canoe and kayak

[Ernie]

Built a cedar strip canoe, took me six months but I was pleased with the results. Then I decided I wanted an ocean kayak so I got plans for that and it took me 9 months to complete. That one was pushing my limited skills with woodworking but I am very happy with the finished product. I am from Michigan so no ocean but it works great on the rivers in the area. Will post pictures when I get a chance.

[BrokenolMarine]

We have been kayaking for two decades. A friend built a very nice strip kayak, beautiful, and light as a feather. His daughter immediately asked for one of her own. He spent ten years building the two, but hers had a dreamcatcher inlaid in the deck.

[Greyhawk]

Built a cedar strip canoe, took me six months but I was pleased with the results. Then I decided I wanted an ocean kayak so I got plans for that and it took me 9 months to complete. That one was pushing my limited skills with woodworking but I am very happy with the finished product. I am from Michigan so no ocean but it works great on the rivers in the area. Will post pictures when I get a chance.

Looking forward to the pictures. My daughter and I have been kayaking the Mississippi, this will be our third year. Started at the boat landing at Lake Itasca, made it 33 miles the first year, camping 2 nights and another 42 miles the next year, once again camping out of our kayaks for two nights on the trip. Planning on another 40 miles this spring/early summer.

[ESquared]

Pics, we need pics! Sounds great. Anything that takes that long to build has to be beautiful.

[Ernie]

Hanging up in my workshop right now. Have to move the snow blowers to get at them and I am not convinced it is yet time to put them away.

[Ernie]

Ok I got the Kayak out and got a few pictures. It gets used so it is a bit scratched up and as I have mentioned before I take lousy pictures.

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[Ernie]

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Here are some of the canoe and then both. Same no talent disclaimer applies.

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[markiver54]

Those are gorgeous!!
You should be VERY proud. Too pretty to use..

[Cofisher]

Beautiful! Helped my dad build a redwood strip canoe in 1969. I still have it. It needs work, maybe someday. Your boats are gorgeous, well done.

[Ernie]

Not much good if you don't use them. I have sanded down the Kayak and re- varnished it once but it is a due again. Wooden boats do require maintenance.
I have to admit pride when using but I am getting much better about it. I had a woman put me in place the first time I was in the canoe. I was waiting for someone to comment on it and it happened when we took it out at the dam site. She was fishing with a cane pole and watched me haul it out. She remarked, " Wow. What a pretty canoe. Did you get that at Walmart? " I swallowed my response I had ready if someone asked about it and just replied "Yep"

[markiver54]

That's funny, A truly un-trained eye...Wal Mart...gimme a break. Kudos to you for biting your tongue.

[Bugs]

Look great to me.

[Ernie]

I have done a lot of canoeing having lived in Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin and wanted something a little special so I decided to build what I wanted to have. BUT.... they are too attractive to some others and I have to take care to lock them up on the car carriers and not leave unattended loose.
I had a very distinctive fiberglass canoe stolen at a restaurant in Indy once, took it off my car and no one witnessed it happen. Called to police and the responding officer just took the report and said "sorry". I drove around the area and saw 2 guys loading it on a pickup in an alley 3 blocks away. Caught the officer finishing the report in the parking lot and led him back to the truck. Had 4 more police cars show up and got my canoe back because they could show intent or something because they were caught tying it on the truck. Also since it was so distinctive a design it was clearly the one I described. It taught me that something unique will always be attractive to thieves and requires extra care to keep.

[BrokenolMarine]

I have done a lot of canoeing having lived in Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin and wanted something a little special so I decided to build what I wanted to have. BUT.... they are too attractive to some others and I have to take care to lock them up on the car carriers and not leave unattended loose.
I had a very distinctive fiberglass canoe stolen at a restaurant in Indy once, took it off my car and no one witnessed it happen. Called to police and the responding officer just took the report and said "sorry". I drove around the area and saw 2 guys loading it on a pickup in an alley 3 blocks away. Caught the officer finishing the report in the parking lot and led him back to the truck. Had 4 more police cars show up and got my canoe back because they could show intent or something because they were caught tying it on the truck. Also since it was so distinctive a design it was clearly the one I described. It taught me that something unique will always be attractive to thieves and requires extra care to keep.

If we go on vacation and take the kayaks on the trailer, I have a long heavy vinyl coated steel cable I run thru the kayak scuppers, thru the wheels and spare on the trailer and then to something solid like a light pole or guard rail. It's not paranoia if they really are out there.