Graduation Day

In more ways than one, the year is over.  I will be retiring at the end of the term, and it is unclear if this blog will continue, though I may transtition into recording my own adventures on the water and in the boat-shop.  This will be 196 boats of various types, but mostly skin-on-frame canoes. I may have one or two left in me, but mostly I hope to get out on the water and enjoy it while I am still able.

Three of the eight boats completed this year.

A few words of instruction,exhortation and encouragement.

Into the water to get to know their canoes.

Nearing the Finish Line

The first of the boats to be coated with polyurethane.  This takes approximately three hours, to layer three coats, wet-on-wet. The boats are first colored, if desired, with acid-dyes and heat-set.

This young man went first, because he had to be away for a hockey event.  The rest of the group (7) will do this process as a group, where the teacher will 'feed' them the mixed polyurethane coating and offer assistance and guidance.

Beginning the skinning process

 Skinning will actually not take too long.  Things will go pretty quickly from here on out.

It is easier to lash in the floorboards and install the seat
before skinning the frame, 
though not absolutely necessary.

The ballistic nylon skin is soaked in water,
and draped over the frame.  

The skin is held in place temporarily
with lashing material,
stiched like a shoelace,
zigzagging the length of the boat.

When the skin dries, it is drum tight.

Some final 'tailoring' is done at the ends.
This particular fabric conforms to odd shapes
very nicely.

Ultimately, the skin will be stapled in place
all along the gunwale.

Looking Forward to the Paddling Season

 As Spring begrudgingly takes over from Winter, I am looking forward to getting on the water, and north to the Adirondacks. This is a little glimpse of another skin-on-frame canoe fan.

Last parts fabricated. Frames are ready for varnish.