Finished Paddle

Although I used this on another boat in September, it was only a test and the paddle had only received a couple of coats of varnish. Its now had a few more coats - and is finally finished.

A Paddle

This was really a learning exercise, having never made anything like this before.

Rudder and Leeboard

 

A spare piece of plywood was used to practice before actually working on the real pieces. Although not perfect both the rudder and leeboard do now have a simple profile.

First steps

The Rudder etc.

I decided to start by making the rudder and leeboard. For these I bought half a sheet of 1/2 inch plywood and initially rough cut the shapes. The rudder stock was then accurately cut and the centre part then glued to one half before varnishing the inside faces. Completing this task after it was glued together would have been difficult.

 

 

The Waterman 16

The Waterman 16

Selway Fisher hold plans for a considerable range of boats, which are suitable for home building. They also sell a range of books and DVD's, which provide valuable advice for the first time builder.

http://www.selway-fisher.com/Opcan16.htm#WATER

Having experienced working with cheap materials and the problems this can cause, especially in the case of plywood. I have decided to use quality marine plywood and am quite lucky to live near Fyne Boats, who can supply a range of wood and epoxy for the home boat builder. They also sell their own range of boat kits and certainly their Sassafras 16 design would make an ideal open canoe.

http://www.fyneboatkits.co.uk/