Started a canoe with my kid

[hokiefan]

Well we did it. My son and I started building our canoes! Saturday night the girls were out at the movies and we were eating his favorite bachelor boys' dinner, Salisbury steaks, mashed potates & gravy, and broccoli w/ cheese. Asked him if he wanted to go the HD after dinner to get some wood for the boats. He lit up and off we went. Sunday morning we laid out the frame, cut out the parts for one frame, and put it together. Not too bad for just a couple of hours work. We even made a pattern for the gusset from some doorskin scraps I had to teach him about pattern-making.

We're building a couple of Cheap Canoes to get us started in the boat building biz. I think we'll end up making 4 total, as they are basically one person boats. Took a couple of pictures, but can't post yet as they are stuck on my daughters camera until she sees fit to unstuck them! Maybe next weekend we'll have a few more anyway, and I can post some pics of the next great boatbuilder in action. He had a good time, and learned that some things are harder than they look. Cutting to a curved line with a skilsaw was a challenge, but he was closer at the end than at the beginning. He made me cut out the "real thing", but he can try again next weekend for the next set.

My son says he might paint his orange & maroon, I just smiled. My daughter says she wanted to paint hers blue with a stained and varnished outwale. May have a real wooden boat afficianado on our hands!

Fun times,

Bobby

[cs]

Is this the cheap canoe from Bateu? If so, I've built one of those. It was fun and went well in the water. I thought it was fairly stable and easy to paddle, esp with a double paddle.

Chad

[Lewisboats]

congrats...but I warn you...this is just the beginning! You will no sooner get these done than you...(or the others) will not be satisfied with what you have and will always be looking at the next build!

Steve

[hokiefan]

congrats...but I warn you...this is just the beginning! You will no sooner get these done than you...(or the others) will not be satisfied with what you have and will always be looking at the next build!

Steve

Thats the plan, my friend, thats the plan.:D

Chad, yes thats the one. We are building it with a chine ala the Six-Hour Canoe though, instead of tack-n-tape.

Cheers,

Bobby

[ucb4ume]

Hey Hokiefan, (got the spelling right this time)

Painting one Maroon and Orange? You should paint the other Purple and Gold...Geaux Tigers.;)

Glad to hear you've started building. Post pictures when you can.

[hokiefan]

Now why in the world would I want to paint a boat the color of the JMU Dukes? I mean, its a good school, my sister even went there, but still....

While I have been sowing the orange & maroon seeds with him for awhile now, he was the one who suggested that for the canoe, not me! I'm trying to imagine it, may turn out better than my mental image. Mine will surely be painted something more traditional, like a deep green maybe.

When I get some more pictures, I will be sure to post them. I need to make sure I get some of the kid in action. He'll get a kick out of seeing himself on the forum. All I have now is an assembled frame. How's your boat coming along these days? Any progress on the interior?

Cheers,

Bobby

[botebum]

Good Luck with your build! How old is your partner? Mine's 2. She should slow things down a bit:rolleyes:

Doug

[hokiefan]

My son, who is the one helping at this point, is almost 12. Considering how little experience he has with hand tools, he is picking things up pretty quick. I suspect I could get it done faster by myself, but thats not really the point, is it? Hopefully, I can remain patient and let him do the majority of the work so it is really his boat. We had fun last weekend, and he's asked twice about how much we could get done this weekend, so we're on the right path.

He told my daughter, who is almost 16, that he would help build her one, but she had to at least paint it. The young man drives a hard bargain!

Cheers,

Bobby

[MiddleAgesMan]

Way to go, Hokie. If you decide to take a short cut I've got yours already built--not the Cheap Canoe but a modified Uncle John's Pirogue which I made asymetrical by shoving the center frame a little forward of center. All she needs is new glass on the bottom (or a large patch) and final detailing.

[Cuyahoga Chuck]

I built a Cheap Canoe and built it as prescribed except I made it 1½" deeper and installed a carrying yoke.
It certainly has taken some hard knocks. It came off my roofrack on the Turnpike and has been shanked off numerous boulders in local streams. And the fact that it only weighs 45 lb. means I can carry it to the water if there is no way to drive to the water's edge.
One thing I wouldn't do is cover it with paint. As long as the wood shows thru' people will want to talk to you about it. Also, if I was going to build another one I would spend the 10 bucks and get the plans for Bateau's "Nice Canoe". The 12 foot waterline in the Cheapie makes it kind of short on glide.

[Steve Lansdowne]

May you soon learn to describe these as 'my first boats.' 'Tis hard to stop at just one, you know!

[hokiefan]

Thought I would give an update on our progresss. Its been slow, as life keeps getting in the way. Slowly, but surely we're making progress.

Here's the center frame, the gusset pattern, and the scarfed chine log. I know, I could have bought it long enough, but I wanted to learn to scarf anyway.

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii82/hokiefan334/ATT33086.jpg

Here's the kid laying out one side panel.

