BUILDING SCHERZO
Re-creating a historical lapstrake canoe.
- GEOFF BURKE — JUNE 15–28
In 1889 the St. Lawrence River Skiff, Canoe and Steam Launch Co. of Clayton, New York, built a handsome little lapstrake double-paddle canoe, very likely to special order. With the canoe’s history almost completely documented since then, SCHERZO (a musical term meaning light and playful, pronounced “scairt-zo”) is now over 116 years old. Weighing only 38 pounds, with a length of 12'10", she is constructed of Northern white cedar over an oak/pine keel, is framed with elm, and has grown tamarack knees for stems. The hull today is tight and staunch, in excellent paddling condition. SCHERZO was built at the height of the Golden Age of canoeing in America, a time when many builders like J.H. Rushton and W.P. Stephens started their legendary careers by building lapstrake canoes. As a product of that era, SCHERZO is a superb example of lightweight traditional boatbuilding at its best. She is built with the skill and materials of the highest order and is a testament to construction methods that work, and have stood the test of time.
SCHERZO has recently been acquired by traditional boat and canoe builder Geoffrey Burke from her owner of almost 60 years. She will serve as the centerpiece/model for this special class where two copies of this canoe will be built. Having the original canoe present will allow important historical details to be accurately reproduced. Starting with a set of lines taken off the original, we will proceed through all the steps in building a traditional lapstrake boat. This will include lofting, making the molds and backbone, planking, ribbing out, trim, and finishing. Special emphasis will be placed on developing fine hand skills and using old-time, but effective methods of working wood. We will also cover the making of a double paddle with take-apart ferrules. These allow the paddle to be used feathered or not, as well as easily stowed.
This class will provide the student a chance to learn about and build a historically important boat whose size belies its import. SCHERZO is just the kind of boat that famed yacht designer L. Francis Herreshoff had in mind when he said “that the double-paddle canoe gives the most fun for the money of any type of boat a person can possess.” As has been the tradition at the WoodenBoat School, the two canoes will be raffled off for the cost of the materials to two lucky students for at least 100 years of paddling pleasure.
Tuition: $1100 two-week course
Note: Previous woodworking experience is required.
“Building the Scherzo canoe with Geoff Burke was an exhilarating experience. It was a pleasure of the highest order working with him building two beautiful boats.”