How To Build A Wood Boat

Have you ever wanted to learn how to build a wood boat? This can be a very time consuming endeavor if traditional methods are used. There are newer methods available that can shorten construction time to a single weekend. To illustrate how this can be accomplished, the canoe design will be used.

Items needed:

• Plywood
• Eye protection
• Saw
• Drill
• Zip ties
• Paint mask
• Marine epoxy
• Varnish
• Paint brush

1. Write down on paper what the canoe will look like when completed. Be specific. For instance, the height you want for the sides will determine how many sheets of plywood you will need.
2. Purchase the supplies listed in step one.
3. Use mask and eye protection when working with the saw, drill and epoxy. Be sure to work in a well ventilated area.
4. Cut the sides of the canoe to the specs in step one. This is usually twelve to eighteen inches.
5. Place the two sides of the canoe on top of one another.
6. Drill four to five holes at each end.
7. Using the zip ties, lace up the holes with the tie on the inside of the boat.
8. Set the sides onto the plywood that will make up the bottom. Separate the sides until the canoe is as wide as specified in step one. Mark your outline for the bottom as well as the hole marks to join the sides to the bottom. Set sides aside.
9. Cut the plywood for the bottom. Drill holes where marked (usually about seven or eight).
10. Drill holes in sides where marked.
11. Using zip ties lace the bottom to the sides with the zip ties meeting inside the boat.
12. Seal all inside seams around the bottom and up the ends with marine epoxy (fiberglass and epoxy will also work) and allow to dry completely.
13. Seal outside seams with marine epoxy and allow to dry.
14. Install cross beam between sides at the widest point for added stability and strength.
15. Sand smooth and varnish. Allow to dry completely.

Your canoe is now ready for the water.

Tips: Using gloves during application of epoxy will keep the sticky stuff off your hands. Cut a piece of wood to match the widest part of the canoe and use it to keep the sides where you want them to be while outlining and attaching the bottom.