Getting started

I've heard about the little Nessmuk canoe, a 7' 2" boat made from a single sheet of  4mm marine ply, for some time.  A really helpful contact sent me a scan of the plans and building instructions and I have searched and searched on line for any trace of Phil Green designs so that I can pay a building royalty if needs be...

If you know of Mr Green, or his legitimate estate, please let me know and I'll be happy to enter discussions.

It seems that the canoe derives from the Sairy Gamp, a 9 foot long, ultra-lightweight canoe, built by J. Henry Rushton of Canton, New York, for George W Sears, a writer with the pen-name Nessmuk.  That canoe was cedar plank over ribs; the present incarnation will be stitch and tape.

So far, I have ordered a sheet of Gaboon 4mm Marine ply from Avon Plywood.  Delivery is due next week.....

























DO NOT CUT B - A or A - H.

After an e-conversation, Doug most helpfully added.....

"I would add, cut G to F and cut out the slim "triangle" G, H, E. (E to G is straight) (E to H has a curve).

From the photo you will see that the line E,  H, E is a curve intersecting the 3 points.

When bending the plywood the 2 G to F parts overlap to give you the top plank. Marry the G to E line and H to E lines with ties do this before cutting through the overlapped planks. When clamped you cut through both G to F’s so that they can be butt jointed."

More in due course........