but I was wondering if anyone here has done a canoe this
: way, and if so, how well did it hold up? I know this is a very
: subjective question because use and care make the biggest
: difference.

: Any thoughts?

: Bryan K

Bryan,
I grew up paddling north of and in Killarney PP in Ontario. I got into strip building to make a light-weight
canoe I could portage with a pack in one trip.

I built with 3/16" strips and 6 oz. glass. I made my gunnels of northern white spruce (2x construction wood in the northeast)
faced on the outer edge with a 1/4" strip of hardwood. No screws all epoxy glued.

Softwood covered with glass may work for light-duty but the problem is the soft wood will crush under the glass and leave a dent
with delaminated glass. A hardwood edge will take the abuse and not allow the underlaying softwood to crush.

I don't glass over gunnels I just coat with epoxy. I also scupper inwales for added rigidity and water drainage.

I've used these canoes for many years on week long trips in rocky waters. This construction holds up very well.

I build my current boats using 4 oz. S-glass. The canoe below is 14' 6" X 30" and weighs 35 pounds.

Rob