"Cheap Canoe" questions

[Joe Rugby]

I am a "big dude"..the Cheap canoe will be my first attempt at a build but I think it needs some support. I was thinking of ribs at the 4 1/8", 8 1/2" and 10 3/4" points. The problem is I do not know what the length or distance between the gunwales should be at these points.

I need that to calculate the angle of the ribs....or am I completely insane?

[Jaysen]

....or am I completely insane?

Are you larger than the listed capacity of the canoe? Plywood is pretty strong stuff. I may be over thinking it a bit.

[Joe Rugby]

What is the listed capacity?

[Jaysen]

I see this is not the typical plan with a study page. We may need Jacques to provide that. Sorry.

[csotelo]

Hi,

I´m big guy, I had the same concern when building a strip planking canoe. I exceeded the strip thickness, doubled the glass in the bottom and ended with a very heavy canoe unable to carry alone.

When I started my actual bateau build, I held myself to not exceed the specs and the hull is now stronger than I imagined.

Regards,

Carlos

[Joe Rugby]

Thanks Gentlemen

I am using 6mm (1/4") birch plywood and was considering making the ribs by laminating the same into 1/2" ribs two inches in width, The weight increase should be very minimal. The problem is I got the plans not from here so I am concerned that they are incomplete. Point of fact they are as I do not know the capacity of the shell!

There are other circumstances that concern me as well. I plan to use this on the Shenandoah River. Both North, south Fork and Main stem. Not a white water river but there will be some Class I and Class II from time to time...unavoidable to get to the really good spots!

[narfi]

Have you seen these plans?

http://bateau.com/cheapcanoe.php

I am still learning alot but think you will be surprised how strong stuff is built this way.
Plus.... it's not the boat holding your weight it's the water...... or atleast to some extent I think that's how it works :p

[pee wee]

I am using 6mm (1/4") birch plywood and was considering making the ribs by laminating the same into 1/2" ribs two inches in width . . .

I plan to use this on the Shenandoah River. Both North, south Fork and Main stem. Not a white water river but there will be some Class I and Class II from time to time...unavoidable to get to the really good spots!

That plywood ideally should be marine ply, at a minimum should be exterior ply, it sounds like it is neither? If it's like the birch ply I've used for non-boat use it has voids and the outer plies are paper thin, for appearance and not strength. If you're concerned about strength it might be good to explore your options.

[Joe Rugby]

So I went out and got me some Luan, working much better now.

Now my question is this...flotation foam?

There could be spaces where it may be introduced, should it be?

[jacquesmm]

Foam at the ends.