Should you decide to build a pram instead of a canoe I strongly suggest the
Sabot 7-8 feet long.
I have build one 20 years ago and I still use it every year. The plan is
free and the design is proven. It row extremely well with one person.
With two persons the second one that seats astern has to be light weight.
Otherwise if the weight exceeds 140 pound astern the person seating there
may, at time get a wet bum. The biggest cost in building that type of
stitch and glue pram is the epoxy and the fibreglass tape. The cost of
plywood is well under $100.00.

"Denny" wrote in message
oups.com...
Consider a rowing pram for a starter... I'm just finishing up two for
the grandkids.. One is is in first coat of paint and the other is about
a week from painting... I started about 6 weeks ago... The Bronze
oarlocks and pintles just came today from Jamestown Distributers...
Between 25 hours and 30 hours work for a finished boat... I won't
suggest the plans I got as they are bad, but there are several nice
ones available.. For starters look at some such as:
http://www.gartsideboats.com/catrow.php#6ply
http://www.duckworksbbs.com/plans/jw...hind/index.htm (more work
but sure is pretty)
Any of Jim Michalaks designs are excellent - For a bit more work his
Piccup Pram gives you a lot of boat...
Or get Dynamite Paysons book...
Lots of other info out there..

The reason I suggest a stich-n-glue 8' or 9' pram for a first build is
that you are more likely to finish it, it has more utility than a
canoe, will let you know if you really want to build something more
complex, is a low cost venture and doesn't need a shop full of multi
thousand dollar power tools... Once you have finished the pram then
you will know if you want to take on a fancy boat with a lot more
fitting, cutting, beveling, and a higher level of precision needed...

If you do decide to go this route drop me a line and I will have some
specific suggestions on plywood, glue, etc...


cheers ... denny