The Bear Mountain Boat Shop

Hi Jim, I've been mulling over a few approaches to this. Right now I'm thinking of maybe making something back band shaped, out of cedar. 6 inches high and 16 inches wide. Concave in cross section at the middle of my back towards my side, and also slightly convex, top to bottom so it slopes away fro...

Hi Randy,

yes of course, your seat/backrest/yoke combo looks great. I'm thinking rather of something that is not attached to the seat and can be taken optionally - some trips I take it, some trips I don't. Or even on the same trip, not use it all the time, but then use it if needed etc.

Moonman.

Hi Guys, Just wondering if anyone has made a seat back rest. Not sure, but I don't think I have seen anything like I'm envisioning. Anyone have any experience with building a back rest? I know there are several models out there that are 'reclining', or at least attach to the seat and maintain the ba...

Ben, that's a beaut! Great work!

Moonman.

Hi Dave, There are a couple plans out there for different looking seats, like the one Martin Step has at Greenval.com. I don't know of any plans with that contour but it would be dead easy to just make your own. You can use the dimensions Ted lays out in Canoecraft and then just create the contour/c...

HI Randy, Yeah that makes sense, I wonder though about how thin you could get the taper since the strips are 1/4"? Although with the cedar wedges going up inside you would maintain strength there. Also, the whole thing covered in light cloth and epoxy would add more than enough strength as well...

Looks good Randy, I have been meaning to make a couple myself but no time. Any ideas on configuring a straight shaft? As Kurt mentions, it would be nice to use this method for a nice light straight shaft. I think you could do something along the lines of how the handle is affixed - starting the thro...

In regards to selling strippers, keep in mind that a lot of people who want a cedar strip boat also want to build it themselves. Other people who might want to buy a cedar strip boat might think it is over priced when they can get a Kevlar boat for 2000 - 2500 dollars. If you know what you are doing...

No problem for the larger Freedom Solo to carry an occasional passenger at that weight. Asymmetric solo boats are trim sensitive though so ballast accordingly. Not sure about the northwest boat though. The shouldered tumblehome is just to allow a better paddling stroke (more vertical), than would no...

Kurt,

Thanks for posting this. Really nice paddles - I'll be trying my hand at one for sure. Also love the humour!

Regards,

Moonman.

You can also try wetting the wood with a damp sponge. That will give you an idea of how much darker it will get with a new layer of glass and epoxy.

Moonman.

If looking for ultra light weight, you could consider using cedar for the gunwales as Sherm suggested, but with a thin layer of poplar, pine or cherry or similar on the outside of the outwales. That will take some of the dings and hits from your paddle. You could also use 1/8" strips transition...

Hey Anthony,

Here is a pic from Martin's site re a stained hull. Pretty good result I think.



Moonman.

Hi Anthony, I think getting enough for the whole boat might be tough...., but I know Noahs does have some dark strips in on a regular basis, which can be used for accents. Also, you could consider staining the hull. Martin Step has some good info on his greenval.com site and a few builders here have...

Hi Bryan,

Looking good. I really like your design and am looking forward to seeing your build progress. Have you decided on wood choice for all you trim?

Moonman.