After 3 years, I finally finished my cedar strip canoe and put it in the water 😁🛶

1/2

I really just wanted to brag and show it off 😁

In the middle of Covid I decided I wanted to build and paddle my own canoe. A friend convinced me to buy a copy of Canoecraft by Ted Moores and watch the video series with Nick Offerman. I bought a set of 16’ Chestnut Prospector plans from Bear Mountain Boats and got to work. Built everything but the seats myself.

It took longer than I expected or hoped. I don’t have a heated garage, so I didn’t do much during the winter. And, I got distracted during warmer months with other things, but I got it done!

I’d done basic woodworking many times, but nothing this complex or decorative. Also never worked with fiberglass before.

If you have the space and patience, I’d encourage others to go for it. Take your time and go slow. Enjoy the process and watch lots of YouTube videos. Focus on the details and plan ahead so you don’t do anything that will make the next step more difficult.

$600 in cedar boards $100 in ash for the gunnels and yoke $100 in Brazilian rosewood Bubinga for the decks $100 in plywood for molds and strongback $300 in epoxy $100 in fiberglass $150 in varnish $100 in seats and hardware

Paddling your own canoe = priceless 😁

in canoeingby Timdog1999

220

100%

16d

ADVNTURR

16d

Did it float 😛

That boat is absolutely gorgeous 👏

93gixxer04

16d

Beautiful. Did you have any prior woodworking experience?

Timdog1999

16d

I’m pretty handy, but have never really done anything decorative. I struggle with cosmetic and design decisions on all my projects, so I was pretty hesitant to do something like this, but I honestly found that as long as I worked slowly and didn’t rush each stage, it turned out great.

Though, I am so happy to be done with the sanding 🙂 especially on the inside of the hull

93gixxer04

16d

You did a fantastic job. Definitely something to be proud of

EubrinTong

16d

That is an astonishingly beautiful boat. Congratulations. I went through Ted Moores’ house last summer. It was up for sale. I did not meet Ted but his wife came home thinking the real estate agent and I had left. It ends up the agent had once been an avid canoe tripper and we all swapped stories for a while. We had friends and acquaintances in common. But back to your boat. It is like a fine piece of furniture. A work of art. A treasure. I would be terrified the go camping in it for fear of a scratch. Now you need to buy one you can use. Enjoy.

donnyspock

16d

Very nice. What was the final weigh out? I’m looking at eventually building my own canoe but doing a 13’6” pack style.

Timdog1999

16d

I tried weighing it on a scale, but the size was awkward. It’s close to 50lbs and much lighter than the aluminum canoe I have of the same size.

It was a joy to paddle compared to the old aluminum canoe, not just because of the weight, but cuts through the water smoother and is much quieter. I never realized how you could hear every metallic tone when the water would ripple on the sides or you move around in it.

MD_Weedman

16d

1) put your scale in your driveway and weigh yourself 2) put the canoe on your shoulders and weight yourself + the canoe 3) do the math

donnyspock

16d

Very cool!

Hope it treats you well for years to come.

sewalker723

16d

What kind of cedar? Red cedar? I'm planning on starting a canoe project this summer and wanted to use northern white cedar but I'm having trouble finding a vendor in my area. But I can get western red cedar. Also congrats on the canoe, it's gorgeous!

Timdog1999

16d

Yes, I’m lucky enough to live in the PNW and had access to western red cedar. I used clear 1” X 6” X 16’ boards, which I had to special order. I ripped them into 1/4” strips, then did the bead and cove.

I picked 16’ boards to minimize the number of butt joints, but in hindsight sight the butt joints weren’t that hard, and if you’re careful to select strips from the same board, don’t look very obvious. I could have saved some money by using 12’ or even 8’ boards and not been too bothered.

I think I would have also ripped the strips a little thicker- maybe 5/16 or more - to give myself more material to work with during sanding and fairing. A couple places I was worried about going too thin to get a smooth hull.

sewalker723

16d

Awesome, thanks for the great info!

therealsambambino

16d

Need more pics, man!!!

Timdog1999

16d

https://youtu.be/jfWCqQI-ELU?si=B73ATNaCFkqBpi9M

Brewmaster30

16d

She looks dandy