Boat built by eye. Need feedback

Nomiddlename · Feb 9, 2025

Skip Johnson said: ↑

I've lost count of the number of canoes I've designed but it was well into the double digits before I designed one that didn't whisper "I'd be a little better if.......". As has already been said, the drive for perfection destroys the good of living in the now. IMO the results of your first project of this type is remarkable, most importantly now is splash the thing and see how it preforms, a whole new world awaits.

Of the thirty five boats I've personally built only one was "furniture quality" because it was being filmed for a video by Texas Parks and Wildlife; never again. I subscribe to the 15 to 20' rule; if it looks ok standing back a bit it really is ok. At one point building wood stripper canoes I started falling down the rabbit hole fairing the hull bottoms with an air file until I realized only the fish would see that perfection and they probably didn't care.

One of my most memorable experiences boating was crewing with a friend on a 24' sharpie that he named 40 grit.

I look forward to hearing how your boat performs once you've wrung it out a bit.
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I realized after a very long time staring at it last night why it looked so much worse to me upside down. And it's because I built it and designed it right side up. Will have to just do what I can with the bottom and move on. Appreciate your insight as an experienced builder. I forget sometimes that when I'm done I actually get to use the boat.

socalspearit · Feb 10, 2025

Skip Johnson said: ↑

I've lost count of the number of canoes I've designed but it was well into the double digits before I designed one that didn't whisper "I'd be a little better if.......". As has already been said, the drive for perfection destroys the good of living in the now. IMO the results of your first project of this type is remarkable, most importantly now is splash the thing and see how it preforms, a whole new world awaits.

Of the thirty five boats I've personally built only one was "furniture quality" because it was being filmed for a video by Texas Parks and Wildlife; never again. I subscribe to the 15 to 20' rule; if it looks ok standing back a bit it really is ok. At one point building wood stripper canoes I started falling down the rabbit hole fairing the hull bottoms with an air file until I realized only the fish would see that perfection and they probably didn't care.

One of my most memorable experiences boating was crewing with a friend on a 24' sharpie that he named 40 grit.

I look forward to hearing how your boat performs once you've wrung it out a bit.
Click to expand...

Skip, is the 'furniture quality' video still available for viewing anywhere?

Skip Johnson · Feb 10, 2025

socalspearit said: ↑

Skip, is the 'furniture quality' video still available for viewing anywhere?
Click to expand...

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Boat built by eye. Need feedback

Nomiddlename Junior Member

socalspearit Senior Member

Skip Johnson Senior Member

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