Cedar strippers have become the new standard for hand-built canoes.
While traditional wood/canvas canoes may be the original classic, the lighter weight and easy maintenance gives a cedar stripper some nice, practical advantages. “Strippers” may be the best combination of looks and function that there is in a small boat.
Cedar strips are laid on forms into the hull shape, and then covered with an epoxy/fiberglass, followed by marine varnish.
Typical Specifications:
- Designs available from 12-foot solo canoes to 20-foot pack cruisers
- Typical 16- to 18-foot canoe weighs about 50-55 pounds
Over the last two decades, my cedar strip canoe has nearly a year of total days in the BWCA wilderness area and is still going strong. I love the way it paddles and carries plenty of gear, and I really love the comments I get from all those other folks in “plastic” canoes!
Steve – Minnesota
Red River Wooden Boats 