After this fit the Gunwales, inwales, end decks and buoyancy tanks, seats, and spreader bars. Then the hull is filleted and/or glass taped together. Resulting in a lightweight canoe structure. Plastic cable ties in the low stress areas but change over to the traditional copper wire ties in the ends of the boat where the stresses are greater. Then the two assemblies are stitched together. Then the topside panels set the correct width using temporary spreaders. The Eureka canoes are built slightly differently from most stitch and glue canoe plan (though the method has become standard in the last 20 years or so :) )įirst step is for Bilge panels fitted to the bottom panel. We have several videos of the Eureka and Quick Canoes on youtube. The larger boat is well considered by experienced canoeists – review
This Produces a boat more suitable for long distance travelling or carrying a load. So Stability is improved without creating a too blunt shape. We developed the longer Eureka 155 (our stock classic canoe plan) from the of the smaller boat. As a result we discontinued the smaller plywood canoe plans. The smaller boat 13ft was not sufficiently stable with adults. And, most importantly for a kit to be exported to Japan, to be foolproof in assembly. The hopeful business idea didn’t work out because the Osaka earthquake wiped out our partner.ĭuck Flat and I developed the smaller Eureka over several prototypes to produce the best mix of performance, light weight, good looks.
A Japanese partner wanted a lightweight canoe that was not over 13ft long to sell as a boat kit in Japan. The Eureka Plywood Canoes are the result of a collaboration between Duck Flat Wooden Boats in Adelaide and Storer Boat Plans. Read this page for the Plan and boat InformationĪll our articles about the Eureka – building details, construction methods, making a paddle, Videos, Design Process for the Eureka Canoes – an easy lightweight canoe kit for the Japanese Market Weight – 44lbs (20kg) – Gaboon (Okoume) Ply