Skin-on-Frame Open Canoe

Building course

Currently this course is on temporary hold while a purpose built workshop is competed in which to run it. The intention is to be able to run the first course in October of 2023.

To date the course has been held in my workshop space which has proved to cramped to be suitable. The new space is a straw bale, lime plastered building large enough to allow up to four boats to be built at one time.

Course details

This course is aimed at providing tuition and support in the building of a made to measure open canoe.

The course participants are provided with the machined timber and other materials required to build the kayak. The aim is to leave with a finished canoe, but this is dependant on the participants progress over course. Both individual and group tuition is provided in use of the tools and on the skills and techniques. Depending on the level of need some direct assistance is provided.

Details on the canoe and it’s dimensions are gathered prior to the course to enable John to machine all of the timber ready for the participant to start their build on day 1. Variations for the chosen canoe are based on the intended use and size of the paddler.

Participant use of power machinery is limited to hand held drills, mortising drill, orbital sander and hot knife.

No prior woodworking skills are required but are useful.

Following the construction of the frame there is a minimum of a one day break for the frame to be oiled prior to skinning. When the skin has been coated with polyurethane it requires a minimum of two days to cure before being handled.

Course duration:

In some occasions the build is completed in less than the 6 day period. In such cases the course timing can be adjusted to suit the participant
If the build is unlikely to be competed within the 6 days then additional help is provided, or in worst case scenario, additional day/s time made to allow the build to be extended for completion.

If it is more suitable the canoe can be completed to skinned stage and taken home. The polyurethane process can then be completed by the participant at their leisure. If this option is taken the polyurethane and detailed guidance on the process is provided.

Course duration:

The course is effectively broken into three sections/ options with variable time frames and prices.

Building of the frame – 6 days
‘Skinning’ the frame – 1 day
- This stage can be done at the workshop or later at the builders desire.
Applying the polyurethane waterproof coating – 1 or 2 days depending on the choice of process
- This stage can be done at the workshop or later at the builders desire.

If the build is unlikely to be competed within the selected time scale then additional help is provided, or in worst case scenario, additional day/s time made to allow the build to be extended for completion. This may result in additional cost to cover the additional hours of support and assistance

Additional details

Course structure: At the beginning of the course participants are provided with an overview of the process and some initial discussion of the tools and skills used. The course is carefully divided into focused day by day tasks to ensure that the participant can complete the build within the allotted time to be able to take away their finely fashioned canoe at the close of the course. The aim is to leave with a finished canoe, but this is dependant on the participants progress over the initial six days.

Interruptions to the build process to allow for ‘drying time’: Following the construction of the frame there is a minimum of a one day break for the frame to be oiled prior to skinning of the Canoe. When the skin has been coated with polyurethane it requires a minimum of two days to cure before being handled.

Materials: Regardless of the course length option you choose, in all cases, all of the materials for building the frame, skinning the frame and coating the finished boat are included.

Please feel free to call if you wish to discuss any of this. UK. 07722018457

Option	Schedule	Notes
Frame only	6 days in total Frame 6	The frame is fine to take home at the end of day 6
Frame and skin	8 days in total Frame 6 Rest day after oiling 1 Skinning 1	Following the frame completion, a coat of oil is applied and a full day required for the oil to be absorbed prior to skinning. Oiling the frame can be omitted, but potentially reduces its life span.
Frame, skin and coating	11 days in total Frame 6 Rest day after oiling 1 Skinning 1 Coating 1 Coating initial cure 2	Following the frame completion, a coat of oil is applied and a full day required for the oil to be absorbed prior to skinning. Oiling the frame can be omitted, but potentially reduces its life span. Once the coating is applied, two days are required for the coating to undergo an initial cure after which it is possible to transport the boat.