I build a lot of small boats, so thought I'd try a plan given out for free on the net. Take a look at BoatPlans Online, or go to bateau.com for tgheir "Cheap Canoe" plan. It's a basic, two-sheet plywood stitch-and-glue flat-bottomed 14.5-foot canoe. As planned, it's gunnels are 12.5" above the bottom, but I raised them to the maximum the sheets of ply would allow (another 1-3/8"), and laminated a double rubrail for firmness. Today I added the second coat of epoxy to the hull, finished the red oak breasthook/decks, added some mountain ash carrying handles and peened a section of 1/2" copper pipe through her bow for a towrope. Everything is locked in place with epoxy or epoxy-and-sawdust, of course.
The plans call for no strongback for construction, but uses duct tape to hold the pieces together, instead (The "Red Green" approach). I used aluminum wire to be sure, but next time I think I'll use fish line so it won't matter to my tools if I leave the fasteners in place.
This is a very easy plan to follow, and easy to finish. This one will be bright red with a dark grey interior, and bright wood trim. Think I'll call her "Firecracker".
JRSloan
Spokanoemaker
