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Just curious where the nearest Swift dealer might be ? I live in Iowa. The OP wishing for a 17' solo, seems a little long. I would max out closer to 16', or maybe a little long. I started building cedar strip canoes to satisfy my needs, I've come close, but still building ! Ha. Good luck...

The wood shop was started from the generosity of the guy who owns the building. Not knowing what to do with it, he was talking to a friend, and the idea, of a community work shop, came up.. Starting with the building, and over $30,00, the idea came into reality. A Retired shop teacher and...

I belong to a Community wood shop. We have all the tools and plenty of heated work space. It is starting to get a little crowded now. Nokomis wood working

The Merlin is a good design, but the enlarged Merlin, aka the 38 Spl. is much better. In fact that will be my next build, with another Kevlar copy. I have a bunch of Kevlar cloth to use up ! I'll order supplies, this Spring, I worry that the resin might get froze, in shipping. It may be an...

I'm giving up on photos ! Sorry again ! Gotta try again. https://hosting.photobucket.com/2d1cff85-238d-4a03-8a73-38d2e5e3ba5c/c1bf5e99-bdec-4f94-8bcb-f1e04bb71f8c.jpg?width=590&height=590&fit=bounds

Sorry again ! I think it will show now.

A few years ago, I started tilting my strongback. So much easier to strip and sand ! Oh, and card board keeps your floor clean and comfortable to strip and sand .

Sorry ! Photo bucket has changed things, and I'm trying to learn the new way. Check to see, if I have things corrected ? Jim

A Thought that might interest you. Once you have the outside glassed and varnished. Why not build a Kevlar copy ? I have a thread a while back on doing that, if you are interested. I would bet you will use that Kevlar copy more ! I know I do ! A link, or two. I hope...

For making it easier to install the Whiskey strip, I didn't strip all the way to the center on the first side. That way, I could easily fit the last few strips on both sides at once. I even made a great opportunity for an accent.

Flotation chambers are a must in my book. You will want to finish the inside of the stems, regardless of tanks. A wood strip hull will float, barely above the water. Push down on it, and it will sink. Problem is, it takes a long time to resurface ! Flotaion chambers bring it back to the...

Looks good ! I would delay the varnish, until done with the inside. Otherwise you will likely scar it up, while working the inside. Good you have the centerline cut. I always enjoyed fitting the final strips. Jim

Creative ! Some times you just have to adapt ! Way to go ! Looks great ! Jim

You are fine. Looks great ! I usually drop the stem forms, before starting to strip, a 1/4", to reduce the hump that you will get . Too late for that now. Don't worry. Just keep stripping. The transition from vertical to horizontal is a little tricky. Cutting the angle is different with each...

Good ! Not all builders, especially Newbies, keep a dust free enviroment. And Yes, any irregularities left between the hull and the cloth, will raise the cloth. I've scraped and repaired enough of them. Seal coats are fine, it's just a little extra work. I know you won't have any problems ...

It would be the best, if we could, in one application, lay the cloth, wet it out and fill coats at one time. No need to worry about blush between coats. With my method, I'm up late and usually get up sometime during the night to apply that last fill coat. I know others wait until the next...

Waiting to 72 hrs, just increases the likely hold of contaminates, and blush. Blush is the result of moisture, ( Humidity ) and carbon dioxide reacting as the resin cures. The longer you wait after epoxy application, increases the creation of Amine blush. So here is what I do and what the...

I've always wondered how people interpret that 72 hour thing ? What would be the difference, if I waited 73 hours ? A System Three Tech, told me it was better not to wait. Stating I would get a clearer, and better bond. I have abided by that and had no issues. Jim

I agree with above posts. RAKA 127 resin, and 350 Non blush hardener. If there is any chance you'd build another canoe ? I'd go with the three gallon kit. I would go with the 6 oz cloth. Same price, but a bit more durable, unless you are going with 4 oz S-glass. Jim

Cut back on the glue ! You will thank me later ! My goal is not to see any glue squeeze out. It will save you a ton of sanding and scraping later !!! Yes ! Go stemless, or go home ! Ha ! Just a little rib for those Stem guys ! :p