Building the Strongback

Day 1

The plan:

Helene and Tyson are building a canoe!  The general plan is:

1. build the strongback
2. attach the keelson
3. attach the stems
4. attach the stringers
5. attach the ribs
6. skin the frame
7. build the floor
8. build the breasthook

First, we plotted two copies of the 2 person Big Lassie canoe plans that we purchased from Dream Weaver Canoes.  Once that was done, we taped the two sides together to make a single patter for each piece.

Then we traced the patterns onto 3/8 rough plywood, being sure to mark the holes as well.  There are nine station molds in total that get mounted to the strongback

Each station mold was then cut out with a jigsaw.

Then we attach the station molds to the strongback.  Ours is 16', but probably just over 12' would be enough.  We'll likely have to cut the strongback down once we want to attach the stems.

Testing the fit of station mold #1

Making sure it's going to line up in the centre

We mount the station molds to the strongback by first screwing the molds to a 6" piece of 2x2, ensuring that the mold will lie flat against the strongback.  Then we screw the 2x2 to the strongback.  Yes, the screws are a bit long.

And the finished product!