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii82/hokiefan334/ATT33084.jpg

Here's the kid tracing the second side from the first.

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii82/hokiefan334/ATT33079.jpg

And finally, here are the sides and frames put together with duct tape to take off the stem angle. Starting to resemble a boat.

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii82/hokiefan334/ATT1165669.jpg

Hopefully next weekend, we can get the stems out; the sides,frames, and stems assembled; and start working on installing the chine logs.

Cheers,

Bobby

[JimD]

But I see you've already got the doghouse built so you'll be ahead of the game when it comes time for the cabin.

[ucb4ume]

looking good, Hokie! Keep posting :)

[Tar Devil]

The chine log and frames are nice and they'll certainly stiffen up the hull, but weight could become a factor. I kept mine on a strict diet during building and kept it down to 42.6 lbs... definitely a plus when you think about carrying to the water. The easier to transport, the more you'll use it.

Looking good! Can't wait to see more progress pictures!

Shoot... this keeps up we'll have a fleet of these boats. Gonna hafta have our own "Cheap Canoe" weekend.

[David G]

hokie -

Good for you, and good for your son. I built a Goat Island Skiff with my two boys, and it was some of the best fun we've ever had. I'll try and include a foto here:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/arbordg/78258165/sizes/o/in/set-72157601232149772/


That's my wife & I on the oars, friend Jerry in the stern, and the boys in the bow.

[hokiefan]

The chine log and frames are nice and they'll certainly stiffen up the hull, but weight could become a factor. I kept mine on a strict diet during building and kept it down to 42.6 lbs... definitely a plus when you think about carrying to the water. The easier to transport, the more you'll use it.

Looking good! Can't wait to see more progress pictures!

Shoot... this keeps up we'll have a fleet of these boats. Gonna hafta have our own "Cheap Canoe" weekend.

Yeah Phil, you have a point. I'm using the construction techniques from the 6-Hour Canoe from our sponsor. They use the frame and the chine log, but only use an outwale, instead of the inwale/outwale combination in your boat. I love the look of the open inwale on your boat by the way. I figure I'm trading the inwale for a chine so it should be a wash, except for the frame itself. Also, I'm adding a small stem and plan to leave off the breasthook. Will have to see if its stiff enough without or if I need to add that. One objective with this construction method was to avoid the use of epoxy, 12 year old boys are messy people and I really didn't want him wearing the stuff.

Regarding the fleet, I figure I need to build 3 at least for the folks that want one here. Now that the pool deck is basically done, maybe I can knock them out. If I'm quick I can make some progress before the next big project comes along.

Cheers,

Bobby

[Concordia...41]

I'm glad to see the update and progress photos. Must have missed it the first time around (as I missed you when you were working in Jacksonville).

Keep up the good family boatbuilding!

- M

[Thorne]

Very nice, Twin!

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/36/78258165_67e01c212e_o.jpg

[Tar Devil]

I figure I'm trading the inwale for a chine so it should be a wash, except for the frame itself.

Good point... only thing I might offer is the lack of chine log makes the bottom easier to clean and dry. Also, I'm finding the sheer gets tested a lot (getting in and out), so I'm kinda glad to have some extra stiffening there.

I considered an external chine log, and may proceed that way if I build another... more to take some of the abuse from river rocks than any other reason. The chines of my boat tend to get beat up a little.


One objective with this construction method was to avoid the use of epoxy

I'm always sympathetic to such an objective! :)

[Rick Tyler]

I've built (or at least been building supervisor) for seven of the Nice Canoes (the longer relative of the Cheap Canoe). I did it with our Boy Scout troop -- 13 boys, a half-dozen dads, and three weekends. It was a giggle. My younger son's is painted lemon yellow and named "Spongebob." Have fun. My sons and I have gone on to build an 8-foot pram and a much more complex 17-foot-trekking canoe since then.

We built them stitch-and-glue, and contrary to my worries, the kids took right to it. They did use about four times more gloves than I'd planned on, though. Some of them thought you had to change gloves whenever they got epoxy on them... The total cost of materials, using marine 1/4-inch fir plywood, but including sanding supplies, gloves, epoxy, wire ties, and all the other little shop items that usually get left out of budgets, came to $211 per canoe. We did splurge on 16-foot-long 1x2 CVG Douglas fir for the gunwales. They're pretty.

[J. Dillon]

Hokiefan,

What a great experience you and your son are having together.

Good luck

JD

[hokiefan]

A progress update from the weekend. Got the new stems out and trimmed the ends of the chine logs on Saturday. Don't have enough clamps,:( but we'll muddle through that somehow. Sunday the kid and I glued up the sides, frame, and the stems. Didn't get any action pictures of him since that was a 2 man operation. I was glueing and holding the pieces in line and he was driving the screws to get it together. It is interesting to me that you have to learn to drive screws, its an acquired "talent" so to speak. Never thought of it that way until I watched him learn this weekend.

