It is quite common to see these boats which (otherwise well built) lack stiffness lengthways—that is, in the longitudinal vertical section. Such boats after a little use become bent up in the middle, or "hog-backed." This is entirely unnecessary. Be sure, before putting on the canvas, that your frame is stiff enough lengthways to keep its shape permanently. If by any fault in your planning you find that it is not so, be sure to add extra stiffening braces inside before putting on the canvas, or your boat will probably be a failure.[40]
Canvas-covered boats should always be kept out of the water and under cover when not in use, as long-continued exposure to the water will be injurious.
An easily constructed paddling canoe, 14' or 15' long, and with beam about 30", will first be described.
It should be understood by the novice that this first form of construction here given is not that adopted by the professional boat-builder. It is given simply as a process by which one untrained in the more regular methods of construction can turn out a cheap and serviceable canoe, and at the same time acquire experience which will be of use if he should later attempt the more scientific, but also more difficult, details of construction used by regular boat-builders.
Before beginning work read carefully Marking, Rule, Square, Saw, Plane, Nailing, Painting, in [Part V]., and look up any other references.
Care should be taken to select clear, straight-grained stock, free from knots, checks, and other defects, and thoroughly dry.
Fig. 433.