: O.K.. No responses as to what canoe can be altered and built at or under 10',
: so I found a friend that has molds for a 12 1/2'er. Beam 34" and a
: reasonably flat bottomed center section. The semi-flat bottom runs for
: around 3 1/2 to 4'. Sides are approx. 12" with a little tumblehome.

: My questions are: If I remove the center two forms and bring it down to 9
: 1/2' long, keeping the 34" beam, a little of the flat bottom, keeping
: the same basic shape to the stems, will I loose a lot in the tracking
: area. If so, will it help to wrap an outer stem down and continue around a
: foot or two on the bottom, tapering into the bottom.

: The reason for the shorter canoe is that I got enough wood to cut 540 strips
: of poplar, 1/4" x 7/8" x 10'. Also got approx. 20 stips of
: redwood from 8' to 20'. So, I want to build a few short canoes for the
: grandkids and their friends to use up some of this wood, then I can use
: the rest to add some detail to a kayak or three. These will be kids with
: little paddling experience and the better they track from the get-go, the
: better chance they will have to get where they're going.. The semi-flat
: center to help with stability.

: Thanks for any ideas..

: Rehd

I think I'd get rid of the flat bottom and make it a bit V'd shape, tends to make it track better. Also a pronounced keel shape will help.

Bill H.