The Stripper's Guide to Canoe-Building (With Fold-Out Drawings) [Paperback]

David Hazen (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: 1982

"The Stripper's Guide to Canoe-building" is unusually crammed with information and inspiration for the first-time boatbuilder. It comes with six full-size template drawings from which it is possible to make at least nine different wood-strip (hence the name "Stripper") and fiberglass canoes and kayaks. The drawings are basic designs for recreational, cargo, and flatwater racing canoes, as well as a two-place kayak that can be made in a recreational, broad-beam version or in a narrow-beam version for the more skilled paddler.

A wood-strip canoe is a ribless boat made from narrow wood strips covered with clear epoxy and fiberglass inside and out. This laminated construction produces a rigid, light weight, sleek, and beautiful boat. A canoe project, the author estimates, would take an amateur 150 man-hours of work. Even mediocre craftsmanship can produce a boat superior to most factory-made boats.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

First published in 1972 when polyester resins were in vogue, the book has been revised several times, and now only discusses the use of epoxy. Hazen's methods and designs are "middle-of-the-road" between the simple functionality of some texts and the complex elegance of others. All the hulls are built without stems; the entry and exit waterlines are finely tapered; and the strips are laid parallel to the waterline.

From the Inside Flap

From 6 pages of full-size template drawings and the instructions in this book you can make a recreational canoe with a 34" width in lengths from 16' to 18'; a 36" width, 18' touring canoe; a 48" width, 20' cargo canoe; a 27" width racing canoe in lengths from 14' to 18'; or two models of 2-man touring kayaks, 25" by 20', and 28" by 18'.

Product Details

• Paperback: 93 pages
• Publisher: Educational Book Distributors; 5 edition (1982)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0917436008
• ISBN-13: 978-0917436000
• Product Dimensions: 11.8 x 9.1 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,250,465 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best canoe builders guide yet!, November 6, 2001

By 

cerise (Estes Park, Colorado) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Stripper's Guide to Canoe-Building (With Fold-Out Drawings) (Paperback)

I have read a LOT of books which attempt to show you how to go about building your own wood-strip canoe and this one is,quite simply, THE BEST. David Hazen writes in a style that is easy to understand and at a level that even the most rank amateur can follow. He leaves nothing out ( He even includes full-sized plans) and if you do have questions he is accessable and very willing to talk or write to you. WARNING: Read this book and you will want to run out to your garage and start building the next day!

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A tremendous resource for novices and craftsmen alike, April 4, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: The Stripper's Guide to Canoe-Building (With Fold-Out Drawings) (Paperback)

A classic work on building canoes and kayaks with the simple wood strip method. Amply illustrated, each step is clearly described. First time boat builders will find this to be an easy to follow., and comprehensive guide. The full size plans for canoes and kayaks that come with this book make it an exceptional value. The author's description of applying the fiberglass coating is slightly dated. Newer materials have been developed since the book was written, and they are handled in a slightly different manner than described here. A suitable companion book that I would also recommend is Gil Gilpatrick's book on building strip canoes.

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Plans are nice but the building instructions are dated, September 8, 2003

By 

Gordon A. Jones "muygordo2" (slc, ut) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Stripper's Guide to Canoe-Building (With Fold-Out Drawings) (Paperback)

Having the drawings included with the book is nice because you don't have to loft them from offset tables of buy plans separately. The building directions are dated. For example, this book still recommends using polyester resin. Epoxy resin is superior for this application. Also, things like cove and bead strips are not discussed. I have the Canoecraft book by Ted Moores and I really like the variety of designs in his book as well as the detailed instructions.