The Bear Mountain Boat Shop

Hi Glen,
Does that lovely canoe have a keel? I thought I had read somewhere, that you found that adding a keel was necessary?.By the way, I use that picture of your canoe as a background on my computer, hope you don't object.
James

Hi Adam,
If I remember correctly, that book may be availlable at the Owen Sound library.
James

For drawing the molds,Old hacksaw blades make good short battens, Old bandsaw blades cut to 2 to 3 ft make good longer battens. hope this helps
James

I just marked the sheer line locations on the inside of the hull with an awl at each form before I removed them(you could also put them back in temporarily and mark them). I then glassed and did all epoxy coatings. After completion I just clamped a long straight batten (gunwale or strip) to align th...

MB, It appears in the picture that the hole for the router bit doesn't go all the way through. Wouldn't there be a problem with chips clogging up the path of the strip? If not, then that is a great jig.
Thanks
James

Hi Vann, I would also advise that you use a seal coat. Susan Van Leuvan mentions it on p 76 in her book as does Nick Schade in his book Building Strip- Planked Boats. As a new builder ther are many advantages to using a seal coat and unless applied in excess it shouldn't make much difference in the ...

Hi Tim, On your forms you have several lines, small spaced holes and also large circles spaced evenly apart. Could you please explain the purpose of these markings?
Thanks
James

Hi John,
Maybe a little late now, but see the One Ocean Kayak site for a neat setup to rout B&C on your strips. It,s a simple jig and works great as I can attest to it.
Good luck
James

I also have the Mastercraft digital heat gun kit from Canadian Tire which I purchased 2 yrs ago on sale. It is a great tool for the price and it has a 3yr no hassle replacement warranty.It has temperature range from 122 to 1202 degrees F in 50 degree increments. Also has 5 speed settings with digita...

Yes, Silvertip is a blush free epoxy. The epoxy will be well cured as it will be about 6 months before it's warm enough to varnish. Randy, I,m glad to hear you didn't have any problems. Does anyone else on here use these two products on their canoes or kayaks and if so, what are your experiences Tha...

Has anyone experienced any problems using Epifanes varnish over System Three Silvertip epoxy. I have been using this epoxy on my first canoe build and when I ordered the epoxy I also bought Epifanes varnish (upon recommendation) to apply later. Since then, I have read on other forums about Epifanes ...

Hi Adam
As we are neighbors with common interests, I just sent you a pm
James

Thanks Don and Rod for your speedy replies and advice.

Would 38" cloth be sufficient for most kayaks? How about canoes, could it be joined to cover a canoe? I guess it couldn't be laid on a bias though. The reason that I ask is that I can buy 38" 6 oz. cloth about $1.15 cheaper per SQ. yd. than 60". Would there be less waste using the 38&...

Glen, Thanks for the speedy reply. How did you reinforce between molds---A strip placed under the strip run to hold the strips up from sagging?
James