FINE WOODSTRIP CANOE AND KAYAK CONSTRUCTION
Two different weeks focusing on wood/epoxy strip-plank construction with a master builder.
- TED MOORES
JUNE 15–21 (kayak construction)
AUGUST 31–SEPTEMBER 6 (canoe construction)
WoodenBoat School is always pleased to have Ted Moores on campus. Ted and his Bear Mountain Boat Shop in Peterborough, Ontario, Canada, are known across North America for canoe and kayak design, construction, and wooden boat restoration, promotion of amateur canoe and kayak building, and for the three books he has written, Canoecraft, KayakCraft, and Three Kayaks You Can Build.
Working with his partner, Joan Barrett, at Bear Mountain, Ted has specialized in a unique system for strip-plank construction that combines the inherent beauty and strength of wood with the many enhancements of advanced epoxy technology. The A, B, Cs of strip-planking will be covered in detail throughout each course, and students will have ample opportunities to find answers to their questions while “getting their hands dirty.”
In Ted’s June kayak course students will build two kayaks. Right from the start everyone will be busy setting up and fairing the molds and stems, and planking the hulls to the centerline. In the following days the hull and decks gradually take shape and are eventually fitted together forming a lovely, yet rugged kayak. Then the strips are effectively sandwiched inside and out by the lightweight cloth and three coats of epoxy to give it added strength and rigidity. Installation of the cockpit trim and other final details will bring the course to its close.
The September course will find the class constructing two canoes – the 15' Bob’s Special and the 17' Freedom. As in the kayak course, Ted will lead students through the initial setting-up and fairing stages, and then shaping the stems and planking the hull. Installation of the outer stems comes next, followed by fairing the outside of the hull, applying filler, and laying up the fiberglass cloth in three coats of epoxy resin. Eventually, the canoes are popped off their molds, more fairing occurs, and the insides of the hulls are ’glassed, and work will begin on making trim parts. Although the hulls are impressive, it is the details that set Ted’s work apart from that of most other builders. Gunwales, decks, and seats all follow in a natural sequence.
By the end of each course, each student should have a strong grasp of woodstrip-epoxy construction, the safe handling and proper use of epoxy, traditional and contemporary kayak and canoe design, and be ready to start his/her own project at home. To top it all off, we’ll also raffle off these beautiful kayaks and canoes to students on the last day of the course for the cost of materials.
Tuition: $750
Note: These are six-day courses ending Saturday afternoon.
“Ted Moores is a master builder and marvelous teacher. He gives more than boatbuilding advice. It is as if he strives to impart the “Zen” of boatbuilding, thinking always to appreciate the quality of the moment with an eye on the next step. A great course!”
“Ted Moores is a wonderful person and great teacher. I feel lucky and privileged to have met Ted and learned so much from him about kayaks and using tools.”