Anyway, here's the result so far. Doesn't look too different from last week, but no duct tape and its all glued together.
http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii82/hokiefan334/ATT1666731.jpg

Here's a shot of forward stem, fit came out pretty decent.
http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii82/hokiefan334/ATT1666729.jpg

And just for giggles, here's a shot of the almost completed pool deck that filled most of my project time for most of the last year. The only real project other than this was the new tile in the laundry room.
http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii82/hokiefan334/ATT1666726.jpg

Cheers,

Bobby

[Tar Devil]

Looking good! I remember how great it felt to get the tape off!

[David G]

Coming along nicely. You son is younger than mine were. That's nice to get him started early. I'll try another shot of one of my boys.

http://flickr.com/photos/arbordg/78258003/sizes/o/in/set-72157601232149772/

THORNEEEEEEEEE, my smarter twin <or anyone else who knows the drill> -- how the bloody hellephant do I get an image to show up? I followed your instructions, and still no go. I also tried deleting the automatic (and redundant?) http that shows up. No Go. I also tried pasting it between and . NO GO! What am I doing wrong?


"If computers get too powerful, we can organize them into a committee. That'll do them in" -- Bradley's Bromide

[Tar Devil]

THORNEEEEEEEEE, my smarter twin <or anyone else who knows the drill> -- how the bloody hellephant do I get an image to show up?

Like this?

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff298/TarDevil/Boats/78258003_9a35d6e75e_o-1.jpg

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/9/78258182_1c03a946c5_o.jpg

[JimD]

how the bloody hellephant do I get an image to show up?

Open up the picture link you have posted above. Copy/paste the image...Nice boat.


http://farm1.static.flickr.com/38/78258003_9a35d6e75e_o.jpg

[hokiefan]

We didn't make any progress last weekend as we took a day Saturday to drive up to Hilton Head to do a little shopping. The mandatory day of yard work killed Sunday. Thought I would really make some progress this weekend, as TS Fay created two unexpected days off, but they were spent removing debris from the yard.

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii82/hokiefan334/ATT679242.jpg

Finally got a few minutes yesterday, and the kid and I got the chines installed. It was interesting watching him learn to drive nails (straight!) and I did get to teach him the value of using a small sledge as a bucking bar to back the work piece.

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii82/hokiefan334/ATT679236.jpg

And here is a view of the whole thing.

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii82/hokiefan334/ATT679238.jpg

Next weekend we'll fair the bottoms of the chines and start working on the bottom. He likes to use a plane, but it will be interesting he much he likes it when there is a fair amount of it to be done. Should be able to get some pics of him doing that, couldn't this weekend as it was all hands on deck with the glueing. None left over for the camera. My daughter still wonders if it will float, so we threatened not to build her one!

Cheers,

Bobby

[Tar Devil]

Bobby, how long before your wife demands the picnic table back? :) I built most of my boat on a folding table my wife borrowed from some church. Had no idea where the table came from... it was there so I used it!

Boat's coming along nice!

[hokiefan]

When we're not actually working on it, the boat is kept on a little rack by the back fence. The picnic table is used more by the dogs for shade than anything else. If you look close, you'll notice that all of the corners are rounded off. Thats what happens when you have a backyard full of Labs. Wonderful dogs, but when they're puppies they dig like crazy and chew everything. And they are puppies for a minimum of three years. One of the dog houses has a new false front to cover the opening that was widened about 3" on each side. Actually, the Lab we still have has never quit digging and she's 12 now. Wish she'd cut it out, but otherwise she's a very good friend.

Cheers,

Bobby

[Thorne]

Sorry, twin, missed your crie de cour -- here's how if you haven't figgered it out by now -

First - don't attach photos. Most web forums don't allow it, and space limitations are the main reason why.
Second - Instead of attaching them to a thread, post the pics on the web somewhere. You have a free website area with any paid ISP's email account, or use www.picturetrail.com or other free hosting service.
Once posted on the web, right-click the image to copy the URL (web address). Always test first by pasting the image URL into the window of a web browser and see if the image displays.
Remember, the IMAGE URL will end in .jpg, not .htm or html. URLs ending in .htm are the page that the image is at, not the image location itself. If the image URL ends in other code, try deleting everything after the "xxxxxx.jpg" part of the URL to get it to display on web forums.
Third - once posted on the web, try this procedure while logged in to this Forum:
1. Click the "User CP" link in the browser window in the top left of the menu bar.
2. Click the "Edit Options" link about 1/4 of the way down the left column.
3. In the "Misc Options" at the bottom of the next page, select "Enhanced Interface" from the pulldown list.
4. Once this interface has been selected, in any "Reply" window you can click the "insert photo" icon --> a little yellow square icon with the stamp in the upper right corner, the mountains in the lower center.
5. Once the little dialog box titled "Please enter the URL of your image" comes up, paste the URL of the photo in the field.
If unsure of the procedure, test first by pasting the image URL into the window of a web browser.

