View Full Version : Pirogue
stripstrike
12-13-2007, 05:43 PM
Hi Builders,
It has been a desire of mine to build on of these Cajun canoes for a few years now. Ther are many commercially available kits that have pre-cut spars and stuff. The gunwales also have to be jointed in some fashion to make a longer boat.
have any of you tackled one of these before?
thanks,
harry
stripstrike
12-15-2007, 10:26 AM
Jim,
That's it! the second one down w/ the pre-cut stringers! Any hints you can offer?
stripstrike
12-15-2007, 04:26 PM
some of the plans actually use 1/4" luan for the gunwales. plywood is used for the bottom for durabilty. what do you think the turn around time is on these? I'd be a weekend warrior type. Just looking for something to help get me thru the winter!
What are you trying to do? Build the boat and make it longer or just build a boat? Remember Ribs/bulkheads width wise. Stringers lenght wise.
stripstrike
12-15-2007, 06:02 PM
Ray, I just want to build it. from what i've read, you have to cut plywood lengthways to get the sides, and join the strips to get a boat that is longer than 8'. I'm not real sure how to join the strips. I've seen some examples, but not real convinced they're sturdy. I want this boat for inshore shallow water flyfishing, and would enjoy it more if I built it, not just bought a store brand kayak.
Ray, I just want to build it. from what i've read, you have to cut plywood lengthways to get the sides, and join the strips to get a boat that is longer than 8'. I'm not real sure how to join the strips. I've seen some examples, but not real convinced they're sturdy. I want this boat for inshore shallow water flyfishing, and would enjoy it more if I built it, not just bought a store brand kayak.
Oh ok. Lemme try to explain this the best I can...
You have two pieces of plywood for the sides.
Where the two pieces will meet, cut a big notch in each one so that they fit together.
That way, there is no real weak point in the joint.
Here is my extremely detailed plans:
http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x6/crabberray/notch.jpg
Tom Powers
12-16-2007, 12:16 PM
Ray,
I think that what you are describing is called a rabbited joint. If the finished product is going to be straight then it is proably just as good as any other joint. IF you are going to have to bend it as you would do for a gunnel, etc. I would think that a scarf joint would work better as there is no concentration of stress at the corners, etc.
Another good easy joint is to do a butt joint with a 3 to 4 inch backing plate on the inside of the boat. You do the glueup in advance just like any of these other joints then do the final cuts and install. But again if there is a big curve in that part of the boat it might get a little dicey.
Tom
I was thinkin a butt joint would work to.
IMO what I described earlier works best for me and seems stronger. Plus you would put backing behing it too.
Lancaster
12-17-2007, 04:24 AM
If you build it I would like to see a pic, to see how it turns out. I lived in Louisiana for years. And have tried to find one around with no luck
paxfish
12-17-2007, 05:44 AM
Stripstrike - They look pretty cool! About 10 years ago I built an 8 foot sailing pram from Bolger's instant boats. The Lowes lauan plywood is holding up fine. It took about 40 hours to build and another 30 to sand, paint, rig the fittings etc. Your kit above looks even simpler.
Are these pronounced Pee-Row?
My next project, when the kids are in college, will hopefuly be one of the Chesapeake light craft row boats...