These canoes were designed for historical hunting, trekking and spirited paddling.
They require less maintenance than real birchbark canoes and are fast and easy to paddle. Depending on length
they weigh from 45 to 75 pounds. As a result they are easy to load on top of a vehicle and portage.
ABOUT THE CANOES
(Click on the photo for more pictures)
On the left is a genuine birchbark canoe. On the right is a hybrid fiberglass replica.
Our Goal
We wanted to create the most authentic, strongest, lightest and least expensive canoe possible
but found that some of those aspirations were mutually exclusive - can't have it all. The lightest and strongest
would require very expensive materials. The most authentic would require the most elaborate
processes thus requiring much time and therefore expense. And finally the strongest would also
drive up the weight. Therefore some choices needed to be made. We feel the new lay-ups hit the sweet spot.
The Result - "Infusion Bagging", the "Economy Model" and the "Hybrid"
INFUSION BAGGING
This is the latest technique in fiberglass/composite construction. Simply put, it is the process of placing into the mold all
of your cloth dry, placing a vacuum bag over it, sucking out all of the air and then drawing the resin through the vacuum.
This results in a minimum of resin - enough to "wet-out" the fabric - and a minimum of air bubbles. Excess resin does not
increase strength but does increase weight and air bubbles create weak spots. We use a special kind of fiberglass that
has virtually no air spaces between the fibers. These type of spaces cause weakness. We use a type of resin that is more
flexible and less brittle. Stiffness is created with a special "core material" that we lay in as ribs. The result is a
stiff, impact resistant, light and authentic looking craft. The process is more expensive to perform but this is a case
of getting what you pay for. Three Styles in Two Lengths
Our 16ft model all decked out comes in at 46 lbs. Our 18ft model is 56 lbs. The hull shape is fast and stable in all
types of water conditions. Therefore if you do long treks that require portaging this is the canoe I would recommend.
Standard features of the Infusion Bagged Models:
- Designed by master birchbark canoe builder John Lindman so all lines and
measurements conform to traditional designs.
- Computer matched gel coat to real birch bark
- 32 oz of hi-tech stitched fiberglass cloth
- 2 inch core material ribs every 2 inches just like in a birchbark canoe
- Plastic root with a similar color, shape and size of real root.
- Sitka Spruce or white ash gunwales and caps
- White ash thwarts
Click on any image to view more photos.
These are the infusion models. From left to right: Ottawa; Ojibwe; Abenaki. Each comes in 16 or 18ft
lengths.
Basic Features, Extra Features and Prices
You may wish to keep the cost of your canoe to a minumum and do some of the finish work yourself. This is the
reasoning behind offering a Base Canoe plus features. All the structural integrity is there and you can decide
what added features you would like and what you would like to do on your own.
ECONOMY MODELS AND KITS
Trying to make the highest quality product can run up the price so I wanted to offer an economy model which is
still a fine product but with a lower price tag.
THE HYBRID
This is essentially a birchbark canoe with a fiberglass skin. We have 3 canoes - 14, 16 and 18ft long -
that we use as "male molds" (we lay the glass over the canoe instead of inside of it) and using a special technique,
we can custom shape these to your specifications and then create a "one-up" canoe from it.
We use one layer of the 17 oz stitched fabric (very strong) and the flexible vinyl ester resin. The skin holds its shape
but is very flexible. Once we put on the gunwales, thwarts and insert the ribs and sheathing the shape changes the same way
a birchbark canoe comes to life when the ribs are inserted with pressure. The hull becomes a bit rockered at the ends
like a birchbark canoe, everything is tight like a drum - just like a birchbark canoe - and the look is authentic inside
and out. The weight of the ribs and sheathing adds about 20 lbs so you are looking at about 76 lbs on an 18' to 19'
model and about 66 lbs and 56 lbs on the 16' and 14' models respectively. This is very similar in weight to a real
birchbark canoe with the difference that the portage weight stays the same whereas birch bark absorbs water and thus
increases in weight by about 10 lbs at the portage.
The Base Price is $2950 for the 14' and 16' models. $3150 for the 18'
ORDERING YOUR CANOE
Unlike your standard conventional canoe these require much time to trim out. We may have your style and length
in stock or there may be a slight wait involved. Our policy is a deposit of 50% and a signed agreement that protects
you as regards your deposit and tells us what you want in your canoe - it puts us on the same page.
The balance is due upon completion and prior to shipping or pick-up.
Contact us at 509-327-7902 voice or email at john@barkcanoe.com for more
information. How To Order
509-327-7002 voice and facsimile
john@barkcanoe.com e-mail
Home
Canoes
Classes
Materials
Accessories
Tips
News and New Stuff
Consignment Canoes
The Base Price is $2350 for the 16'
$2450 for the 18'models.
Primarily due to the volatile nature of the oil industry the cost of materials and shipping can effect our
costs. Therefore prices are subject to change at any time. Once you have ordered and paid a deposit the
price is locked in.
Gunwale Caps
The hybrid and infusion models come with gunwale caps. They are not absolutely necessary unless you plan to
lash the entire canoe. Then it is highly recommended to protect the lashings. If you opt for the economy
model this is an additional $100 and will come attached to the canoe. You will only need to loosen a few
screws in order to lash the canoe. (This is not difficult at all and is explained in the owner's manual.)
