by T. Touris and D.E. Bentley –
The idea of building a wooden boat started with an interest in woodworking and time spent with family on the water. This interest in canoes was strengthened as a result of a visit to the Canadian Canoe Museum in Ontario Canada – Le Musée Canadien du Canot.
Deciding on one of the many construction techniques was the first step. The chosen strip built design was the “Nymph,” a cedar strip canoe designed by Nick Schade – featured in Wooden Boat Magazine in 2007/2008. The “strip-built” method, using narrow cedar strips, works well for Schade’s design, which includes a section of tumblehome up near the gunwale. This design element provides added stability.The shape and size of the forms is determined by the offset chart which is the “DNA” of the boat. A very simple set of plot points that allow a builder to create the complete shape and form of the boat. These points are plotted onto paper to create a full sized rendering of the forms – a process called lofting. This process is what allows today’s boat builders to resurrect historically significant boat designs – designs that they ultimately make their own.A boat can be built almost anywhere. An important, although not always obvious step is making sure that the finished boat will be able to exit the construction area – in this case a basement window.A strongback supports the form and consists of multiple stations. The stations are what provide the shape to the cedar strips or other covering that becomes the body of the completed canoe. In the case of the “Nymph,” the strongback was 12′ long – the length of the canoe.
This process of creating and supporting forms is the same for many different kinds of boats. In the case of the “Nymph,” since the stern and bow stems are identical, only a half set of templates was needed to make all the stations.The cedar strips are cut with a band saw and the bead and cove joints are shaped with a router.
Stems are added to the inside at the stern and bow before the strips are attached. (In some designs there is only a stem on the bow.) The stems for this canoe were made from steamed bent oak.The strips are then stapled or nailed directly onto the stations. This part of the process goes quickly, and the body of the canoe quickly takes shape.Fairing and glassing comes next. Although wooden canoes were traditionally made without fiberglass, there is a definite benefit to using this material in terms of durability and longevity.Fairing, as the word implies, means “to make fair, proper.” This involves removing the fasteners and scraping and sanding the cedar wood surfaces to a smooth finish. Careful work at this point contribute to a beautiful finished boat. Once the glassing begins, there is no chance to go back and make it fairer.The initial glassing comes next. Although wooden canoes were traditionally made without fiberglass, there is a definite benefit to using this material in terms of durability and longevity. Fiberglas” (note only one “s”) was patented in January 1936; the partnered companies merged in 1938 to become Owens-Corning Company. The earliest use of fiberglass cloth and resin was in aircraft – which benefited from the lightness and strength of the material. The earliest known use in boats was in the 1940’s. Glassing starts with a seal coat over which a glass fiber is draped. Coats of epoxy resin are added over the fabric until the weave is no longer visible. The surface is then smoothed. Proper ventilation and protection is crucial during the sanding.Strips are added on the outside of the stern and bow over the inner stems. Gunwales are attached along the top edge of the hull of the canoe using epoxy resin and sawdust. From a woodworker’s perspective, this is where the most creative and challenging work begins. In the case of Todd’s “Nymph,” the gunwales were made from basswood with mahogany detailing.The decks of the canoe are also detailed with mahogany and basswood.After all the detailing is completed and the the surface is fair as fair can be, a final glassing is applied to protect the deck and gunwale. Additional fiberglassing is also added to reinforce the bottom of the hull. A varnish is added after the final sanding. Anyone who has ever worked fiberglass knows that this is an art onto itself. Although the steps are simple, significant and detailed sanding is required to get a smooth, and beautiful finish.Adding creative finishing touches gives boatbuilders the freedom to customize boats to meet their needs and aesthetics and to make use of materials at hand. In this case, a seat and backrest were carved and added.No canoe would be complete without a paddle. In this case, mahogany – to match the gunwale and deck detailing – was laminated with Douglas fir. The center piece was made with a square piece of wood that was shaped into an octagon and then rounded into a cylinder.The final test of a boat is how it glides on the water – a testament to the designer’s and the builder’s skills and commitments to excellence. There is nothing finer, in our opinion, than gliding across Canadice Lake in this finished boat – which has also seen some slightly rougher waters in Canada. In all, this boat took 135.5 hours to build from start to finish and cost $800. The true value is in the enjoyment of use, and this boat continues to be enjoyed by all who take her out on the water. Not surprisingly, another boat is already in the works: A lapstrake sailing canoe – with custom made sails.
