Thread: Redbird: a strip-built canoe ... the Journey

I don't think so the sliding seat rail system is a prototype a there is a couple of things I might just change, soon sooner, some later.

But yes it's complete a bit of oil on the shafts of the two big paddles and ... wow .. launch tomorrow ... amazing really


Thanks Matt
It's good to get it from first hand experience rather than "general rules" and what was said. You could be on the mark there with the "wet paddles" theory. Most paddling is now done in a kayak (or a barely shaped ski they call a kayak ) and it's impossible to keep the shaft of a double-ender dry!

I have stopped the varnish on the shaft just above the blade already on the mummy and daddy paddles so I will see how the organoil holds out but if it's too much hassle then I will varnish them.

BTW Matt, I have now recaned one seat and used mostly cane that came off the broken seat and the rest was from that "recycled" bunch that you sent thru. As far as he roll of new cane ... there's still about 90% of that left ...so if you need to redo a seat at some stage, talk to me I will send it back across. Thanks

I leave the handles on my oars bare wood and just rely on sweat and human hand oil to preserve them. It seems to be working

Richard

Blisters

I was wondering ... if as is suggested above that a varnished surface causes blisters then other resin surfaces would too.

Like epoxy that is used for carbon. Or polyester resin. Or even moulded plastic.

And personally I have only ever got two cases of blisters and both where with paddles that were finished with oil.

So I looked further on the net.

While some people are ADAMANT that varnish causes blisters others with experience are pretty ADAMANT that it does not.

Have a look at the variety of opinions here - some on both sides seem quite knowledgeable.
http://www.bearmountainboats.com/php...opic.php?t=611

Perhaps use of a paddle over a long period causes blisters if your hands aren't hard.

(a very confused)
MIK

Yes I did get to launch on Australia day

It was blistering hot still at 4pm with a oppressive easterly wind (about 20 knots) ... interesting first launch.

Handles beautifully, keeps straight as an arrow even in these winds.

Found it difficult to turn into the wind with me at the stern and the youngun's in front but was better with a balanced weight ... me in the middle or mum and dad at either end and the girls in the middle.

draw was about 4 metric inches with all on board ... could also handle a lot of camping gear ... promising.

anyway some pics before I sign off on this thread and another stage of learning and a undergrad in canoe building passed with "C"

Originally Posted by Ramps

... and another stage of learning and a undergrad in canoe building passed with "C"

Pigs ####! You passed with flying colours! That is one damn fine canoe and would be something that I would be proud to pass through a few generations if it was mine!

just for good measure

I meant to get a few of us all loaded but the video was in hand at the launch ... not the still camera

She turned out as sweet as a nut mate! And I raise yer C to an A+ yer dopey young nob!

Sorry I didnt make it mate I did post below this explainin the whys of that... bloody shame cause mate shes a beauty!! Betcha the missus an little bits are chuffed at their hubby an daddy

Good one mate!!

Yeah cool Dingo
Stinker of an afternoon
was a bit slow on the post as I was called a few hours after launch (before the fireworks for a 0430 start on Saturday to head to the Pinjarra fires. 30Hr shift then another the following night ... sort of coming to now

Originally Posted by Ramps

Yes I did get to launch on Australia day

And isn't she a little beauty!

She's a bloody ripper

makes Dingo, Midge and me look really slack

Great looking canoe Ramps, good day for a launching too !!! :aussie3:

Next time I'd ...

Spend more time shaping the strip ends to get a tighter fit of outer the stems

Spend more time shaping the keel strips to get a tighter finish against the stems

Avoid staples near the stems, for some reason they made bigger holes here that had to be filled … a bit ugly.

Make my stems pieces a bit longer and a fair bit wider probably up them to about 30mm for ease of fitting.

Trim the excess stems off before attaching the inwales.

I'd still be happy using Paulownia (however I'd also be interested in meranti).

I'd definitely use sheoak for the trim again.

I'd do the same seats ...they're worth it

Over all ...

I think I'd do rolling bevel again (this gave me more flexibility in the in fitting the strip pattern in the bottom of the hull).

I'd like to try to do the stapleless system (but don't regret using staples on my first attempt).

I thoroughly enjoyed making the canoe and I'd love to make another right away and would, if it wasn't for other priorities.


Later in the week I'll give a break down of prices
ciao 4 now

Originally Posted by jmk89

makes Dingo, Midge and me look really slack

oooh speak for yerself

Okay gonna wait for the breakdown ... of the figures not me!! Ive already broken down enough!!

She looks a treat matw, well done.
alot of poeple start projects like yours and they never see the water, good job.
Scotty