The Bear Mountain Boat Shop

Dave, I'm a realist not a perfectionist. If I had small pieces of 6 oz long enough to do the stem to about half way up, then I would use one layer of 6 oz and probably a couple of layers of 4 oz for full stem coverage. Really, the abrasion resistance is only necessary below the waterline. If you are...

I put 2 layers on the outside and inside using 6 oz cloth. I used full double layers of 6 oz cloth on everything actually. For the stems I cut the first layer about 4 inches wider and longer than the second. I also used a cabinet scraper before applying the bias strips and also before putting on the...

I applied the stem strips right after the wet out as soon as the hull epoxy set up but while still "green". I found that putting the bias strips on cardboard and wetting them with a roller easiest. Then I applied them to the stems and smoothed them out, one right after the other. Fill coat...

I did the same as Ben but left the spacers out until after we went for a paddle. Feeling them in action allowed for adjustment before cutting the spacers. Level to very slightly lower at the front edge is how they turned out. Matthew

I’m not sure you noticed but looking for gaps should be easy. In the outer hull glassing pics there are two 500 watt lights inside the hull heating things up. Any gaps left by the tape should show pretty well. I have no fear using it again. Thanks for the complement. I'm hiding from the sun today af...

I tried fishing line for 30 seconds before I figured out it wasn’t for me. I had no ill effects from the tape, tape glue or tear out. Even after it was on for a month it came right off. It is great for putting tension on the strip glue line. I found myself binder clipping a strip in place, then putt...

I just finished my canoe. I beveled my strips and found it quite easy to get a good fit. I used a clamp on each form, large binder clips and string type packing tape. After the glue on each strip set I pulled off the binder clips and tape and used a dot of hot melt glue in the V between the form and...

I guess I am just curious. Each of you state what you used, but what cloth was that for? I just did an 18 foot Micmac and used just over 2 gallons of resin plus hardener. It worked out to around 3 gallons total @ 3 to 1 ratio. Add some for float chambers and that total goes up. I did use two full pi...

There are a couple of rivers within an hour. The Missouri is about 2 hours. There are lots of wildlife preserves and small lakes. The trick is to find something protected from the wind. What we like is that a canoe is portable. For us our old canoe was always an excuse to travel and see the back roa...

I think if you move your cradles closer together it should help. I just finished the inside of my canoe an hour ago. No precoat for me, I did on the outside but never again. We did 2 full layers of 6 oz on the inside at the same time, simple. I use a 7 inch hotdog roller, an aluminum fiberglass trim...

I appreciate the replies. I have looked at hardwood moldings but not at Home Depot. That’s an expensive option and means gluing smaller pieces together. The closest HD is a couple of hundred miles away in Fargo. There is a Lowes and a hardwood specialty store in Bismarck but that is also 150 each wa...

I was digging through the piles again today and walked away in disgust. I have one more place to try this weekend and then I think I am going to use the redwood with the intent of replacing them when the opportunity arises. Even the spruce/pine/fir is pretty rough here. Everyone I ask about good woo...

I live in kind of a hardwood starved area. I have searched the stacks of hardwood at the local lumberyards and even the local cabinet shops (within 50 miles) and can’t find any decent hardwood for gunwales. The cabinet shop has the best supply but they buy for character not for straight grain. The l...

Beautiful canoe. Very nice lines.

Tom, you made me look at my house in a new way. Need help?

Matthew

I hope this isn't against the rules but check out the build forums at http://forum.woodenboat.com/index.php . You will learn about 5200, PL Premium and more than you desire about building with plywood. One of my next projects also. Matthew