The Bear Mountain Boat Shop

I used to graphite canoe bottoms with graphite that System Three sells. I mixed it at about 1part powdered graphite to 3parts miixed resin. It does improve abrasion resistance, it also has drawbacks. Keep it out of direct sunlite for long periods, as it will soften and bubble. Extra layers of cloth ...

Sounds like a good plan !
Why the dye ?
Jim

Great site John !!
A wealth of knowledge there !

I think every builder has come up with a different way to skin a cat. I guess that's why I like this site !

Nice job of the Wee Lasse II !
Jim

Hi Alick Ouch ! That could be a variety of things including those that Rod pointed out. Contamination of the surface and or epoxy, epoxy itself, brand and age, mixing technic, some more info might help. Did you apply a seal coat before glassing ? I know many omit the seal coat but I've always done i...

You will have fun ! I have a set of plans for the Wee Lasse II from Mac. I compared them to other plans and found them nearly Identical to the Arkansa Traveler from the Adirondak Museum, only closer station spacing. Back to your original question. I think 3/16" strips would be ideal ! I'd bead ...

Glen is right
A 16 to a 12 might turn into a bathtub.
Years ago I shortened a design from 16' 6" to 15'9". It slowed the hull speed, but made it more maneuverable. Basically it turned a lake boat into a river, or creek boat.
Good luck.
Jim

Hi BRYAN I've made two portage yokes like yours. I stole the concept from Bell. I made mine to a friction fit, but it's not perfect. So the bungee works. I wonder if foam or rubber between the seat and the arms of the yoke might hold the yoke in place ? Maybe a thumb screw mounted into the yoke appl...

Thanks !
I'll do the Google thing and see what I come up with.
Do you know if they have a website ?
Oh, I'm looking for a solo.
I have watched a few video clips, and most of the strip built boats have a lot of rocker and width.
Thanks Sedges.
Jim

I'm looking for plans for the best freestyle canoe.
Also the best freestyle paddle.
Thanks
Jim

Right on Woodguy !
Nice pic.
I've switched blades different times and I do like the Diablo.
Jim

All I use to cut strips is a 13amp.Makita, skill saw! I bought nearly 20 years ago. I've cut strips for no less than 20 boats, and it's still going strong. Carbide blade with a thin kerf and 24teeth works great. It cuts very uniform strips, and you need that for bead and cove ! Method ? I place the ...

Podunk My paddling style matches yours. You're right, lowering a seat gives more stability, and those that like to use a double blade for paddling like a low seat. Kayakers get by fine sitting on the bottom. Leg length comes into play also. I have a 30" inseam. For me a low seat is hard to get ...

Just someting I do with my solos. I place the front thwart, so that I can wedge my paddle between the thwart the seat and the bottom of the canoe. I use a bent blade paddle and this works great ! The thwart ends up about 26 to 28in forward of the seat. Just food for thought ! I too would like to see...

Beautiful job !!
I like the stemless construction, not to mention strp combinations !

I guess AWESOME would be appropriate !

What's next ?

Jim

John
Look up Dale Benham in Lincoln.
I believe he goes by Bassbug on this site.

It's always nice to hook up with fellow builders in the area.
Jim