G
Guest
Guest
We have had rain, rain, and more rain here in Florida. Most of my neighbors are complaining but I keep thinking about all that water making its way to the local rivers. I've really got the itch to go get on the water for a few days. I finally have a little breathing room in my schedule and can now do just that. But my thoughts are these: I enjoy traditional style camping (canvas vs. nylon) much more than the modern style. I have the gear but floating it in a plastic boat just isn't the same. Don't get me wrong, I love the two canoes I have (Bell Wildfire and Morningstar) and I have tripped in both of them with great results but I really long for a boat that blends in with nature a little better.
Now that you all have a little background on me; my question is this: can a wooden canoe (other than a dugout) withstand hitting rocks, sliding and scraping through shallows, and occasionally riding up on cypress knees? I have been reading about the strippers that some of you have built and of how durable and easily repairable they are. I have woodworking experience and have built a 16' rowboat in the past so I believe that I am capable of constructing at least a crude stripper. I think this would be very rewarding but I don't want to go to all the expense and effort if I am going to punch a hole in the hull every time I take it out.
If you think this might work for me does the entire boat have to be encased in epoxy? I know it wouldn't last as long but it would serve my purposes better. Can it be made of cypress? Sorry for all the questions but I am moving into unknown territory here. Thanks in advance for your time and advice.
Now that you all have a little background on me; my question is this: can a wooden canoe (other than a dugout) withstand hitting rocks, sliding and scraping through shallows, and occasionally riding up on cypress knees? I have been reading about the strippers that some of you have built and of how durable and easily repairable they are. I have woodworking experience and have built a 16' rowboat in the past so I believe that I am capable of constructing at least a crude stripper. I think this would be very rewarding but I don't want to go to all the expense and effort if I am going to punch a hole in the hull every time I take it out.
If you think this might work for me does the entire boat have to be encased in epoxy? I know it wouldn't last as long but it would serve my purposes better. Can it be made of cypress? Sorry for all the questions but I am moving into unknown territory here. Thanks in advance for your time and advice.