HISTORY OF WOOD CANOES
Age-old woodcraft skills of the Native American tribes provide the foundation for the development of the wood canoe. Faced with shortages of Native canoes, resourceful early Americans borrowed heavily from the birchbark canoe construction and design details to develop the first modern wood canoe prototypes. Using woodsense, readily available material and clever ingenuity, they transformed the one of-a-kind birchbarks into practical crafts that could be readily produced to exacting specifications. In the short 125 years that trace the white man's influence on these canoes, evolution has made them faster, lighter, and more durable, but has left intact the fundamental elegance of the basic design. Built of renewable organic materials, they are durable, easily repaired and built to last a lifetime.
CONSTRUCTION OF OUR CANOES
Using custom-designed wood/steel forms, each canoe is built to a uniform shape, yet is individualized by the texture and grain patterns in the wood and handiwork of our craftsmen. After the cedar ribs have been steamed and bent over the form, the cedar planking is hand-nailed to the outside of the ribs with brass tacks. This creates a very strong and lightweight fastening system. Upon completion of planking, the canoe is removed from the form and a watertight epoxy coating is applied to the outside hull. Seats, deck and thwarts are installed and the entire canoe is protected with five coats of marine spar varnish.
PRINCESS
If paddling solo is your cup of tea, the Princess is the canoe
for you. This canoe is both maneuverable and stable, and
is a great choice for day tripping, birdwatching,
photography, and recreational paddling. Use a traditional
paddle or a double-bladed kayak paddle and you can glide
silently across your favorite pond or lake in style. Iength: 11'9" beam: 34" weight: 37 Ibs. capacity: 475 Ibs.
MOHAWK
If you are looking for a light and stable canoe for one or two
persons, the Mohawk is the canoe for you. A hit with fly
fishermen, sportsmen, and the recreational paddler alike,
the stability of the Mohawk is ideal for the person who likes
to stand and cast, yet nimble enough to maneuver into your
favorite secluded spot. Iength: 13'8" beam: 39" weight: 58 Ibs. capacity: 575 Ibs.
HURON
The Huron is our most popular recreational canoe. With
its reinforced bottom and wide beam, it is stable enough for
an additional one or two kids or the family dog. This is a
great boat for novices with stability and capacity to spare.
It's ideal for day tripping or weekend camping on quiet waters
. Iength: 15'8" beam: 37" weight: 66 Ibs. capacity: 690 Ibs.
TRADER
Graceful, elegant lines, contrasting red and white cedar hull,
and mahogany seats and yoke highlight the Trader, our most
visually striking canoe. Crafted for the intermediate paddler who appreciates the fine lines of a well-designed touring canoe, the Trader is ideal for solo or tandem touring on
quiet or slow-moving waters. Iength: 16' beam: 34" weight: 55 Ibs. capacity: 690 Ibs.
ATKINSON TRAVELER
Designed by Rollin Thurlow, the Atkinson Traveler is modeled after the famous guide canoes used initially by professional guides and their "sports", but soon adopted by serious sportsmen and wilderness travelers alike. Boasting a
generous carrying capacity, fine entry lines for speed and a
171/2 ' length for straight tracking on lakes, the Atkinson
Traveler is your ultimate tripping canoe! length: 17'6" beam: 35" weight: 70 Ibs. capacity: 800 Ibs.
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
What are the advantages of a wood canoe?
"Time spent in a wooden canoe of fine lines and able handling
qualities is intoxicating." (Jerry Stelmok) Wood canoes are quieter and the wood provides insulation against the cold water.
Unlike synthetic materials which are often designed to accommodate shipping and ease of stacking and storing, wood canoe designs are based on years of tried and true methods. Wood canoes
incorporate builder individuality, thereby resulting in a nicer looking canoe.
For what waters are these canoes designed?
These canoes are designed for flatwater use and slow moving rivers. We do not recommend the wood/epoxy models for white waters
use.
Why do I need a keel?
In flatwater paddling, keels provide good tracking abilities and
often provide added stability. Keels also provide additional protection against abrasions to the bottom of the canoe.
What kind of seats are used?
Laced rawhide which is cured and varnished provides a strong
comfortable seat that will outlast all other materials.
E-mail:
Sales Department sales@sierraboat.com
Service Department service@sierraboat.com
Parts Department parts@sierraboat.com