[hokiefan]

Man, you guys work WAY too hard to post a picture. I put them in a Photobucket account. Its free to set up an account, they're hoping to sell you prints, etc. Uploading them is easy. Hit the upload button, browse your PC for the picture file, and select it. Give it a name, your done with that.

To post on the WBF you start your reply and open Photobucket in another window. Find the pic you want and click on the box under it labelled IMG Code. Go back to WBF, right click, paste, you're done.

Finish whatever comments you want and submit reply. Then you're really done. (Unless you are like me and have to go back and correct your spelling and grammar mistakes!)

Cheers,

Bobby

[hokiefan]

We made pretty good progress today. First thing we did was plane the chines fair. The kid loves to plane, but this is the first time he did any "production" work, it went well.

The kid hard at work.
http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii82/hokiefan334/planing_2.jpg

Checking out his progress.
http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii82/hokiefan334/checking_progress.jpg

After we finished the chines, we laid out and marked the bottom panels.
http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii82/hokiefan334/marking_bottom.jpg

Then after gluing the panels together with a butt strap, we dry fit the bottom. Looks a lot like a boat now.
http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii82/hokiefan334/dry_fit_bottom.jpg

Hopefully, tomorrow we'll get the bottom glued on. Depending on how early we get that done, we may get the edges planed fair, or we may have to get to that next weekend. Before bed I'm going to try to layout a pattern for the paddle blades. Once we get to the point where the "boat" is together I don't want him to have to wait too long to launch it. He said today he wanted to splash it in the pool because it would be faster!

We're having fun, especially now that he sees the boat coming together.

Cheers,

Bobby

[Tar Devil]

Looking great, Bobby! I found that there was plenty of time for paddle work while some of the final varnishing/painting cured. But... why put off what can be done today!!

Phil

[hokiefan]

Got the bottom installed, but not yet trimmed to final size. Really looks like a boat now.
http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii82/hokiefan334/ATT4218970.jpg

Phil, normally I would agree with you on fitting things like the paddles in while finishing. But our reality is that we are fitting the whole construction project into gaps, some natural, some created, in other projects around the house. Such as this rack we put together yesterday. It is to hold four boxes my wife found that are almost perfectly sized for quilt squares. The boxes are actually clearance special planters from Michael's. The rack was built to allow these to be stacked on a desk and allow access to all of the squares. Anyway, have to make the best of what time is available.
http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii82/hokiefan334/ATT4218972.jpg

Cheers,

Bobby

[Tar Devil]

Yo, Bobby! Shouldn't you have driven another nail or two by now? :)

[hokiefan]

Well, we did good last weekend, got the bottom planed fair and the outwales and keel scarfed together. But we ran out of time this weekend and didn't even touch it, other than to mow around it. This is the first weekend he's had soccer in awhile, so that took care of half of Saturday. By the time I'd finished cutting the grass Saturday afternoon, I was done.:eek: Sunday's are a lot shorter now that school is back, have to get done and working on dinner at a reasonable time, so the homework, baths, etc all get done in time for bed. We'll have to do better next weekend.

Cheers,

Bobby

[hokiefan]

Made pretty good progress this weekend. Got the outwales and the keel installed and part way cleaned up. The kid has decided that he doesn't like glueing, PL Premium will get on you no matter what you try to avoid it. The large bag of disposable gloves is a godsend in my mind. Don't have any pictures to show as it started raining right at picture time and I had to rush around to get everything put away and the boat covered up. Maybe thats how I pulled the muscle in my back.:(

Saturday night we stopped into Home Depot and picked out the color scheme. Didn't buy the paint yet, but when he showed the chips to his Mom she was impressed with his choices. I'll let you see them when its all done, but I think he did pretty well. Back to work.

Cheers,

Bobby

[Tar Devil]

I've never heard of such a thing!!?? Progress report without photos?? :confused:

Gonna let you slide this time, Bobby! :D

[hokiefan]

We pretty much finished building the boat itself this weekend. Spent a lot of time cleaning up glue squeeze out, planing the side planking and outwales fair, shaping the frame heads, etc. Also installed the blocks that will hold the ends of the seatback. Whats left at this point is to sand, prime, and paint; and the finishing details like build the seatback and finish the paddle. With a little luck we'll get the sanding done and at least one coat of primer next weekend.

One end of the keel trimmed to shape.
http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii82/hokiefan334/ATT1226313.jpg

The seatback support blocks installed
http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii82/hokiefan334/ATT1226205.jpg

Basically done.
http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii82/hokiefan334/ATT1226221.jpg

[ucb4ume]

I like it Hokie! Have you picked out a name yet?:D

[Tar Devil]

Looking VERY good, Bobby.

Picked out colors?

Also, what's your seat back gonna look like?

[hokiefan]

I like it Hokie! Have you picked out a name yet?:D

Well, the kid has picked out a name; and he's even told me what it is! But I can't remember it for the life of me. Guess thats what happens when you get old.:D



Looking VERY good, Bobby.

