Wannigan build (not traditional)

[Cheeseandbeans]

I had some leftover tongue and groove cedar boards and cedar siding. I was able to mill the siding down and get some nice 3 1/2” planks. I used some poster board to create a template for the ends to follow the contour behind the seat of my solo 50 Pounder. I plan to fiberglass the planking and varnish everything. The plan is to have the top (yet to build) open with leather hinges.

I plan to build a traditional wannigan for kitchen/dry goods, but this should work well for lightweight easy to grab items- rain suit, fishing gear, lunch, etc.

This is still rough, but should shape up nicely. I have some ash and Alaskan yellow cedar for ribs. I’m not sure which yet.





Bob

 

[Boatman53]

Interesting, I’ve never seen one that was asymmetrical.
Jim

 

[Ruttrowe]

Nice!

 

[Cheeseandbeans]

I steam bent and clenched in an ash rib I had left over from a skin on frame build. Something about bending wood in the winter always makes me smile. Snow falling, wood stove going, and the steam box fogging up the shop windows.



I am out of my usual go to epoxy and came across this for $30 at Ace Hardware. I am still highly suspect, but had to know if it was a cheap viable option for such projects.



I had some 6oz cloth laying around and got one coat on. The epoxy didn’t wet out as nicely as others, but wasn’t horrendous. I will wash it down to avoid any blush before the next coat.

A couple ribs and trim on the outer edge, a top, feet/rails, and it should be ready to varnish.

To be honest, I’m not sure how much I will use this, but the idea of a custom shape wannigan has been rolling around in my noodle for a while and I needed a project.
Bob

 

[Cheeseandbeans]

This project got delayed as others popped up. I painted the lip of of the lid to match the color of the canoe it will be used with. I am guessing it will be used as a container for ballast when not tripping with a load as much as a wannigan. I am undecided on handle location and if it needs hinges, but I’ll figure that out as I use it. Maybe just some leather straps.

Lesson learned- cheap epoxy is lousy to work with, but does the job.




Bob