Seats
The voyaguers occasionally had seats in their canoes. These worked on the same principle as the old wooden swing
hanging from the tree branch - a board with two holes on each end. Heavy leather thongs or nylon cord
are run through the holes, up and over the gunwales into and through holes in the hull directly under the gunwales then through the board
and tied. They are made of 1x6" spruce and are stained (if desired) and oiled. Price is $75 for 2 and
come assembled. You can adjust the height.
Wooden Manboards
Manboards or also called headboards are the boards that are fitted just beyond the final end ribs. These are recommended
if you have opted for the wooden ribs and sheathing combination.
This feature is an additional $50.
Lashing Kit
All canoes are lashed at the ends and at the thwarts as shown in the photos.
However if you want the lashing kit to lash the remainder of the canoe it is an additional $35 - instructions and
300 feet of plastic root included - enough for repairs as well.
Fully Lashed
We offer the service of fully lashing your canoe. This of course covers the cost of materials. Price is $345
for 16' and $395 for 18'.
Stencil Kit
The Indian builders often fashioned designs on the bark by scratching away the thin layer of inner bark (cambium) that
would stick to the bark when it was removed at colder times. This was called "winter bark". The dark brown designs
that were left could include various animal motifs, floral designs or geometric patterns. We also provide stencils
and gel coat so you can create the "etched winterbark" effect. Includes gel coat, hardener, stencil and instructions.
This is an additional $50.
Click on any image to view enlarged photos.
From left to right: moose head, beaver, moose print, turtle, clipped gunwale serrations
Stenciled Designs added
Perhaps you would prefer to have us do the design work in-house. Simply choose a motif and we will do the work.
Prow motifs $75 per print. Gunwale motifs $200.
Using the same molds these hulls are hand laid with two layers of a special type of fiberglass cloth which is
exceptionally strong and vinyl ester resin - more flexible and durable than polyester resin. The hull has no
ribs so it just looks like a fiberglass canoe on the inside. They are about 10 lbs heavier than the infusion
models but about $350 less expensive.
Kits
To make it even more affordable we decided to offer these as kits. You can order just the hull and do the rest
yourself using materials you get locally or you can buy the whole kit from us.
Here's the package:
- 16' hull - $975; 18' hull - $1075
- Sitka spruce gunwale blanks $150
- White ash thwarts (5) $100
- Lashing material (500 ft) $35
- Polyurethane pitch (3 tubes) $20
- Stainless steel screws (box of 100) $10
- Instructional DVD $15
- Total Kit Price = $1305 for 16ft
and $1405 for the 18ft model
You can get the whole kit or any of the parts. The canoe is painted and the pitch lines are marked as to where
the pitch goes. The gunwales will need to be cut into inwales, outwales and caps as well as to be bent. The
thwarts are cut to shape but will need to be trimmed to size and tenoned for fit into the gunwales unless
you prefer to just bolt them in place.
Wood for gunwales and thwarts can be gotten locally if you prefer. Most lumber yards carry douglas fir and
while it is heavy it is resistant to rot and will take a decent bend. You can also check mills depending on your
area and get white ash or white cedar - gunwale stock MUST be clear, no knots. Also boat builder supply stores
typically carry sitka spruce which is what we use for gunwales. Almost any kind of polyurethane sealant will
work as pitch. We use Sika Flex brand and that can be obtained from most contractor supply outlets. You can
get screws locally as well. Use stainless steel, brass or bronze so that they don't rust or break down.
If you get together with your buddies and get more than one canoe then there can be a savings on the shipping.
The 16ft models in some cases can nest into the 18ft hulls so you can ship both for the price of one.
The kit concept also applies to the infusion boats. These are $350 more per hull.
If you have wanted one of these canoes but just couldn't swing it perhaps this is the solution.
With what is happening in the world of oil don't anticipate that fiberglass materials will be coming down in
price. My guess is this is as low as they will ever go. Give me a call and I would be glad to answer any questions
you might have. Get with your buddies and if several canoes are ordered we might be able to get the shipping
way down. We'll do our best to make these affordable.
If you want a birchbark canoe but live in an area that is too dry for the bark this is strong option. If you do living
history and want something durable and realistic both inside and out again this is a good way to go.
Click on any image to view more photos.
On the left is a 16ft Ojibwe longnose canoe, typical of western Ontario and northern Minnesota. On the right
is an Ancient Algonquin/Ojibwe style canoe, typical of what would have been seen from the Ottawa River to Lake
Champlain, throughout the Great Lakes and all the way to Wisconsin and the Minnesota border. This is the style
most likely seen coming down the rivers into the Ohio Valley and used by early explorers.
Features and Prices
The hybrid canoes come with cedar ribs and sheathing, with cedar head boards and gunwale caps. They are painted with the
linticels and pitched. They are just like a birchbark canoe with the exception of the skin being of fiberglass
instead of bark.
The base canoe includes lashing from the end thwarts to the tip of the prows and at each of the thwarts.
You can have us lash the remainder of the canoe or get the materials and instructions and lash it yourself. The
lashing kit is $50 and for us to lash it is $325 for the 14' canoe, $345 for the 16' and $395 for the 18' models.
Any major modifications from our basic designs will incur additional costs on a case by case basis. This would
include such things as increased depth or major prow height and design changes. Talk to us and tell
us what you want and we will let you know the cost.
Primarily due to the volatile nature of the oil industry the cost of materials and shipping can effect our
costs. Therefore prices are subject to change at any time. Once you have ordered and paid a deposit the
price is locked in.
Price does not include shipping. The cost of shipping varies with your location and the size of your canoe.
Typically you can expect $350 to $450. This is subject to change due to the ups and downs of fuel costs.
