Sazanami ready for launching

Glen Smith · Post by **Glen Smith** » Sun Jun 04, 2006 8:21 pm

My 12 foot canoe is ready for launching! I installed the first strips on April 11th and today (June 4th) I installed the seats and thwart. It tips the scales at 29 pounds (13.2kg). I designed it myself using Ross Leidy's "Kayak Foundry" software and the lines were inspired by the "Chemaunis" from Carrying Place Canoe Works. The hull is 3/16" thick Eastern White Cedar, the inner stems are white cedar, the outer stems and keel are Ash, the accent stripes are Basswood and dark brown WRC, the gunwales are Cherry, the seats and thwart are Ash, the decks are Walnut. I copied John Caldeira's accent stripe design, thanks John. There is one layer of 4 ounce cloth inside and outside. I used West 105/207 inside and I used Citadel 14-02 & 14-08 outside. The varnish is Varathane water-based Urethane. I applied 6 coats of satin on the inside, 9 coats of gloss on the gunwales and decks and 8 coats of gloss on the outer hull. I will have to get it outside for some better pictures but for now you can look at these ones: http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v427/ ... anoe%2012/, the latest pics are on page 3.

Larebow · Post by **Larebow** » Sun Jun 04, 2006 8:36 pm

Beautiful

Post by **Patricks Dad** » Sun Jun 04, 2006 8:52 pm

Wow Glen, She looks awesome! You made a quick job of it and it's clear you didn't cut any quality corners either. Fantastic!

get it wet!

Jim Dodd · Post by **Jim Dodd** » Sun Jun 04, 2006 9:40 pm

Top Notch job Glen!!!
A real eye catcher!!
Let us know how she handles, when the time comes for the launching!
Jim

Bryan Hansel · Post by **Bryan Hansel** » Sun Jun 04, 2006 11:12 pm

Looks great! Eight coats of varnish! Holy Cow.

Doug · Post by **Doug** » Mon Jun 05, 2006 5:08 am

Wow, when an artist meets a craftsman.
Outstanding.

All the best,
Doug

.

Glen Smith · Post by **Glen Smith** » Mon Jun 05, 2006 11:39 am

Thanks everyone for the kind words. I will probably use this canoe on a fishing trip in about 10 days so it should get a good test then.

The varnish used is very thin and it takes at least 6 coats before any gloss starts to appear but you can apply 3 or 4 coats in one day so it isn't too bad. It does make for a lot of sanding though!

I will be bringing this canoe to the Rendezvous so anyone who wants to see it or paddle it, come along.

Roscoe · Post by **Roscoe** » Mon Jun 05, 2006 3:08 pm

Beautiful job.

10 days until you go fishing!

You could almost build another one.

Glen Smith · Post by **Glen Smith** » Mon Jun 05, 2006 3:13 pm

Actually, I do have another one to build but that's another story. I hauled the canoe out today so I could take a few pictures in natural lighting. They can be viewed here: http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v427/ ... 20Outside/

Post by **Patricks Dad** » Mon Jun 05, 2006 3:21 pm

looks Great! It's like the snow was never there....

Arctic · Post by **Arctic** » Mon Jun 05, 2006 6:59 pm

As always Glen, truly First Class workmanship. Hats off to you!
Congratulations.

Mark

Glen Smith · Post by **Glen Smith** » Mon Jun 05, 2006 7:46 pm

Randy, what makes you think the snow is all gone? Actually there is a pile of it in the field behind the house. They are currently building houses there and in early Spring a bulldozer pushed all the snow into one huge pile. The brown crud on it is protecting it from the heat of the sun and the pile is still about 5 feet high.

Glen Smith · Post by **Glen Smith** » Mon Jun 05, 2006 7:49 pm

Thanks Mark, this wasn't really an easy project since I built from my own plans and the majority of the cedar I used was from a pile of "rejects" that almost ended up as kindling. It took less than 7 weeks to build it but I spent many long hours on the design phase.

Snowman · Post by **Snowman** » Tue Jun 06, 2006 8:35 am

Glen,

The Boatmaster has once again produced a fine piece of work! Your project turned out VERY spectacular! Congratulations on another job well done. You will have to let us know how she paddles (and how the fishing was). Keep us posted!

Snowman

Jeff in Farmington, MI · Tue Jun 06, 2006 9:37 am

Glen,
Fantastic looking canoe! And I really admire your speed.

Your photos give me many ideas for future projects. I especially like the look of the light colored Eastern white cedar and the grain patterns in the walnut decks. Wonderful contrasts.

Given my difficulties with varnish, I am really curious about the Varathane water-based Urethane that you used. How does the application compare with Epifanes? Particularly, the leveling characteristics (and bubbles, or lack thereof). I have applied water based urethane to hardwood floors, and have been very pleased with the hardness and durability. How much experience is there with water-based urethane in marine applications?

Also, what is the origin or the name "Sazanami"?

Jeff