PROJECTS HOME SUSTAINABLE LIVING
Two men and a boat
2010-2012
Whilst browsing the internet for pictures of pretty boats and dreaming of captaining my own pirate galleon, I stumbled across a website selling plans for all sorts of watercraft. This particular set of instructions was free to download, and the use of the word 'cheap' in the name of the boat was what caught my eye. The 'Cheap Canoe' (as found on www.bateau.com) is an easy little vessel to build for the clueless first-time boat builder, and with the materials eventually costing us no more than 140 Euros (as purchased in the Canary Islands), it's easily do-able on a minimal budget.
She floats! And we are about to embark upon phase two - making a few modifications in preparation for taking her beyond the harbour walls, this time with no instructions! Check back here for updates in the next couple of weeks. A longer coastal paddle and island channel crossing is planned for the summer of 2011.
The big trip was delayed due to poor weather conditions and the departure of our principal safety kayaker.
So, now nearly a year on, and a few distractions later, the canoe is undergoing some modifications, including construction of a removable dagger board and the addition of a removable mast. Check back in soon for more updates.
Whilst browsing the internet for pictures of pretty boats and dreaming of captaining my own pirate galleon, I stumbled across a website selling plans for all sorts of watercraft. This particular set of instructions was free to download, and the use of the word 'cheap' in the name of the boat was what caught my eye. The 'Cheap Canoe' (as found on www.bateau.com) is an easy little vessel to build for the clueless first-time boat builder, and with the materials eventually costing us no more than 140 Euros (as purchased in the Canary Islands), it's easily do-able on a minimal budget.
She floats! And we are about to embark upon phase two - making a few modifications in preparation for taking her beyond the harbour walls, this time with no instructions! Check back here for updates in the next couple of weeks. A longer coastal paddle and island channel crossing is planned for the summer of 2011.
The big trip was delayed due to poor weather conditions and the departure of our principal safety kayaker.
So, now nearly a year on, and a few distractions later, the canoe is undergoing some modifications, including construction of a removable dagger board and the addition of a removable mast. Check back in soon for more updates.
PHASE 2
Phase two has begun with the construction of two bulkheads which will form part of a central compartment serving the interchangeable functions of buoyancy and storage. No instructions from here on, it's all unknown territory!
Photos will be updated as we progress.
Photos will be updated as we progress.
Bulkheads added for strength and to create a buoyancy or storage compartment
Bits of old windsurf sail under a layer of fibreglass.
This will (according to an engineer friend of mine) strengthen
the otherwise brittle fibreglass in a part of the boat
that is going to be constantly battered and flexed
by both the water, and the paddler moving
around in it
Rectangular frame for additional stiffness and to allow for a lid to be fastened down on to the central compartment
The lid
Sophisticated buoyancy system, and seals made from old bicycle inner tubes
Just one coat of resin to go, then it's time for sea trials!
  Now add water...  It might actually be more comfortable this way up  |
 Still floats :-)  Does my bum look big in this?  Self rescue is possible but in the swell, a little help from a friend might be a better idea  |
PHASE 3
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