Picked out colors?

Also, what's your seat back gonna look like?

Thanks Phil. Yeah, he's picked out colors, but I'll let you see them on the boat. I think he did pretty good, especially for a boy.

I'm planning a seat back very similar to yours, maybe with 3 slats instead of two. Why? In my mind, thats what I see when I imagine it. Who knows why?



Hey Brian,

Hope you guys have as much fun as we have. Are you building stitch-n-glue per the plans? This has turned out to be more fun than I imagined, and I thought it would be good. The kid really likes that he created something real.

Cheers,

Bobby

[Tar Devil]

I'm planning a seat back very similar to yours

A little heads up on the seat back... I originally made mine so it would swivel. But because of the flare and taper of the sides and even with the inwales/outwales to stiffen the hull, the sides are still flexible enough that the seat thwart popped out of the mounts almost every time I paddled. You might wanna be thinking of a way to hold them down in those blocks (if you haven't already... I keep forgetting that most folks can think a ways ahead of me! :D ) I eventually gave up and glued mine to the blocks. Eventually I plan to make another one, discarding the blocks and just screw them to the inwales.

BrianM... way t'go! Can't wait to see your progress!

Edited to add (ask): Have you weighed yours, Bobby?

[hokiefan]

A little heads up on the seat back... I originally made mine so it would swivel. But because of the flare and taper of the sides and even with the inwales/outwales to stiffen the hull, the sides are still flexible enough that the seat thwart popped out of the mounts almost every time I paddled. You might wanna be thinking of a way to hold them down in those blocks (if you haven't already... I keep forgetting that most folks can think a ways ahead of me! :D ) I eventually gave up and glued mine to the blocks. Eventually I plan to make another one, discarding the blocks and just screw them to the inwales.

BrianM... way t'go! Can't wait to see your progress!

Edited to add (ask): Have you weighed yours, Bobby?

Phil, I hadn't really thought about that. I have noticed though that the frame, about 12" in front of the blocks really stiffens the boat up in the midsection, the sides are much more flexible half way between the frame and the stems. Hope its enough, because I would really like for the seat back to be readily removable, to allow several boats to nest. Hence the block has a slanted U cut out of it as opposed to a hole. Time will tell.

Haven't weighed it yet. Its not too hard to move around by myself once I get my hands at a good balance point. Will probably rig up some way to hook up a carrying yoke at some point. I have a template for a nice looking one in my notebook that I found somewhere. I will tell you thought, that in a hurry last weekend I picked it up without putting it over my head, and tweaked a muscle in my lower back. Of course the dozen or so C-clamps on the recently glued outwale didn't help balance anything either. Should have waited for the kid to help me, but it was starting to rain and I wanted to cover it before it got wet. Monday morning was a real pain getting to work. Going around the first interchange I apparently pulled on it just right and it spasmed up big time. It was all I could do to grit my teeth and keep steering around that curve. Interesting how quickly pain can make you sweat.:( Advil was my friend that day.:) Feeling much better now.

Cheers,

Bobby

[Tar Devil]

First time getting in. Notice the right side of the thwart...

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff298/TarDevil/Boats/Ez%20Canoe/The%20Launch/100_0372.jpg

I might add, also, that I drilled my blocks at a compound angle to give the thwart and blocks as tight of a fit as possible. I wanted to pin the inside per Thomas Hill's book, but - again - the flare of of the sides eliminated that possiblility.

I soon learned to keep my hands off the sides. Once I glued the thwart, everything got firm and all the loud, fish-scaring wood squeeks stopped. Like you mentioned... your frames may take care of this issue.

BTW, JD, if you're reading this... how 'bout that special entry secret you wuz gonna tell me? :)

[Tar Devil]

Brian, I mentioned earlier in this thread if I were to build another I'd use an external chine to avoid the epoxy and to give the chines some extra protection. Also gives the bottom just a wee bit more width. I still think I'd omit the frame, though (I'm still thinking weight! :) )

[hokiefan]

Hey Brian, you're right that I did not use stitch-n-glue. Several years ago WoodenBoat published plans for the Six Hour Canoe, which is very similar to the Cheap Canoe, except it has a lot more rocker and higher ends. It is also constructed with a frame & chines and screw & glue, as opposed to stitch-n-glue. I've read several accounts that the rocker and high ends make the Six Hour Canoe handle poorly in any kind of breeze, and the Cheap Canoe is better in this regard. So I picked the Cheap Canoe design and the Six Hour Canoe method of construction. Took a little thought to lay out the frame and account for the thickness of the butt straps, but that came out OK. Have it layed out on a piece of plywood for the construction of later editions. Also have the stem angle laid out for future reference as well. The next several we can make up parts then go to town.

I'm also using HD plywood, BC pine for the main pieces. Hopefully it won't check too bad. We're using PL Premium for adhesive, its been pretty easy to work with since it is gap filling. Our fits have been decent, but not perfect. But the main idea was to get something built and useful; and have a little fun along the way. So far, so good.:)

No worries about hijacking the thread. You probably already have, but be sure to read Tar Devil and JDillon's threads about their builds, they were quite helpful. They ended up with some pretty nice looking boats if you ask me.

