Learn How to build a Skin

Learn How to build a Skin-on-Frame Canoe, Kayak, or Rowboat

In the course of this three-day course, students will build an ultra light (20 pound), skin-on-frame, double paddle canoe. Beginning by steaming ribs (the latitudinal pieces), then lashing on stringers (the longitudinal pieces), the students will construct the frame of the canoe, stretch on a "skin" (tough nylon fabric), then waterproof the skin. Students will be given a step-by-step written explanation of the skin-on-frame building process, so that -- with the aid of their own notes and photographs from this course -- they will be able to build their own skin-on-frame canoe, kayak or rowboat.

Depending on the number of students, we will build one or possibly two boats, which will be auctioned off at the end of the class to interested students, with a charge of $450, the cost of materials and the initial milling of parts.