New build-Freighter canoe

I just ordered the materials to glass the outside.
I've ended up going with two layers of 6oz inside and outside.
Feedback I got was that 2 layers of 10oz would hide the wood. And that if I hit something, it would damage the fiberglass regardless of 6oz or 10oz.

Some things I didn't mention in the earlier description are
This has a 1x3 white oak keelson inside and a 1x1-1/2 keel.
I have 1x1-1/2 white oak cut for Inwales and Gunwales that will
run full length and the same for spray rail outside and seat supports inside
that will run almost the full length.

Inside I plan to finish the top bright but want to use a light colored coating of Herculiner or similar on the bottom inside.

Thank you all for your input. I actually learned more in one day from y'all than I have in almost a year of building this.

Gonzo, I loved the 30 footer but I don't think we have a river around here big enough for that thing to turn around in.

 

We went up river with it when testing it and had to return backwards; couldn't turn. It is surprising how little power these canoes need. I really like what you are building.

 

Lost Caddo update:
I finished the build in June. I ended up with a 50 gal fuel tank mounted midship and used a Yamaha 25 hp 4-stroke for power. I made a dashboard to hold the marine radio, battery switch, fuel gauge, and switch panel. I mounted two bilge pumps. Nav lights front and rear. Two gel cell batteries were mounted in the dash.
Also loaded ropes, anchor, first aid bag, cooler, water, food, tent, sleeping bag, clothes, spare parts, and tools.
I took it to Minnesota and launched just below Lock & Dam 1 in St. Paul.
I did about 1400 miles in 7 1/2 days. Went thru 25 locks and 5 rainstorms. I camped out, mostly on islands, except the night I was in Memphis where I got a hotel, hot shower, ribs, and live music on Beale st.
I also slept in the canoe one night because I ran past dark trying to get where I had cell service and when I finally had to stop, there was no suitable camping spot. I tied to a tree along a steep rocky bank and slept in a marine bean bag in the front of the boat.
I did between 20 and 25 mph (gps) most of the way.
I got better than 10 mpg.
I did 300 miles one day. A very long day.
Saw only 2 law enforcement craft and was safety checked by only one of those (Illinois Conservation)
I ran out of days off work so I stopped at Vicksburg. I thought I could do the whole thing in 8 days but there were several L&D's where I waited several hours to lock thru. In addition, there were many rain storms and some were hard enough to hurt so I had to slow down during those.
I still have 435 miles to go to reach the Gulf and will be going back to Vicksburg soon to finish this
last section.
At the start of the trip, I was uneasy going over wakes and would slow way down so the boat would not slap down after crossing a wake. I worried that it might not hold up to any hard pounding. My first build, you know. But, near the end of my trip, I ran pretty much wide open thru a wild rainstorm and was catching air from the wakes of the huge towboats. And smiling like a wild man.
Best gear decisions. The Garmin Echomap chart plotter. I got this at the last minute and it was invaluable. I wouldn't think of making this trip w/o it now that I know what it can do. Marine radio is a must have to get thru the L&D's.
Marine bean bag. This thing was my best friend. So easy to throw on the sandbar and take a nap in the sun. And even slept in it one night. Citronella candle. I was too tired to build a fire most nights but having this candle next to my chair was the next best thing. Self heating MRE's. I could have a hot meal without ever stopping the boat, and they were actually really good. If you would like to see pictures, you can go to Instagram and follow Lostcaddo.
I hope to get back on the river soon in my freighter, made of sticks, in my garage.

 

Dammit Caddo, I am jealous. That is something I have wanted to do for....eons. I'm too old to realistically contemplate such an adventure anymore. I will have to be satisfied, vicariously, with the adventures of brave souls like you.

One of the books in my library is all about navigating the Ten-Tom waterway and the Tennessee river, Kentucky Lake, Paducah, and more... (sigh)