Hi from Maine.

As a "returning" paddler I have much to learn.

I want the convenience of a canoe again and I want wood.

Dad had an AlumaCraft canoe that we used as a family. We used that and other aluminum canoes as Scouts in the '60s. Later I used whitewater kayaks and a plywood rowing/sailing skiff. I helped at a Maine seaside lodge and picked up one of their abused ocean kayaks when they closed. A plastic kayak has been my only boat for 20 years.

I'm probably done with class III & IV whitewater. Done with paddling little boats on exposed saltwater. Plenty of lakes and rivers near here surrounded by beautiful woods. The kayak is comforting in a chop on a lake and low windage to boot, but not the most convenient in other ways. It weighs 66 Lbs.

Camping has been constant and I don't plan to stop. Some modest trips are calling and this kayak isn't the right boat.

I'm starting with cedar strip but probably have time to make a couple paddles first. I don't have ALL the tools but probably don't need more today. Built this house, cabinets, some furniture, etc., and now on smaller projects.

It's been more than 50 years since real canoeing. My experience may be in the neighborhood but not exactly what I need to know for a canoe.

Another old-fahrt here to pester you with questions. Reading some of the threads reveals a pretty nice forum. I thank you in advance.

Welcome to the campfire. Lots of experienced builders here and all willing to answer questions and offer advise.
Jim

Welcome, looking forward to reading about your build.

Welcome neighbor.

Welcome. Always nice to have another person feeding the fire.

By all means, start a build thread when you're ready. We'll all follow along, answer any questions as best we can and enjoy seeing your results.

I'll agree that 66lbs is too much (even if it were a canoe). You should be able to lose substantial weight if you spend the winter on a stripper.

Robin said:

Welcome neighbor.

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Hi neighbor.

I like Appleton well enough, and it's not that far but I'm on the other side of the Penobscot River. The self-proclaimed "boatbuilding capital of the world", Brooklin.

I just returned from paddling Maine waters (Allagash) - VERY envious of your living location! You live in a FANTASTIC place to paddle!

Gamma1214 said:

Welcome. Always nice to have another person feeding the fire.

By all means, start a build thread when you're ready. We'll all follow along, answer any questions as best we can and enjoy seeing your results.

I'll agree that 66lbs is too much (even if it were a canoe). You should be able to lose substantial weight if you spend the winter on a stripper.

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I have been reading and comparing plans, hoping for 40 Lbs. If it grows to 44 Lbs, the kayak will still weigh 50% more.

I have ordered a "complete kit" with pre-cut forms and strongback for a Nick Schade Mystic River Tandem. They claim 42 Lbs. I can loft but at the moment am willing to let someone else do it. We lofted stations for a lapstrake boat in a class at the WoodenBoat School.

These short-cuts are so I can apply fiberglass and epoxy before mid-November. The garage has a woodstove (and no cars) but it doubles our wood consumption and the temperature in there is not steady in the winter.

NikonF5user said:

I just returned from paddling Maine waters (Allagash) - VERY envious of your living location! You live in a FANTASTIC place to paddle!

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I just completed reading Thoreau's Canoeing in the wilderness which is in part of the Allagash but not the "entire" modern waterway north.


My immediate plans are more modest. But I'm envious of YOU. Then again I was paddling in Acadia NP earlier this week and there are still a few places that aren't overcrowded.

My son and I hung out in Bar Harbor this past Sunday - touristy I know, but I still do love MDI and Acadia! Would be tons of fun to paddle there!

Hello and welcome from South Bristol!