Sam's
Construction Log with Photos
Sam Buchanan's Strip Canoe Journal
Front Page
Sam's
Construction Log with Photos
The Latest Project
Redfish Spring Run
Introduction
It seems that the more hectic a lifestyle we adopt, the more often we wish to retreat to places that reflect a quieter and slower pace. Bodies of water, whether oceans or merely streams, have attracted humans for eons. Our internal clock seems to wind down to a slower cadence as we migrate to water. While a spectrum of boaters still rely on wind for propulsion, for most maritime enthusiasts taking to the water incorporates the assistance of a mechanical powerplant of some sort. However, a small but growing group of boaters insist on excluding all forms of propulsion except human power.
Boats that are paddled or oared have been in use since the beginning of water transportation. But our interest on this site is a very narrow spectrum of boating that involves the use of handmade wood strip canoes. The canoe has been a popular vessel for who knows how long, but the wood strip mode of construction is a recent iteration of an old form of boat.
First of all, I must declare that I am a boating novice. Most of my years have been spent with both feet securely anchored to dry land. In 1990 I realized a dream when the privilege of flight was gained and the following decade was spent in a pursuit of aeronautical training and the construction of three aircraft. But memories of occasional forays down streams in my native Alabama have reenergized the desire to "take to the water". With the shop empty since the departure of our new Van's RV-6 aircraft, it seems like a great time to warm up the woodworking tools with a basic canoe project. I will also document some other canoe projects that are underway in my area. The builders' backgrounds will vary from skilled woodworker to rank beginner. This should provide a great cross-section of building expertise and experience as the various projects take shape. (photo of Sam and Melanie Buchanan on the Tennessee River courtesy of David Ausley)
Background
There is a book that has formed many of my impressions of the process of constructing wood strip canoes. While it is certainly not the only book of its type available, Gil Gilpatrick is uniquely qualified to explain the wood strip process. Gilpatrick taught for nearly thirty years in a high school and adult vocational program, and apparently his project of choice was wood strip canoes! His book follows years of canoe projects, and is targeted at the individual who is just beginning their journey into the world of wood strip boat building.
The book is available at many sources, but I elected to purchase it from Amazon.com. It cost less than $14 delivered to my door, and includes not only 111 pages of photo-illustrated text, but 1/2 scale patterns for eight canoe projects.
This site will document my introduction to wood strip canoe building, and the canoe I have selected is an adaptation from patterns included in Gilpatrick's book. Obviously, many of the techniques shown on this site will be taken from this book, but I am steadily accumulating boat construction information, and useful links will be noted as we progress with the project.
I highly recommend you procure this book for your reference. The ISBN is 0-89933-118-1, and the publisher is Delorme.
Scope
This site is intended for the boat builder who is considering taking on a strip canoe project or is currently underway with a project. I intend to document shop time as well as expenses so you can have adequate exposure to the time and budget requirements of a strip canoe project. Hopefully the info herein will be helpful for you in deciding if a strip canoe is suitable for your skills and motivation. The assumption will be made that you possess basic shop skills such as knowing how to use simple power tools while retaining all appendages.....
Also on this site are pages detailing the progress of friends' canoe projects. Tim Buchanan is not only the catalyst for me getting started on my project, but is a long-time co-conspirator in many projects since he is my brother. These pages should demonstrate the different directions similar canoe projects can take due to differences in individual builder philosophies, budgets, and experience. (photo by David Ausley)
Update 10/21/00; Sam and Tim's canoes strike out on maiden voyage! Initial trial run proves we have two very nice Lakers that perform as advertised.
Update 9/10/02; taking the Laker and the Wee Lassie to the water.
The Wee Lassie is riding on a rack fabricated with 1.25" PVC pipe.
The Spring Run rides on the trailer in cradles strapped to the Laker.
Sam's Construction Log with Photos
Please direct questions and comments to Sam Buchanan
This page was last updated on 11/10/08.