Cheers,

Bobby

[hokiefan]

Made pretty good progress on Saturday. We got the boat cleaned up and sanded. Got all the edges relieved and everything rounded off nicely, then cleaned up the saw dust. The kid got a kick out of raising a sawdust cloud!

Here it is all ready to start priming.
http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii82/hokiefan334/ATT1226221-1.jpg

And the kid gets started priming the bottom.
http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii82/hokiefan334/primingbottom.jpg

Still hard at work priming the topsides.
http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii82/hokiefan334/primingtopside.jpg

At the end of the day Saturday we had a coat of primer on the outside.
http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii82/hokiefan334/outsideprimed.jpg

Sunday was consumed with other chores, including replacing the computer printer that died quite inconveniently. Can't do the homework anymore without the computer, and since school is Job #1 thats just not an option.

Cheers,

Bobby

[Tar Devil]

Awesome, Bobby!

Won't be long now!

[Tar Devil]

Oh, Bobby!! Don't you owe us an update by now?? :)


Phil, you should have counterbored the outboard side of the blocks, then drilled and pinned the backrest shaft. Saw that somewhere - I think in Harry Byran's 'Fiddlehead' plans

Thomas Hill's book instructed likewise, but the flare and taper likewise prevented me from doing this. The thwart end at the top of the outboard side of the block would be flush with the block while the lower side of the thwart ended somewhere in the middle of the block. Also, the angle of the pin would've been so great (even if I had enough thwart material to work with) that swiveling was out of the question... so might as well glue the things. Just something I didn't think through when I decided to go with blocks.

[Cuyahoga Chuck]

Since you brought it up you may as well know the Cheap Canoe was designed by a naval architect. The Six-Hour Canoe was designed by a couple of professors at the University of Buffalo. They came up with it as a part of a social program they were running.

[hokiefan]

Phil, I would have updated sooner, but the weekend of the 11th it rained the entire weekend, except for a brief window Saturday AM for the kids soccer game. We got cold and wet, he got muddy and had a blast. The rain was just as well because I had had some oral surgery during the week, and wasn't up for much other than being a slug on the sofa. Got enough sympathy to get away with that for one weekend, that is now so over.:D

Last weekend we got two coats of primer on the outside, and some work done on the paddle. Also laid out the seat back, but haven't started fabricating it. This weekend we put two coats of paint on the outside. It needs another, but we'll do that after we finish the inside. Its coming along pretty nicely.

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii82/hokiefan334/ATT58081.jpg

The kid wasn't around when I was taking picture, but my other helper was. This is Zoe, who would rather be napping.
http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii82/hokiefan334/ATT57926.jpg

Cheers,

Bobby

[Tar Devil]

Looking great, Bobby! Splash it next weekend?? :)

[hokiefan]

Looking great, Bobby! Splash it next weekend?? :)

Wishful thinking there. I'm thinking 3-4 more weekends, assuming the weather cooperates. Hopefully by Thanksgiving.

Cheers,

Bobby

[Tar Devil]

Wishful thinking there. I'm thinking 3-4 more weekends, assuming the weather cooperates. Hopefully by Thanksgiving.

I need to have a talk with your wife!! :)

[ucb4ume]

Looking good, hokiefan. Like the color.:)

[Concordia...41]

Woo Hoo! You gentlemen will be out on the water before long!

Cheers!

- M

[J. Dillon]

What a great experience for the both of you. :)Congratulations and enjoy the boat.

JD

[hokiefan]

What a great experience for the both of you. :)Congratulations and enjoy the boat.

JD

Its been really good for the two of us. There have been some times I've worked on it alone, but we've also had some really good times together. Yesterday we had a nice time getting the second coat of primer on the inside of the boat. Good conversation, productive work, and a little fun. Hope to splash it on or before Thanksgiving weekend.

Cheers,

Bobby

[hokiefan]

Still making progress toward finishing the canoe. Between last weekend and this, we now have 2 coats of primer on the inside and one coat of paint. Need another coat inside and out, plus the treatment the kid wants around the outwale. Also have to finish building the paddle and seatback and finish them. Getting down to the final details all around. Still hope to get it in the water by Thanksgiving weekend or before.

Not a great picture as it was starting to get dark by the time I got the camera out.

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii82/hokiefan334/ATT1159894.jpg

Cheers,

Bobby

[Tar Devil]

Looking great, Bobbie!

I'm still thinking you need to let us have a talk with your wife and get some priorities in order! :D

[Tar Devil]

Bump, to remind Bobbie that Thanksgiving is just two weeks away! :D

[hokiefan]

We made fairly good progress this weekend considering it rained most of Saturday. The kid wanted a wale stripe so to speak, so we marked and masked that. We ended up getting two coats on that as well as the second coat on the inside of the boat itself. Also got all of the paddle pieces in final shape, but not yet assembled.

