I was at the lumber yard some time ago and saw a kit for a pirogue, called the “Classic Cajun Pirogue”. It came with 2 stems and 9 pieces of wood for the frames. My question to myself was can I do it in under 40 hrs.
I bought the kit and off we went.
The planks were scarfed together using a scarffer from Gougeon Bro’s. As you can see from pic 1 the frames are inset to define the shape of the boat. Then the bottom is taped on using blue tape and turned over. On the inside a goop of epoxy and a filler are applied in/on seam and all is good for 8 hrs drying time. I added rub-rails and turned the boat over. 3" fiberglass was applied on the chines with polyester resin (Shipwright; do not look now).
I then filled and primed the inside and outside. Total time 35 hrs.
My neighbor had a disaster. His garage where he kept his skiff burnt down. Since my wife, not nautical inclined, wanted the boat gone from the yard, I gave it away.
Since then it has caught a lot of fish. This boat does not have a rough live. Bayou paddle is all.
The boat ended weighing 34 lbs. with paint. I used store bought (1/4" luan plywood NOT) 1/4 exterior grade plywood, the best I could get for the hull, and fir for the rub rails.
I wish I had more pics.
Tor and Odin are the greatest of gods.
Looks like a fine boat. It is however the epoxy on the inside, not the polyester on the outside that’s keeping it together. :-)
You lost me on the Luan plywood for the hull. That sure looks like fir plywood and sure not like Luan. Did I misunderstand something?
The early bird gets the worm but its the second mouse that gets the cheese.
No you are right about the plywood. It is the cheep stuff. Looking at my notes that is what it is.
Tor and Odin are the greatest of gods.
I amazed you can use plywood for the bottom. I guess it holds when it’s totally sealed.
I obviously have never built anything even closely related to a boat :)
Abbas, Castro Valley, CA
Looks like fun. Sorry to hear about your neighbor.
Losing fingers since 1969
I have built 3 very similar, but coated the outside with glass, added 50lbs.
CHRIS, Charlottetown PEI Canada. Anytime you can repurpose, reuse, or recycle, everyone wins!
Very cool great job.
woodworking classes, custom furniture maker