For a small canoe built for paddling only, it is unnecessary to have anything more than a strip fastened to the bottom for
The Keel.—So cut a lattice-strip eight feet in length, and screw it along the bottom of the keelson (see [Fig. 212]).
The Bilge-keels are lattice-strips fastened along the sides of the canoe as a protection to the canvas, and should be attached directly over the ribbands. One of these on the centre ribband of each side will be sufficient (see [Fig. 212]).
Fig. 212.—The Canvas Canoe completed.
For a finish to the upper edge of the canoe,
Outside Gunwales should be attached outside of the present ones. These will cover the joint between the canvas of the deck and the lower portion of the framework. All of these outside strips should be fastened in place with the round-headed screws, after which they should be painted. [Figure 212] shows the canoe completed.
A Seat is desirable for the bottom of the canoe, for comfort as well as to prevent your feet from wearing out the canvas. This seat should be movable, so it may be taken out to drain the water from the bottom of the canoe, and may be made as shown in [Fig. 213]. Batten together two six-inch boards upon their under face and notch the two side edges to fit over the ribs of the framework (see [Fig. 207]).