Here's a side view of the wale stripe. Not quite its final configuration, just the base color.
http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii82/hokiefan334/ATT102276.jpg

And another picture of the inside of the boat, this time with two coats.
http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii82/hokiefan334/ATT102278.jpg

We'll have to be efficient to make much progress next weekend, as he has a soccer tournament. Its in town, so we'll have some time to work, but not a lot. I'm not sure which is more fun, watching him play his favorite sport, or working on this boat together. Good problem to have!

Cheers,

Bobby

[MiddleAgesMan]

Nice work, Bobbie.

When are you going to come by and see the Goat? She's down on the ground on her trailer now.

[Tar Devil]

Oh, Boooooooobbie!!!

Wanna see some paddlin' pictures!! :)

[hokiefan]

Hey Phil,

I'd like to see some too !!! The way the kid's soccer tournament worked out, we didn't even touch it this weekend. He had fun and wore himself out, but we got nothing done around the house.

With a 4 day weekend, we should make good progress this weekend, maybe even finish. We're going to give it the old college try anyway. All we have left is one coat on the bottom, a little decorative stuff, the seat back, and assemble and varnish the paddle. Thats all, not much really:D. OH, except go buy a flotation cushion and a PFD.

Cheers,

Bobby

[J. Dillon]

Well you're in for some fun real soon.:) Right Phil ?;)

JD

[Tar Devil]

Well you're in for some fun real soon.:) Right Phil ?;)

JD

Dern tootin'!

[hokiefan]

Thanksgiving has come and gone, unfortunately there are no paddling pictures.:( On Thanksgiving day, we got the seatback built and the paddle put together, then it proceeded to rain all weekend. Since we're working in the great outdoors, no more progress was made. I did, however, bring the loose parts (paddle & seatback) down to my apartment in J'ville so I could work on finishing them. So here they are magically levitating, with the first coat on them.

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii82/hokiefan334/paddle_seatback.jpg

Should be able to get three coats this week, have to head off and buy some fine sandpaper for the between coats sanding. Remembered to put everything in the trunk of the car except that.

Cheers,

Bobby

[J. Dillon]

Be sure to post pic of "Splash Day ";):)

JD

[Tar Devil]

What Jack said!!

BTW... how long is your paddle?

[hokiefan]

What Jack said!!

BTW... how long is your paddle?

Not to worry. On splash day we will even use a real camera, as opposed to the convenient camera in my cell phone. May even break out my wife's SLR, but that one is for on-shore duty only.

The paddle is probably way too short. I sized it for the kid, so its a few inches taller than his raised fingertips. At this point he's still short for his age. I think its something like 6'10" but can't remember for sure. I'm also not real happy with the shaft, I think it is too thick. Seemed OK when I was getting it out, but it seems chunky now. None of thats a big deal though, since we can build a new paddle or two very easily. Talked about this with the kid, and we agreed we'll just push forward with this for now, get it in the water, have a little fun, then go from there.

Gotta get another one in the water by summer anyway.

Cheers,

Bobby

[Tar Devil]

Pictures don't always tell the whole story, but I thought when I saw the paddle that the handle was kinda stout!

I used a one inch closet pole. Attached my paddles slightly different, though they won't work one bit better'n yours! :D

This winter I'll add a one foot extension on my paddle (originally 240 cm long). I'll make it so the paddle can be taken apart for transport.

[ben2go]

I talked to my son about building twin canoes.He was all up for it,until I tried to let him go out by his self.He would have been paddling around in waist deep water right there in front of me.He was terrified,but if I'm in the boat doing all the paddling,he's ok.So we give up the idea of twin canoes and decided on building jon(garvey) boat instead.I already own a 10 foot aluminum jon.the outboard,trolling motor,battery,and me break the weight limit by about 50 pounds.So we'll have to build us a wide 16 footer.

[hokiefan]

Hey Ben,
Hope you get as much out of your build as we have. The kid and I have had some good times so far, and we've both learned a lot. We were initially thinking of building a larger boat, after reading through ucb4ume's thread on his runabout. You ought to search out that thread by the way, he built a beautiful boat. Then he suggested that we start out with something smaller and simpler, so we could get something finished sooner. In retrospect, he was right, because now we've actually accomplished something within the time horizon of a 12 year old.

He's a little apprehensive about paddling by himself, but I think he'll be fine. He's a strong swimmer and by definition will have a PFD. We also have a nice little lake at one of the local parks with a little beach and no tides or currents, etc to deal with. Worst case if he can't make it go where he wants, the wind will push him to one side and we walk around to get him!:D

Have fun with your build and keep us posted with pictures.

Cheers,

Bobby

note for Phil - made no progress once again, the kid had another soccer tournament this weekend. They did well enough to get to the finals Sunday afternoon, then got beaten by a better team. Hoping for good weather next weekend.

