Visit to SL Hardwoods

Popped in to SL Hardwood yesterday.

They don't keep the marine ply in stock so have to order it in but should only take a day or so to come. I haven't ordered it yet as not going to be around this weekend to start on it so I will pick it up next week.

The chap in the shop didn't seem to be able to help all that much in telling me about the differences between the Plys they have on the website, other than telling me that the more expensive ones were better quality!! Duh - You would hope so wouldn't ya!!

He quoted about £25 delivery down to Gatwick but I recon I can fit 4 ply sheets on the top of our Range Rover.

The other bits of wood, like the 18x18, will apparently have to be cut from a sheet of what ever wood I choose. If I send them the measurement I need they will give me a quote. I will send it in later today and see what they come back with.

Boat Plans arrived

The Boat plans have arrived!!

Ordered from Selway Fisher and came the next day.

Very excited as this is the beginning, no way back now!

For £36 English pounds I got...

• 2 x A1 sheets with diagrams and Measurements
• 1 x A1 sheet with exact drawings to trace the bow and stern curves on to the wood
• A4 instruction sheets

Now I've got to buy the wood, probably on Friday from S.L. Hardwoods in Croydon. Not sure what I will get yet but probably 4mm Gaboon Marine Ply but we shall see.

To Cut my self or not?

I am fairly confident with creating things etc however understand that the whole project could be sunk if the marking out and cutting of the ply is messed up.

I contacted Jem Boats who offer a wood cutting service.

They quoted...
-£232 to supply and cut 5mm Elite Gaboon Marine Ply
-£70 for delivery in the UK
-£28 for the Selway Fisher plans (Discounted as the two companies have an agreement)

Personally I think this is a bit steep I have been in contact with SL Hardwoods in Croydon and can get 4x 4mm sheets of good quality marine ply for £115. (And I have already spent £36 on the plans any way). By my calculations that is essentially 187 quid for cutting and delivery!!

Also I would quite like to do the whole process so when the canoe is finished I will know that I created in its entirety.

I will mark and cut it myself and if I mess it up I can go to Jem Boats tail between legs haha

Choosing a boat

After spending some hours cruising through http://www.songofthepaddle.co.uk/forum and looking at other Builders boats like 'Gibbos' , I have been inspired to go with a Stich and Tape build.

This will hopefully have the advantages of being easier than other build types and create a simple light strong boat.

Of all the available plans offered by companies I have settled on Selway Fisher. Their site has loads of options and I liked the look of a few of the Canoes.

After reading and comparing most of them I settled on the Raven 14'. It will carry 261KGs which will be plenty for two of us (about 85KGs each) and the camping gear/food/etc. It will still be small enough to go on the car and not to heavy for porting round weirs etc.

Plans ordered on Monday for £36

The Plan...

Ok here it is...

To build a canoe and paddle it on an Epic journey....What can posibly go wrong?

All planing and boat building will be shown on here, including the trip itself (Hopefully) any comments greatly appreciated!