From: Steve
I have been looking for a canoe for many of years, and I have finally come to the conclusion that I would like to build my own. But I have a concern on the size of the canoe. I mostly canoe on tighter rivers and streams of michigan and wisconsin. I have found that I like the the ability to turn and fit into tighter spaces. So really my question is what would be a good size for me. I would mostly be using the canoe by myself and some times with my wife and child (350-400lbs) I also love fly fishing in a canoe so that would be the main use of the canoe.Also, do you have any plans or know of any plans for a smaller canoe (14 ft. and smaller) that a beginner (like myself) could follow and build? I would greatly appreciate a response from you, and I have enjoyed reading your web site!!!!!!!
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From: Per Skogsholm, Norway
My head is spinning with thoughts around building a solo canoe. One of my passions next to canoeing is flyfishing... (sic) In your excellent book, you suggest a 14' version of the Abenaki as a solo cruiser. But after studying the drawings of the Abenaki, I think the hull shape offers too little stability. The question I hope you may help me with is: Have you ever set up the forms for the 16' Micmac in such a way that a easy handled 13-14' solo is the result? My intention with this canoe is fishing in silent parts of rivers. I guess to get there I have to cross areas with small rapids.++++++++++++++
A 14 foot canoe is really a solo canoe, and to hold yourself, wife, and child, I would recommend a 16 foot canoe. The shortest Micmac I ever built was a 15', with a keel, and I didn't like how it handled. It was too wide for its length and wouldn't track at all. To save a lot of trial and error with the design of a solo canoe, use one that has already been proven. If you follow some of these links, you will come up with something.Look at:
And this book:
Featherweight Boatbuilding by Henry "Mac" McCarthy. Contains everything needed to build "Wee Lassie", a lightweight, strip built, solo, double-paddle canoe. ...............$19.95 USD
Good Luck!
- Getting started
- Which length to build?
- Solo canoe designs
- Building outdoors
- Which wood to use?
- Finding end of strongback on stem pattern
- Which stem to use on bow/stern
- Where's the Kootenay stem line?
- Abenaki line drawing
- Forms too far apart?
- Symmetrical sheerlines
- Air chamber hatch
- Seat placement
- Varnish below the waterline
- Artwork on the canoe
- Sailing canoe leeboards: advice from Craig O'Donnell
- Repairing an old stripper canoe
If you have a question about woodstrip canoes, send me an e-mail (details at the bottom of this page), and I'll try my best to answer. If you don't get a reply right away, it means I'm on vacation and will write as soon as I return.
The Stripper's Guide to Canoe-building by David Hazen is available from:
- your local bookstore (sometimes by special order)
- suppliers listed on Links to boatbuilding resources
- online from Tamal Vista Publications
- by phone, call (617) 492-7234
- by sending a check for $21.95 ($17.95 + $4.00 shipping) in the mail to:
Tamal Vista Publications
19A Forest Street No. 31
Cambridge, MA 02140 US.
Copyright 1998, David Hazen. You may download, store, or print a single copy of this page for your personal information. No part of this material may be reproduced, stored or transmitted for personal gain.
Wood-strip Canoe Pages
- Links to boatbuilding resources.
- Infrequent Questions and Answers
- About David Hazen
- David's Boatbuilding Biography
- Boat Builders Anonymous
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