BUILD YOUR OWN VOYAGER OR INDIAN GIRL CANOE
Choose between two lightweight, decked-over, double paddle canoes.
- DAVID NICHOLS — SEPTEMBER 14–20
Here are two lightweight and easily handled decked double-paddle canoes designed by our instructor, Dave Nichols, that will take you on an afternoon paddle or a wilderness adventure. The 12'6" Indian Girl has a 32" beam and weighs only 40 lbs, making it easy to carry and cartop. It has room enough for one individual and ample gear for fishing or just exploring. The longer 14'6" Voyager canoe easily accommodates a second paddler and plenty of belongings, and at approximately 50 lbs presents no problems to portage or transport. Students will have the option to choose either design to build.
Voyager Canoe
Both canoes are stable enough to stand in, and deep-water re-entry is simply a matter of climbing back in—no special gear required. The watertight sections in the bow and stern provide plenty of positive flotation, as well as storage for gear. Also, the uncluttered compartment is 6'4" long, and with the simple addition of a bivy-bag and rain cover it is long enough for a comfortable night’s sleep.
Indian Girl Canoe
Both designs are just as easy to build, using the stitch-and-glue lapstrake plywood method of construction, as they are to use. During this one-week course David will explain the entire construction process so that the canoes go together at a relaxed, enjoyable pace. Beveling jigs and other shop tips from the instructor make the planking a creative process and allow each canoe to reflect the builder’s taste. Lapstrake boats are some of the most beautiful craft afloat and some of the most satisfying to build. The goal of this class is not only a beautiful canoe for each student, but the acquisition of knowledge and confidence to build a boat on their own.
Tuition: $700 (partner: $350)
Materials: Indian Girl–$900, Voyager–$950
Note: This is a six-day course ending Saturday afternoon.
“Dave Nichols was wonderful—a great teacher, excellent communicator, and very supportive to all of his students.”