The Bear Mountain Boat Shop

Good point about the sheer line curve by the stems and there is some flexibility with how much curve one uses. I like the look of a higher stem and, of course, that made bending my gunwales a little more challenging. I also chose not to use any screws in my gunwales so steaming (just the last few fe...

I'd be afraid to damage the canoe myself but that's just me. The heat would be a concern but so too would be the quick clamping and other activity around the delicate stems. I already dropped a few things in the canoe that left blemishes. I also think that I would a have more difficulty in getting a...

I know that there are a lot of Rangers out there but every one of them is different and each took a different path from start to finish. I started my journey with "Canoecraft" as my main source of information and I would highly recommend it to anyone along with their companion videos inclu...

Thanks Brian, I had looked at your build report before but looked at it more closely and, yes, it did clarify some things for me. I, especially, liked your method of bending the last couple of strips. Great job on documenting your build which I'm sure will be a much used resource for me. George.

Sorry if this has been discussed already but I searched and couldn't find an answer. I'm planking up to to my Ranger's centerline trying to keep the plank ends lined up with those on the other side. With about 6 planks left to go things look fairly matched although I've had to do a lot of bead trimm...

After taking a couple of months off I am back on my first build Ranger. I was a bit intimidated about cutting a plumb centerline and trimming planks to fill in the "football" but it is actually going pretty well since I started using sanding sticks and my table saw to do the final shaping ...

Your hull looks Great George ! I like the strip combination. I always like a different colored strip, close to the 4" waterline, so another paddler can a check my trim Fore and Aft ! Glad you are finding ways to hold the strips to the hull ! Curious why so much tape (Green) to hold the blocks ...

Thanks Brian, I just started using the straps because I was having a problem keeping the canoe on the forms. Right now sliding shims and wedges between the straps and hull seem to be enough to keep things snug to the stations (but not too tight). I threw a couple staples in at times but they didn't ...

Well, I finally got through the bilge planking on my first build- the Ranger. It was a bit stressful (pun intended) and I'm sure I will do better next time but I certainly have more gaps to fill than I was anticipating. I can't see any light shining through the gaps when I place a bright led on the ...

Hi Lee, I'm new here myself. Good luck with the build! (I may boost that average build time up by the time I'm done!) ;)

Stu, I am a novice when it comes to canoe construction having only started my Ranger about 2 months ago. At first, I thought that I only wanted clear, full length planks but as my build proceeded I actually welcomed the occasional (small) knot, butt joint or unusual grain pattern as long as they occ...

I use the beltsander to "cut" the strips flush with the inner stem. As you say, looking down from above makes it much easier. I usually put a strip of metal about 2'long under the belt so I can be sure it is square as I trim. Took some guts the first time but once I got the hang of it, it...

Nice job, the stems cleaned up nicely. You have more courage than I do, power tools on an edge like that always get me in trouble. Please keep the build updates coming Brian Thank you Brian. I was hesitant to use the power sander on the plank ends but even more reluctant to get any closer by hand. ...

Looks Great Compass ! Keeping the planks ON the forms has always been the challenge, going the Stapleless route. Looks like you have it handled. Stripping the Bilge is a challenge, but once you have the Stem forms covered, the football is the fun part. Your on the right track ! Stay with it ! Jim T...

My Ranger build continues. After my last post I assembled and utilized some of the "Jimmy clamps" and I have to say that they work pretty well. They allow me to quickly clamp and keep moving- then I go back and tape and wedge where needed. I decided to take a break from planking up towards...