Freedom 15 in the water

Post by **Patricks Dad** » Sun Apr 20, 2008 7:09 pm

We finally put our Freedom 15 in the water yesterday (and again today). It was great to finally see all the work come to something. Of course the biggest accomplishment wasn't finishing the project but having lots of fun and learning a thing or two along the way. Thanks to everyone who provided much needed insight and motivation as the project progressed. It is much appreciated.

Here are a few pictures.

And finally, my helper all along the way. Thank you Thomas!

Glen Smith · Post by **Glen Smith** » Sun Apr 20, 2008 7:54 pm

That is really gorgeous! Bravo for a job well done.

sluggo · Post by **sluggo** » Sun Apr 20, 2008 8:04 pm

That looks awesome Randy!

Juneaudave · Post by **Juneaudave** » Sun Apr 20, 2008 10:59 pm

I'm a liken it!!! That is one beautiful canoe and a heirloom for many generations to come. Well done Randy!!!

sedges · Post by **sedges** » Sun Apr 20, 2008 11:09 pm

That is a stunningly beautiful canoe!

What does it weigh?

pawistik · Post by **pawistik** » Sun Apr 20, 2008 11:21 pm

Congratulations!!!!

Post by **Patricks Dad** » Mon Apr 21, 2008 8:38 am

Thanks for all the kind words.

sedges wrote:What does it weigh?

That's the catch... it weighed in at just under 65 pounds. Actually lighter than I expected but still pretty darn heavy... Those ribs probably cost more than 10 pounds (not to mention the extra 3 months it took to steam bend and put them in). The decks are fairly bulky too (3/4" thick and made of maple and sapele).

The yoke fits pretty well so it didn't feel too bad. But I can always let Thomas carry it...

Dark Horse · Post by **Dark Horse** » Mon Apr 21, 2008 11:28 am

It looks absolutely Stunning!

Jim

Snowman · Post by **Snowman** » Mon Apr 21, 2008 8:29 pm

Randy,

A very nice product indeed! Well done!

Snowman

Rick · Post by **Rick** » Tue Apr 22, 2008 9:26 am

Beauty!

Good to see someone is making rawhide seats the traditional way!

Bryan Hansel · Post by **Bryan Hansel** » Tue Apr 22, 2008 10:43 am

Looking great.

canoeblderinmt · Post by **canoeblderinmt** » Tue Apr 22, 2008 6:33 pm

Randy,
Another stunner to add to your fleet! Great work!

Greg

ealger · Post by **ealger** » Tue Apr 22, 2008 11:31 pm

Very nice craftmans-ship Randy.
Wood-working supreme.
It appears that you've installed an eyebolt + ring? Tells about that.
Ed..

Post by **Patricks Dad** » Wed Apr 23, 2008 8:15 am

Here's a better picture of the ring:

It's just a J shaped piece of brass threaded on the long end and a piece of brass across it to contain the ring. I simply drilled a hole throught the stem band and both stems and a 2nd hole throught stem band at the right place to keep it from swiveling. I bought the contraption here:

http://www.wooden-canoes.com/material.htm for an outrageous price.

ealger · Post by **ealger** » Wed Apr 23, 2008 9:08 am

Thank you Randy for the picture. It's a beautiful thing!
Yes, it might be considered expensive, but minute compared to the effort you put into the gorgeous treatment of the ribs.

I'm happy that you legitimized the use of a through eye bolt on your canoe. I got beat up pretty bad, here, for suggesting such a thing.
Good Job...
Ed..

PS, The wrap around outwales are a nice touch also.

The Bear Mountain Boat Shop

Freedom 15 in the water

Freedom 15 in the water

weight

Re: weight

Freedom

Freedom