Building a Strip Canoe

Rating:
Summary: Not foolproof by any means
Review: I am still in the middle of builing my canoe, but at times I think I'm working backward. Granted, I don't claim to be a master woodcrafter, but I've had to back up several times to correct problems that were not even hinted at in the book. I do have confidence that my canoe will float, but before I build another I will definitly check out some other books on the subject.

Rating:
Summary: It worked for me.
Review: I bought the book a few months ago and started building an 18' White Guide. I am almost finished with the hull. I have not started the fiberglass. I have had trouble converting pounds of WEST system epoxy to gallons. My binding also has separated, but I plan on putting in it a three ring binder later anyway. So far, so good.

Rating:
Summary: Great instruction:
Review: I built an 18.5 ft White Guide model and am in the middle of building a 17 ft version of the same canoe. The first boat turned out well but the fiberglass is cloudy in spots. I layed up the second boat and the same thing occurred. It wasn't until sanding it down to the wood and relaminating (with the help of my brother) that I discovered the cause. Micro-bubbles in the resin were causing the clouding. It can occur when you reuse resin that you squeegee off the boat, but not always. The second boat is absolutely beautiful and will definitely be a head turner. But even the first canoe, with a less than perfect layup, has engendered many compliments on the few outings that I've taken. One more thing, work with a partner when fiberglassing and under-catalize the resin. It will give you more time to work and you'll end up with a better product.

Rating:
Summary: Fiberglassing Pitfall
Review: I built an 18.5 ft White Guide model and am in the middle of building a 17 ft version of the same canoe. The first boat turned out well but the fiberglass is cloudy in spots. I layed up the second boat and the same thing occurred. It wasn't until sanding it down to the wood and relaminating (with the help of my brother) that I discovered the cause. Micro-bubbles in the resin were causing the clouding. It can occur when you reuse resin that you squeegee off the boat, but not always. The second boat is absolutely beautiful and will definitely be a head turner. But even the first canoe, with a less than perfect layup, has engendered many compliments on the few outings that I've taken. One more thing, work with a partner when fiberglassing and under-catalize the resin. It will give you more time to work and you'll end up with a better product.

Rating:
Summary: Everything you need to build your first or your tenth canoe
Review: I first read this book in 1986 and it inspired me to build my first wood strip canoe. Gil writes in a clear and easy style that is very inspiring. He takes away any feeling that wood-strip canoe building is anything other than a series of small steps that result in a wonderful, and beautiful work of craftsmanship. I finished my canoe in two months of weekends and then built the paddles as well!
If you are at all intimidated at the thought of creating your own canoe, order this book and clean out a space in your garage because you will be working on your canoe in no time.

Rating:
Summary: Everything you need to build your first or your tenth canoe
Review: I first read this book in 1986 and it inspired me to build my first wood strip canoe. Gil writes in a clear and easy style that is very inspiring. He takes away any feeling that wood-strip canoe building is anything other than a series of small steps that result in a wonderful, and beautiful work of craftsmanship. I finished my canoe in two months of weekends and then built the paddles as well!
If you are at all intimidated at the thought of creating your own canoe, order this book and clean out a space in your garage because you will be working on your canoe in no time.

Rating:
Summary: Good, no nonsense instructions for all levels of experience
Review: I have built two of canoes described in Mr. Gilpatrick's book (16" laker and 14" puddleduck) and I adapted his building technique to build a 17'6" redbird design from another strip canoe book. I like Gilpatrick's straightforward, no nonsense instructions. Your final product will be a quality boat but not one of such rarified appearance you will cringe at the inevitable scratches and dings that come with canoeing. Once in awhile lightly sand her all over, paint on a new coat of varnish and the boat will look like new. Don't anticipate the final product, just follow his instructions step-by-step and before you know it about 100 hours of work (not counting glue and epoxy curing time) will yield a nice canoe. Less expensive boat builder epoxy will bring your cost down to about $350 - 400 for materials. Shop around.

Rating:
Summary: Good, no nonsense instructions for all levels of experience
Review: I have built two of canoes described in Mr. Gilpatrick's book (16" laker and 14" puddleduck) and I adapted his building technique to build a 17'6" redbird design from another strip canoe book. I like Gilpatrick's straightforward, no nonsense instructions. Your final product will be a quality boat but not one of such rarified appearance you will cringe at the inevitable scratches and dings that come with canoeing. Once in awhile lightly sand her all over, paint on a new coat of varnish and the boat will look like new. Don't anticipate the final product, just follow his instructions step-by-step and before you know it about 100 hours of work (not counting glue and epoxy curing time) will yield a nice canoe. Less expensive boat builder epoxy will bring your cost down to about $350 - 400 for materials. Shop around.

Rating:
Summary: Hooked on "Gil's method" of canoe building!
Review: I love this book. I spent 4 months of my spare time savoring every word as I built my 18 foot White Guide canoe. I started the project with no experience in boat building and now I'm dying to start another boat and help my friends build boats of their own. Be prepared to spend $1000, give or take a few hundred, on materials. After that and a bit of patience you'll end up with a boat that will turn heads and perform on moving or flat water like a dream. Included in the book also are instructions on caning (weaving with plastic cane) canoe seats and building some fine paddles.

Rating:
Summary: One of the best How-to's I have ever read!
Review: I purchased two books about strip canoe construction at the same time. Mr. Gilpatrick's was not only the best, it was one of the best how to books I have ever read. He has written a book that a complete novice could purchase and once finished start a strip canoe project with confidence. At the same time, he is very realistic in his advice. A great balance of encouragement and practicality. I wish all how to books were written by people with the experience and down-to-earth style that this man has achieved.