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First stripper build: Prospector-16 Help & comments appreciated

Yeah, Jim. I remember you warning: "Don't weave too tight" Just not sure what too tight is. That's why I bought enough webbing for 4 sets of seats. One for this canoe, one for the next, and two extra for redoing these after I paddle it a bit.

Unfortunately, any paddling yet this fall is likely going to be solo. Not going to see 50's after this week. At least my dog will go with me.
 
Every boatshop worth anything has a moaning chair. I’ve sat in mine more than a couple times.
Jim

I have such a chair ! I also sit in it, when I mix epoxy ! Yes, I turn it towards the clock !

Somehow I relax a little when glassing. Helps keep this Old Geezer going !

Yeah, Jim. I remember you warning: "Don't weave too tight" Just not sure what too tight is. That's why I bought enough webbing for 4 sets of seats. One for this canoe, one for the next, and two extra for redoing these after I paddle it a bit.

Unfortunately, any paddling yet this fall is likely going to be solo. Not going to see 50's after this week. At least my dog will go with me.
If the cord sags a little in the middle, say a half inch, from front to back, It should be pretty close.
 
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I’m finally able to resume my build and am installing Gilpatrick style low-line attatchment holes using 3/4 inch copper pipe. I believe alsg did the same on his Wabnaki build and perhaps he’ll chime in.
Yes, that's exactly how I did it on my Wabnaki and I'm so glad I did!!! Great for tie downs to the car and the low placement makes it a good location for painters when you are lining the canoe!
 
Well, it's been a long time coming, but the canoe is done until spring, when I'll give it a light buff, and another coat of varnish. I have 3 coats on now. I actually finished it 3 1/2 weeks ago, but I've been waiting for the varnish to cure enough to launch it. It finally saw the water on Saturday. First pond I went to was iced over, so I went to a bigger & deeper lake. A HUGE thank you to all of you that have provided guidance and support on my first build. I didn't have any canoe paddles at home, so I went with a couple kayak paddles. I'm going to be making a few straight, and a few bent shaft paddles this winter. I've never used a bent shaft, but figure as long as I'm making paddles, might just as well make a few.
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AWESOME !

I love the seats, and overall appearance !
Congratulations !
I was hoping to see it on the water !

Jim
 
It sure looks nice, you gotta be pleased with it
How does it paddle? Are you happy with the in water performance?
Strippers are quiet, and warmer in cold water than most other boats.
 
As you can see from this picture, there's not a flaw to be found. A perfect build. 😉😉 Oh, wait. Maybe I should have backed up farther.
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It's a bit hard to evaluate the paddling, since it was a short launch, and I was using a couple cheap kayak paddles. From what I could tell, it'll do better with a little weight in it. It is a Prospector, meant to carry a bit of a load. With just my wife and I (no gear), the wind was a bit of a problem. It was stable, and glided through the water well. I'm already looking forward to the next build, thinking it'll be a day tripper for two, with minimal gear......Or a kayak.
 
Great canoe and great thread you've created, Kliff. This thread already now has the second most replies in the Boat Builds forum in site history.
 
I may have started the thread, but it truly was the comments, and responses to requests for help along the way that made it worth looking at. That, and the fact that it took me 6 months to complete. I'm working on a few wrap up documents that I'll share when they are done. "lessons learned", "time to build", and "cost break-down" will be coming shortly. Again, a huge thank you to all that have helped me along this wonderful journey. Of all the things I have built, this is far and away the most challenging, yet rewarding in so many ways. This thread truly is a testament to the willingness of those among us that are knowledgeable in this fine craft to help people like me.

-Mark
 
Anxious for your report on lessons learned, cost break down, time to build, and last but not least, weight.

Thanks !

Jim
 
Sorry for the delay. I don't have a scale to get an accurate weight on the canoe. Guess I'll have to break down and get one. I have several relatives and friends that keep forgetting to bring one for me to borrow. My lessons learned can be found here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1RwxVqyMUcQURQOLm1BBvUdbwW1kC962UxskEzwl53Eg/edit?usp=sharing

I'm sure I missed a few critical elements. I also tried not to rehash any of the content posted throughout this thread.

Here's my cost break down: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1SysazGH-sx8oPeIJe5qGnbClV4FblOCqsjioLlFNtJ8/edit?usp=sharing

it is important to note, I did not include any cost for the hardwood used for the trim work. This was all donated to me. I currently have a few thousand board feet of cherry & walnut. I also did not include cost of several other items, that are shown on the spreadsheet.

I'm still recreating hopefully an accurate summary of my time to build. I have my "shop notes", which no one would understand but me.

Weight coming soon
 
Great write up on Lessons Learned.

Your Teaching skills show !

Thanks for taking us along for the ride !

Jim
 
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