The Bear Mountain Boat Shop

Anyone ever use basswood gunwales? I know some guys have used sitka and even western red cedar so I was wondering about basswood.

Thanks,

Moonman.

I don't have plans but I do have two carts. One I bought, the other I had a friend make out of aluminum. One key part are the wheels. Mountain bike tires are best. Try for 24 in" diameter. Smaller tires and solid, plastic or hard rubber tires that are not air filled only work okay on very flat,...

Hi Guys,

I was wondering of anyone had an idea of the square footage of the hull on the Bob's (and any of the other Bear Mountain designs as well).

Thanks.

Hello Francios, I'd go for the 3/16 strips. I haven't used them yet, I'll be doing so on my second boat - but I have made the calculations. I'm just finishing a winisk with a total square footage of planking at 65 square feet. (the Freedom for all intents and purposes should be about the same). WRC ...

Hi Al,

I was wondering if anyone has had any experience with 3/16" strips. Thinking of using them on my next boat. I've read everything I can on this (the old board) and other boards but I'm wondering if some regulars here (Glen, Dean etc.) have any input. Thanks.

Moonman.

Well, point taken about the Winisk Glen. It is a John Winters/Green Valley design. I'm curious though by the Redbird comments. I know so many people love the boat, I'm thinking of building one myself. If it was truly faster than the Freedom I think it would have even more people looking at it. Moonman

Hello Everyone, I'm killing time here a bit and was thinking about hull speed a little. Does anyone have any idea of the hull speeds, in order, say from slowest to fastest, of the Bear Mountain designs? Obviously the Freedom 17', 9" is faster than the Prospector but I thought it could provoke a...

Thanks Scott. I was wondering which hull would be faster. Still, If anyone has a review of the Solo Portage by Laughing Loon Canoes, I'd love to hear it.

Moonman.

Bryan, Thanks for the good info (and everyone else as well). The Bell canoes you mentioned - I've looked at them before - are your boats strippers or kevlar/glass? If they are strippers, where did you get the plans. I've searched before and haven't seen anyone selling plans for any or the Bell boats...

Thinking about my next boat, probably a solo. I was wondering what designs people think would be best for wilderness flatwater trips. I've looked at the Osprey, Merlin etc. Also, I looked at the Laughing Loon Solo Portage. 30 lbs sounds very light. Anyone paddled one of these? I was wondering about ...

Thanks guys for your input. Taking the legs off the stongback is a good idea. I had thought of straps. Seems like the only logical choice.

Moonman.

Hello All,

I have run into a problem where I am moving to a new house but have not glassed the hull as yet. The hull has been completely stripped (Stapleless construction) but I may not be able to glass it before the move (1/2 hour drive). Any suggestions?

Thanks,

Moonman.

Each inner gunwale would weigh 2.138 lbs and each outer gunwale would weigh 1.36 lbs. Therefore total weight per complete gunwale per side of canoe would be 3.49lbs. For a total of 6.98 lbs. Plus a little for the epoxy glue. Built in ash to the same specs gives you 9.9 lbs. A lot of work for only 3 ...

Hi all. I am proceeding to the point where I'll be making the gunwales on my Winisk. I've been reading all about some of the different lightweight options people have used - such as 'Light Bob's' methods posted a while ago on the old forum. At this point I have decided to make laminated gunwales of ...