redbird - cost

jlk · Post by **jlk** » Thu May 31, 2007 12:22 pm

hello,

new to the forum and boat building and i would like to build the redbird.

i am sure this has been addressed elsewhere in the forum, but i was wondering if anyone has a rough estimate on the cost of the wood alone. i am a student and this hurdle is the only major factor holding me back.

i have access to a great shop that contains the whole nine yards. so, to save $ i plan on milling the wood myself. our shop manager is building one too and thinks this is the best way to go.

thanks in advance.

-jason houston, tx

Glen Smith · Post by **Glen Smith** » Thu May 31, 2007 12:41 pm

The cost of the lumber is actually only a small fraction of the total cost of building a canoe or kayak. The price can vary a lot according to the wood species, quality and source. It could be anywhere between $30 and $300. The major cost factor is the epoxy and don't forget all the disposable items which add many dollars to the bill.

Here is a link to an article by Bryan Hansel: http://www.nessmuking.com/mykayak12b.htm

Post by **Patricks Dad** » Thu May 31, 2007 1:01 pm

Depending on where you live, you might have to incur shipping costs as well if you can't find local lumber (but there's usually something suitable around).

As Glen said, the cost of the wood itself is widely variable (Glen's upper bound of $300 is actually low - it could be over $1000 which would make the cost of other things in the minority). Ripping your own is in general a way to save some money but there was a recent post here where someone in the Minneapolis MN area found a fairly good deal on already-ripped strips. Shop around. You'll find a good deal. Don't let the cost get in your way of building a new canoe you will cherish the rest of your life (an certainly don't think that way if you're building a Redbird).

Best of luck.

jlk · Post by **jlk** » Thu May 31, 2007 2:06 pm

thanks.

so, when it comes to species of wood. i may have a source on white cedar. are there any pros or cons when it comes to white vs. red cedar?

Glen Smith · Post by **Glen Smith** » Thu May 31, 2007 2:19 pm

White cedar is an excellent boat-building lumber but usually comes in shorter lengths and may have some knots. I use a lot of Eastern White Cedar which is harvested locally and I can get it in lengths up to 12 feet, usually clear of knots. There is no problem in using less than full-length strips. Just scarf a few strips for the sheerline then do butt joints for the rest.

The weight of white cedar is pretty close to that of red cedar and it is easier to bend. It is often sold air-dried rather than kiln dried like most Western Red Cedar which also makes it easier to bend. You might want a bit of a darker shade of WRC for accents though.

R Maxwell · Post by **R Maxwell** » Thu May 31, 2007 5:27 pm

This was for mine only. Your costs may vary greatly but, it will give you a starting point.

COST LIST FOR CANOE

DATE COST ITEM
10/10/06 $21.67 BUILDING BOOK/w PLANS
10/20/06 $149.95 Cypress for strips
10/20/06 $89.63 Canoe plans
10/27/06 $ 28.94 Ash for gunwales
10/27/06 $14.82 Cedar for accent strips
10/29/06 $5.44 Poster board & glue disp.
11/01/06 $5.43 Carbon paper for plans
11/02/06 $7.25 Red Oak for stems
11/02/05 $37.98 ¾ “ Ply for strongback
11.02.06 $19.98 ½ “ ply for moulds
11/09/06 $10.85 ½ ply for molds
11/09/06 $ 6.18 screws
11/18/06 $13.26 bungee chords to hold strips
11/25/06 $ 8.85 Glue
12/04/06 $3.00 Foam brushes
12/15/06 $20.00 Sandpaper
12/20/06 $277.68 Epoxy & Glass
12/21/06 $12.28 Gloves & spreaders
1/17/07 $9.80 extra C clamps
1/21/07 $8.13 stencil paper
1/23/07 $44.45 caning material
1/24/07 $25.76 sandpaper & pole wood
1/31/07 $11.65 seat hardware
2/19/07 $25.84 varnish & hardware
2/21/07 $11.85 varnish

I had a load of clamps before starting

jlk · Post by **jlk** » Thu May 31, 2007 7:51 pm

nice breakdown.

well, it sounds as if it will be a 1000 any way you slice it.

man, right now, with school, thats a huge chunk! but! if i break it down by only 2 or 3 major purchases, then slide in the numerous small ones the wife wont notice.

this may work!

RonMc1954 · Post by **RonMc1954** » Thu May 31, 2007 8:05 pm

Promise to make your wife one :twisted evil
Ron

Ed Houston · Post by **Ed Houston** » Thu May 31, 2007 11:02 pm

Jason just do it, it will change your life.

The cost is going to spread over a period of time so assuming you can save a few bucks you will be able to do this and the reward is out of this world.

All my lumber came from Home depot or Lowes with the exeption of the cherry, maple, mahogany, blood wood & purple heart which came from Houston hard woods.

I can give you all the numbers and or show you how I did my boat.

Ed

jlk · Post by **jlk** » Sat Jun 02, 2007 9:05 am

sounds like a plan!

im in, thanks guys