On Wed, 25 Jan 2006 20:48:45 GMT, Steve wrote:

Hi Folks,

I'm new to the group, so if this is in a FAQ, let me know and I'll start
there.

My family would love to own a canoe, as we've typically borrowed ones up
till now. I've been learning welding over the past year, and thought an
aluminum canoe project just might fit the bill, and help keep costs down.

Any ideas, websites, online plan sources, and/or books folks would
recommend?

TIA
Steve
Probably not practical given the various sizes and thicknesses of
aluminum you would need and the various bends that are needed
structurally to make it solid enough.
If you're going to put that amount of effort into builing a boat you
should do it because you love building, not to save money. A used ABS
canoe would be a good way to go. I'm sure you can get one for $200 or
so.
But, if you really like working with aluminum then go for it.
After all, some of the beautiful wooden boats people have built were
done for love of the craft, so why not aluminum I guess.

John C.