In this partner’s course, you will build your own cedar canvas canoe, using techniques and tools from the 1800’s. On the first day white cedar ribs will be steam bent over a form. Thin cedar planking will then be shaped and hand tacked to the ribs. Once off the form, planking is finished, decks are installed and the wooden shell is covered with tightly stretched cotton canvas. The canvas is then filled, and seats, thwarts, yoke and stembands are installed. In our “spare time” we will learn to hand cane the seats as well as painting and varnishing techniques and tool sharpening.

The canoe will be structurally complete by the end of the course, ready for varnishing and painting, to be done by the student at home.  The completed canoe will weigh 55-60 lb, with the option of a Dacron covering instead of canvas for an additional saving of 5+lb.

This is a demanding course in terms of time commitment, and is therefore only offered as a partner's or pair's course. Two people are needed in order to complete the work in the time allotted.  Prior woodworking experience is not needed, just a willingness to learn. Maximum 2 canoes per course.

2008 Courses:  September  11-18  Classic Cedar Canvas Construction,  Pat Smith will also offer this course June 29-July6, 2008

Course Fee: Instruction and materials, $2695/canoe  Sagamore room and board:  $125/day X 7 = $875 per person  Total Cost: $4,445per pair including finished boat.  
Questions?  Contact bearwood@vianet.on.ca or call (705) 732-1273.

 Webpage:  www.bearwoodcanoes.com.

 To Register or for More Information Contact Great Camp Sagamore