Fishing Frenzy

Don't let building a cedar strip canoe intimidate you. Using the cedar strip/epoxy method of construction is a very easy and enjoyable project for the home workshop. The brief description that follows will indicate how easy and fast it can be and will dispel any worries you might have.



Only very simple techniques are necessary to build a cedar strip canoe. The whole process can be divided into 6 steps. As long as you are familiar with basic woodworking and have access to some tools and some space you can do it..

Step One

Build a simple strongback to support the molds and create a centerline. I recommend using 2x6 lumber that is dry and straight. The idea is to fix two full length pieces together in a T shape, with the top of the T providing a base for the molds and the vertical part of the T providing rigidity and strength. Attach legs in a sawhores shape.

Step 2

Cut out full-size patterns on plywood or particle board for the station molds (you get plans to show you the sizes). You can do this with a jigsaw or with a band saw. Also cut out the bow and stern molds. Assemble everything in the correct order on the strongback (the spacing will be in the plans).

Step 3

Make or buy the 1/4" by 3/4" strips you will use to build the boat. If you make your own strips you will need a table saw, band saw or radial arm saw to rip the cedar strips from 1" x 4" straight grain, clear cedar boards. Then bead and cove the edges of the strips using a router. If you don't have those tools or want to go faster you can buy pre-made strips.

Step 4

Take the strips and nail, tack or staple them to the molds. You don't need to steam these strips. They are very pliable. The strips get glued to each other and nailed or tacked to the molds. Different types of glue can be used.

Step Five

Once all the strips are glued in place you must pull the nails or staples. Scrape the excess glue off the hull. Sand the hull until it is completely smooth and clean. Lay the fibreglass cloth on the hull and trim it to make it lie flat. Apply the epoxy resin to the cloth. Put the outer gunwales on the hull to stiffen it up. Remove the hull from the molds and clean and sand the inside of the hull. Repeat the process and epoxy and fibreglass to the inside. Next, install the inner gunwales and the decks in the bow and stern.

Step 6

Make and install the thwarts and the seats. Install any hardware that you plan to use. Slap on some spar varnish to protect the hull from UV rays. You've just completed a cedar strip canoe.