Engineering and Construction
Our Experienced Laminators lay up each Hull by hand
We construct Hemlock Canoe hulls using specially selected fabrics impregnated with a vinylester resin system, the characteristics of which are selected to match the durability and flexibility of the fabrics used. We use vinylester resins for the superior chemical bond they provide when combined with modern aerospace fabrics. Our exterior gel-coats are chosen for attractive appearance and durability and we carefully spray them to maintain proper thickness for optimum flexibility. Our experienced laminators lay up each hull by hand utilizing several full layers of cloth reinforced with additional partials (pieces) in areas of greatest stress according to the needs and uses of each individual design. We carefully cut each cloth partial to a predetermined pattern and place it to gain optimum strength. We use no mat, woven roving, foam fillers or any mechanized process in the lamination of our hulls. The correct amount of resin is precisely measured to laminate the layers of cloth thus allowing weight to be kept to a minimum. Finally we build contoured floatation tanks into the ends of each canoe. A composite canoe built in this way will have a very high strength to weight ratio. We feel this manner of canoe construction yields the highest quality hulls available consistent with durability, weight and price considerations. Such canoes have proven to be excellent long term investments.
Kevlar/Hybrid & Premium+ Hulls
We construct our Kevlar/Hybrid hulls with a full outer layer of regular fiberglass canoe fabric (E-glass) against the gel-coat. A core layer of fiberglass fabric and partials of Dupont Kevlar are then added with a full inner layer of Kevlar. No foam reinforcing cores or ribs are used. A scuff resistant painted interior patch is centered in the bottom with the rest of the interior left natural. We feel Kevlar reinforced canoes built in this manner give a good compromise between light weight, strength, durability and cost. In short, a superior hull for the appreciative paddler.
We construct our Premium+ hulls with an outer layer of high strength, military grade Structural Fiberglass (S2-glass) against the gel-coat. A core layer and several partials of Dupont Kevlar and an inner layer of a specially woven co-fab cloth consisting of an alternating weave of Kevlar and Carbon fiber. This hull construction is an improvement over an all Kevlar canoe as it offers better abrasion resistance, greater stiffness and more compressive strength. No foam cores or reinforcing ribs are used. The greater tensile strength inherent in this hull construction translates into increased tear and puncture resistance which should instill paddler trust for remote back country travel. Meticulously engineered for high performance and long durability, these canoes are a rewarding investment for the discerning paddler.
Our Lite-Tech laminate is a pigmented skin-coat exterior (no gel-coat) Premium+ hull. Some durability is sacrificed in the interest of achieving lightest possible hull weight.
Check Price List for hull options standard with each hull laminate and Option List for other options available.
We construct our Premium+ hulls with an outer layer of high strength, military grade Structural Fiberglass (S2-glass) against the gel-coat. A core layer and several partials of Dupont Kevlar and an inner layer of a specially woven co-fab cloth consisting of an alternating weave of Kevlar and Carbon fiber. This hull construction is an improvement over an all Kevlar canoe as it offers better abrasion resistance, greater stiffness and more compressive strength. No foam cores or reinforcing ribs are used. The greater tensile strength inherent in this hull construction translates into increased tear and puncture resistance which should instill paddler trust for remote back country travel. Meticulously engineered for high performance and long durability, these canoes are a rewarding investment for the discerning paddler.
Our Lite-Tech laminate is a pigmented skin-coat exterior (no gel-coat) Premium+ hull. Some durability is sacrificed in the interest of achieving lightest possible hull weight.
Check Price List for hull options standard with each hull laminate and Option List for other options available.
Applying Marine Wood Preservative Oil
All fasteners are stainless steel for strength and corrosion resistance.
We impregnate all hardwood with several applications of high quality Watco marine wood preservative oil which penetrates deeply and protects the wood from the inside by polymerizing and becoming a resilient solid. It is not a surface coat that will be worn through, however periodic re-oiling will be necessary to maintain proper protection.
We select each gunwale piece for grain and carefully machine it. We then match gunwale sets and pre-oil them prior to attachment on the hull. We inset Walnut decks in each end and attach Ash thwarts and lifting handles. Standard Conk built seats are Ash framed laced with poly webbing. We drop and cant solo seats (tandem seats are leveled) for comfort and fixed in correct paddling position. Seat options include Essex cane or proprietary SRT touring bucket with neoprene pad. Nessmuk and Nessmuk xl have a shaped Minicel foam pad attached to the floor. An optional floor mounted web or cane seat is also available
We impregnate all hardwood with several applications of high quality Watco marine wood preservative oil which penetrates deeply and protects the wood from the inside by polymerizing and becoming a resilient solid. It is not a surface coat that will be worn through, however periodic re-oiling will be necessary to maintain proper protection.
We select each gunwale piece for grain and carefully machine it. We then match gunwale sets and pre-oil them prior to attachment on the hull. We inset Walnut decks in each end and attach Ash thwarts and lifting handles. Standard Conk built seats are Ash framed laced with poly webbing. We drop and cant solo seats (tandem seats are leveled) for comfort and fixed in correct paddling position. Seat options include Essex cane or proprietary SRT touring bucket with neoprene pad. Nessmuk and Nessmuk xl have a shaped Minicel foam pad attached to the floor. An optional floor mounted web or cane seat is also available
Hemlock Canoe Wood Trim
