In the spirit of Anyone Can Projects, "Strip Built Canoe" leads readers through all the steps of building a beautiful, lightweight cedar strip canoe by providing a comprehensive source of information.
The popularity of strip built watercraft unquestionably comes from the natural beauty of the wood they are made from. When coated with clear resin and fiberglass, the rich tones and colors of the cedar strips cry out to be touched and admired.
This is a straight forward guide for making a strip built canoe, written by a craftsman who understands the issues facing first-time builders and who provides sensible solutions. With the help of more than a hundred and fifty drawings, photos, and tables, along with step-by-step instructions, the gratification of making your own canoe can be yours.
Choosing the right woods and tools are all explained. All the tools required are generally found in modestly equipped home shops. Every detail is covered from ripping the first strip to installing the grab handles.
The book contains all the information you need to build a beautiful, yet rugged, strip canoe including the plans. All the materials required are readily available and cost less than half the price of a commercially manufactured canoe
with similar performance characteristics.
The Town Laker is a beautiful canoe with smooth flowing lines and nicely upswept bow and stern. The sides have a classic look with gentle inward slanting called tumblehome. It is a canoe the whole family can enjoy. The plans can easily be adapted for 14 to 18 foot versions.
Included throughout are numerous innovations and techniques. You will find how-tos that will make the building process easier along with detailed drawing of time saving jigs. Also included are complete instructions for making either cane or rope seats, a carved yoke, sunburst decks, dotted-line strips, and paddles.
The strip building method was first introduced in the late '60s and has enjoyed an ever expanding following over the years. Little has changed in the basic method of construction; however, over the years new techniques and numerous refinements have been introduced, many of which you will find in the book.
The premise behind this book is that if you take your time, approach the project thoughtfully, and follow the guidance provided here, you will be able to successfully build a beautiful strip canoe without breaking the bank. Anyone with a little determination and patience can build one of these craft.