Charlottetown Rural Highschool
Voyageur Project
Stage 1 - The Strongback
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The trusses formed the "Strongback" for the canoe forms, holding them alligned firmly in place.
Stage 2 - The Forms
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The Forms are cut from 3/4" plywood, taken from the plans to create the shape, length and width of the hull. This is where the design decisions are carried out.
Stage 3 - The Stems
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Stems are needed to have attachment points for the cedar strips and to provide shape and strength to the bow and stern. Inner stems are Cedar and the outer ones are Ash.
Stage 4 - Laying The Strips
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About 100 cedar strips, 3/4" wide, 1/4" thick are laid across the forms and glued along their edges. Staples hold them temporarily to the forms until all are installed and the glue has dried. Each row is fitted to the next with bead and cove edging for a snug fit.
Stage 5 - Sanding & Shaping The Outer Hull
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After strips are laid and staples all removed, a process of sanding, planing and wood filling provides the final smooth shape of the hull and prepares it for fiberglass cloth and epoxy. Lots of hard work and dust, so masks and safety glasses are worn. You can see dust accumulation on the floor, even with the dust collection system running!
Stage 6 - Coating The Outer Hull With Epoxy
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Fiberglass cloth covers the hull, inside and out. It is bonded to the hull with epoxy resin which is extremely tough and provides a waterproof sheath to the boat. The real strength of cedar strip canoes is in the sandwich effect of fiberglass and epoxy bonded to both sides of the cedar strips. Highly resilient and good impact strength with light weight. You get 20 minutes or less working time with epoxy, so you have to be set up and keep moving!
Stage 7 - Off The Forms
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Once the outer hull has dried, it is removed from the forms. This is the first chance to see the inner hull and really get a good idea of the overall shape of the boat.. The inner hull is then sanded and smoothed, ready to epoxy.
Final Stages
The last steps involve gunwales, decks, thwarts, seats and a keel. Then several coats of spar varnish to protect from water and sun.
First Water - The launching of "Jolene"
On December 9, 2016, we were able to get Jolene (her official name) out for a short paddle on the pond at the Rural. It was chilly and nobody wanted to risk dumping, but it was a thrill to see her in the water and to get a feel for our boat. Handling was excellent and she moves very quickly when everyone is in sync.