[Tar Devil]

Bump... :D

[hokiefan]

Hey Phil, here's your update. Pretty much finished up this weekend. Got the last of the painting done, which was the accent on the outwale and the stripe the kid wanted. I finished the paddle and seatback during the week, so now we have a boat !!!

Here is the kid showing off his work.
http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii82/hokiefan334/ATT2007257.jpg

Here's one of him trying it out.
http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii82/hokiefan334/ATT2007246.jpg

Another view of the completed canoe.
http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii82/hokiefan334/ATT2007251.jpg

Finally, this is his best buddy offering his approval.
http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii82/hokiefan334/ATT2006605.jpg

We didn't have time to get it in the water this weekend, as I needed to accomplish a few other things, and he needed to study for exams. He was truly thrilled with that latter issue.:D Next weekend he'll be done with exams and I'll be on vacation/holiday for the rest of the year, so we'll get it wet then. Ought to be fun.:)

Cheers,

Bobby

[Tar Devil]

Awesome job, Bobby's Son! (Yer dad did pretty good, too!)

Looking forward to pictures afloat!!

[ben2go]

Nice werk!

[Concordia...41]

Double cool beans!

Great job guys! I can't wait for pictures of you paddling away...

- M

[Tar Devil]

Bump...

Bobbie!!! Which Thanksgiving did you mean?? :D:D

[ChrisBen]

Wow, you and "the kid" did a bang up job. That color combo is awesome.

[Tar Devil]

Another "bump!"

C'mon, Bobbie! Float that thing!!!

[hokiefan]

Splash day finally arrived, a beautiful day here in Savannah. The kid, his big sister, and I loaded it up and took it to Lake Mayer for the big moment.

Now it's wet.
http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii82/hokiefan334/splash%20day/2008165.jpg

And officially christened by the kid.
http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii82/hokiefan334/splash%20day/2008166.jpg

And he's off on his first voyage !!!
http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii82/hokiefan334/splash%20day/2008173.jpg

I think he likes it :D
http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii82/hokiefan334/splash%20day/2008185.jpg

[hokiefan]

After the kid paddled for awhile his big sister took a turn.
http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii82/hokiefan334/splash%20day/2008208.jpg

And finally I gave it a try.
http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii82/hokiefan334/splash%20day/2008242.jpg

Out into the lake we go.
http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii82/hokiefan334/splash%20day/2008247.jpg

We had a great afternoon enjoying our handiwork. We have a few things to work on. We need to add carrying handles, the paddle is WAY too short, but everything worked out pretty well otherwise.

Did I say we had a great time? What fun.:)

Cheers,

Bobby

[David G]

h'fan,

Great work. That'll be a keeper! And always a treat to do such a project with your kids. My youngest son helped me in the shop today. It's lovely days like that that keep me from strangling him on some of the "other" days :rolleyes:


"How to Raise Your IQ by Eating Gifted Children" -- Lewis B. Frumkes

[Concordia...41]

Congratulations! Well done gentlemen!

- Margo

P.S. What's next?

[Pernicious Atavist]

Pretty boat and a lucky kid!

[J. Dillon]

Congratulations .:D It looks like you will have to make three more for the rest of the family. Then you can be "Admiral of the fleet.";)

JD

[hokiefan]

Congratulations .:D It looks like you will have to make three more for the rest of the family. Then you can be "Admiral of the fleet.";)

JD

Hah!!! An old friend of mine put it well some years ago when he described his situation. He said, "I may be the captain of this ship, but my wife is the Admiral of this navy." :D

Cheers,

Bobby

[Tar Devil]

How in thunder did I miss this?? :confused: I've been looking almost every day!

Congrats, Bobbie! Looks like a heap of fun!

Dang. Can't harass Bobbie anymore!!

[botebum]

Congrats Bobby and Son! Looks great!
My first reaction to the splash pics was that the paddle seemed a bit short but I'm not a paddler so I wasn't sure. It also seems(to my inexperienced eye) that your son could use an inch or two under his butt when paddling. Would that upset the CG too much?(center-of-gravity not Coast Guard:rolleyes:)

Doug

[hokiefan]

Congrats Bobby and Son! Looks great!
My first reaction to the splash pics was that the paddle seemed a bit short but I'm not a paddler so I wasn't sure. It also seems(to my inexperienced eye) that your son could use an inch or two under his butt when paddling. Would that upset the CG too much?(center-of-gravity not Coast Guard:rolleyes:)

Doug

Thanks. There is a new paddle in the works, that should be OK for him. It may still be a little short for me, but I'll make another, longer paddle later anyway. The plan is to use a flotation cushion to sit on, which will give him another inch or so. For splash day we used a folded up blanket from the garage to keep us out of the drip puddle. Served the purpose, but I need to get cushion at some point. Ran out of time for launch day. Given how little gravity affects him anyway, I don't think raising his CG a little bit will bother him at all.

Cheers,

Bobby