I am using Stripperguy's build log as part of my guide and it's great. That was a painted boat. I want to build a Kite with clear Alaskan Yellow cedar and definitely NOT paint it. Is this a good idea given the challenges of the shouldered tumblehome?
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Kite build question
- Thread starter timslape
- Start date
No problem. I've finished strippers both naturally and painted. It's much, much harder to get a good finish on a painted canoe. You can get away with a lot more on a natural one. That solid monochrome color will highlight every little defect. The color variations and grain of natural wood hide a lot (defects tend to blend in).
Also, a Kite was my first build. I planned to paint it when I started so didn't worry about aesthetics so much during the process figuring it would be hidden by paint later. After talking with Martin Step I began to realize that getting a good finish with paint was not going to be an easy task. In the end I left the wood natural and all ugly spots turned out to be not so ugly after all.
Alan
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The shouldered tumblehome shouldn't be too much of an issue visually and I concur with Alan that a natural finish may be the best plan.
I suggested in the FB forum you consider softening (rounding) the mold at the sharp shoulder, to make stripping easier. i also made up a few narrower strips to do that area, the narrower strips will go around the corner easier ... or make a sharper turn.
Lastly, consider starting at the shoulder and stripping up to complete the bottom, then add strips down to the sheer ... makes strip placement on the tumblehome easier.
Just a few thoughts
I suggested in the FB forum you consider softening (rounding) the mold at the sharp shoulder, to make stripping easier. i also made up a few narrower strips to do that area, the narrower strips will go around the corner easier ... or make a sharper turn.
Lastly, consider starting at the shoulder and stripping up to complete the bottom, then add strips down to the sheer ... makes strip placement on the tumblehome easier.
Just a few thoughts
Hi Tim !
Glad you made over here ! This is a great site ! You will love it ! A lot of good experience over here too !
Painted boats are fine ! But natural wood grain has my Heart !
I haven't built a Kite, but paddled a few. You should enjoy it !
Jim
Glad you made over here ! This is a great site ! You will love it ! A lot of good experience over here too !
Painted boats are fine ! But natural wood grain has my Heart !
I haven't built a Kite, but paddled a few. You should enjoy it !
Jim
The shouldered tumblehome isn't really much of an issue if you follow the instructions from Martin that come with the plans. Once you strip it, you definitely want to make sure you round off those sharp edges to get the fiberglass cloth to lay down. I don't think you need to round off the forms in that area, that would add unnecessary work to a design that works well. My kite was finished bright if you want to see how that looks. You should be able to find a log of my build on here if you search. The reason I would now paint the outside of a cedar strip canoe is to avoid the much too frequent conversations when I'm out, plus I think it looks nice.
Mark
Mark
Amen! Some people like their boats to strike up a conversation. I'm not one of them.
Not that I don't enjoy talking to people (well, sometimes I don't) but I do get tired of answering the same questions over and over. I don't build strippers because I think they look pretty. I build them because it's the cheapest way to get the boat I want and I like doing things myself.
Also, it's kind of fun to see the look on people's faces when they find out there's a beautiful cedar strip canoe under that green Rustoleum.
Alan
Mr Tim,
I'm flattered that you would use my build thread as a guide for your 1st build! I know all of us builders here will do our best to help you as you go.
As Alan and others have mentioned, leaving the hull natural will distract from any workmanship flaws (real or imagined). A painted hull is very difficult to make pretty.
I won't call the tumblehome shouldered though, I would say that it's "creased". In any case, by starting the stripping at the crease, you'll have little difficulty with that section.
Beyond all of that, be prepared for "the questions"
What kind of boat is that?"
"Did you build that yourself?"
"Is that a kit?"
"How...long did it take...much does it weigh...much did it cost?"
I'm flattered that you would use my build thread as a guide for your 1st build! I know all of us builders here will do our best to help you as you go.
As Alan and others have mentioned, leaving the hull natural will distract from any workmanship flaws (real or imagined). A painted hull is very difficult to make pretty.
I won't call the tumblehome shouldered though, I would say that it's "creased". In any case, by starting the stripping at the crease, you'll have little difficulty with that section.
Beyond all of that, be prepared for "the questions"
What kind of boat is that?"
"Did you build that yourself?"
"Is that a kit?"
"How...long did it take...much does it weigh...much did it cost?"
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