Started a canoe build last night.

[gjohnsoniv]

Under 200 pounds so I don't see that being an issue. I sure hope it does, if not some child will be very happy. Lol.

[sigmtnman]

Learning is most of the fun anyways. Keep up the good work.

[gjohnsoniv]

If it fails then that's what I call experience for the next build. You'll never learn if you always get it right?

[gjohnsoniv]

Got all the stringers in place. Pics below of the process.

[gjohnsoniv]

Finished stringers.

[Timestepper]

Your design looks great. One small caveat - with that length, you might want to consider an outrigger (easily designed and attached) for stability, even though you're going to keep it on flat water. The best canoe I ever owned was 19' and exceedingly stable even though relatively narrow, the worst - until I added a small outrigger - was 9' and half again as wide as the 19 footer.

Again, looks good so far!

:up:

[gjohnsoniv]

Your design looks great. One small caveat - with that length, you might want to consider an outrigger (easily designed and attached) for stability, even though you're going to keep it on flat water. The best canoe I ever owned was 19' and exceedingly stable even though relatively narrow, the worst - until I added a small outrigger - was 9' and half again as wide as the 19 footer.

Again, looks good so far!

:up:

I will definitely consider that. I don't think this one is too narrow but I might go ahead and add the attachment, test without, and then if it's needed add it.

[sigmtnman]

Even if the primary stability is not there, it may have good secondary stability as long as it has enough freeboard. I've paddled some boats that felt like they wanted to throw you like mechanical bull, but it can be overcome with practice.

[MacGyver]

Stability will generally increase with speed in a paddle craft. Unfortunately for this particular project, speed is also a function of waterline length and is limited by such.

[gjohnsoniv]

It should be noted I am not using plans or any kind of measurements, just going on what I think looks correct and guesses.

[sigmtnman]

It should be noted I am not using plans or any kind of measurements, just going on what I think looks correct and guesses.

You may want to check out cboats.net. It's oriented more towards whitewater, but a plethora of information and knowledgeable folks over there.

[gjohnsoniv]

I'll give them a look, thanks for the tip.

[sigmtnman]

Stability will generally increase with speed in a paddle craft. Unfortunately for this particular project, speed is also a function of waterline length and is limited by such.

Yeah, being flexible canvas along with the shortness, getting good hull speed will be difficult.

It looks like it'll have a fairly hard chine in the middle. Could make for some fun!

[sigmtnman]

Not sure what all you have check out but here is a basic description of how different profiles affect stability.

http://www.redrockstore.com/canoes/characteristics/stability.htm

[gjohnsoniv]

Huh, never seen that one before. I think I should be alright because it's not really all that flat except for the center rib, and then narrows out to a more rounded profile on the other two ribs. We'll find out once it's in the water though.

[JAB]

No I don't think that would be an option at the moment lol. We should have a redneck boat building competition though, that's when that and duct tape would be perfect.

http://videosift.com...de-of-Duct-Tape

I've always thought it would be kind of cool to build a boat. Being that I am aquaphobic, can't swim and wouldn't like being out in the water in anything much smaller than a wide-bodied john boat (in other words, nothing I could build) - even if it were professionally built - I guess I won't be doing that any time soon.

Edited July 13, 2012 by JAB

[gjohnsoniv]

Reminds me of when I was in scouts. We built a boat for a race down the Hiawasee. Made it out of bamboo, duct tape, 550 cord, and laundry detergent bottles we "borrowed." I spent more time sitting in the water than I would have liked, but it wasn't nearly as bad as the guys who made one out of a sofa they found on the way up.

You can sit on the shore and laugh at us JAB.

[sigmtnman]

Huh, never seen that one before. I think I should be alright because it's not really all that flat except for the center rib, and then narrows out to a more rounded profile on the other two ribs. We'll find out once it's in the water though.

I see you are in knoxville. I'm pretty close to the hiwassee river and not far from parksville/lake ocoee and have a few ww boats. If you ever wanted to come down, I'd be willing to take you out, schedule permitting.

[sigmtnman]

Reminds me of when I was in scouts. We built a boat for a race down the Hiawasee. Made it out of bamboo, duct tape, 550 cord, and laundry detergent bottles we "borrowed." I spent more time sitting in the water than I would have liked, but it wasn't nearly as bad as the guys who made one out of a sofa they found on the way up.

You can sit on the shore and laugh at us JAB.

LOL. It seems the race still occurs. I've seen a number of folks float the lower in blowup pools too.

[gjohnsoniv]

Sure, why not. I haven't really ever done that much in white water. Some, but not much.

[gjohnsoniv]

LOL. It seems the race still occurs. I've seen a number of folks float the lower in blowup pools too.

So you know what I'm talking about then?

[sigmtnman]

So you know what I'm talking about then?

Oh yeah I do. We avoid the river like a plague that day.

Seriously though, it looks like a lot of fun for everyone.

Edited July 13, 2012 by sigmtnman

[gjohnsoniv]

Oh yeah I do. We avoid the river like a plague that day.

Seriously though, it looks like a lot of fun for everyone.

LOL. I can see how it would make a mess. There are some, uh, unique things that go down on that day.

[dats82]

So how's this thing coming along? I am curious to see the finished product.

[gjohnsoniv]

It's coming, it was put on hold though for a couple days. Might have to get out in the garage tonight and work on it.