws, and give the bottom a little strength to the bottom. I'm unsure about a keel. The boat is 16' tip to tip, and 32" wide. I dont really want the keel for tracking, more for rocks and such. I'm planning on spraying bedliner smooth on the bottom. I'm using fiberglass mat for all the seams inside and out, and butt blocks sealed with liquid nails, and will be glassed over. I'm planning on making a cooler in the middle, essentially a plywood box to strengthen the canoe with a styrofoam cooler inserted. I want a dry storage box on each end, for camping gear and what not. I guess my biggest question is where to put the seats? My girlfriend is about 95lbs, i'm about 220. Another advantage of the asymmetrical hull design, was i could sit closer to the widest part of the canoe for better weight distribution...i hope I dont think i want my seat at the widest part of the hull, for paddling purposes. I'm guessing 18"-24"? I've also got alot of 1x2 strips, im planning on ribbing the inside every 24" to strengthen the canoe. This 1/4" plywood makes me a little nervous. It's 16' long. The widest point is 32" and is 9' from the front of the boat. The angles came from a piece of pvc. I didnt have any scientific formulas to figure out the best curves, just kinda winged it. I'm not planning on hitting any rapids, or doing anything crazy. I want a cheap, fun canoe for me, my girl, and the dogs to use. Any input/suggestions is very appreciated!!
