Several years ago I began this Geodesic Airolite canoe, the Snowshoe 14. I was so disappointed with the messy epoxied rib to stringer results I nearly tossed the whole thing on the burn pile. Instead, it hung in the garage for a couple years. Recently, a week or so ago I lowered the carcass, got out the heat gun and scraped much of the oozed epoxy off in order to lash the joints. Inwales, breasthooks, floorboards and Dacron skin were added. Sealing coats of varnish and rub rails finished the boat.
Specs cite a 20# finished weigh, but mine ended at 31. My breasthooks and rub rails were heavy cumaru. Douglas fir stringers add pounds over cedar. Chestnut oak ribs exceed poplar or pine. I used what was in the pile of offcuts and I wanted a stout frame.
Lastly, I found the Heatbond tape convenient, but questionable for holding the Kevlar strands and skin long term. I ended up using tacks for the Kevlar and staple for the skin. Two more floorboards were added outboard. Oh, and I designed a rowing “boomerang “ outrigger too.
Tropical storm Ophelia has spoiled the weather for a couple days, so a splash will have to wait. Until then …
Lingering Lunacy 
Looks pretty cool to me!
Thanks Doug. Let’s hope it floats!
I built the 12 ft. Snowshoe years ago. I think you will like the way it tracks!
Ted
Hi Eddie, Very cool! Wire cross bracing between ribs?
Kevlar GT. It surprisingly stiffens the twist in the hull a lot.
I’m guessing the extra weight will be a benefit on the water… still 30 pounds is pretty good!
Thanks. Canoes are a different lot. She’s been a joy so far.
How has the position of the seat and oar locks worked out? Is it comfortable on longer rows?
After some experimentation, I decided not to add a seat yet. A single boat cushion on the floorboards seems adequate and comfortable though I’ve not had a long trip.May try this week. I’ve a couple ideas for a foot rest I’d like to try out. I’m also working on the oat length. 6.5’ are too short. 7.5’ (which I designed to) are either too long or too clunky. I’ve since slimmed them down from their store bought state. More later-
You deserve a nice set of light weight oars to go with your light weight rowing boat
Know of some besides Shaw and Tenny?
Well not really. There are quite a few threads on the WBF on oar making. My favorite is Rock Thompson’s “laminated spoon blade oars”. He had a PDF available online too. There is also plan online for John DeLapp’s spoon blade oars. I’m building a pair now but they won’t be finished for a while.
Thanks Elwood. Found both. Will study.
What boat are your oars for?
I’m rowing an older version of the Alden Ocean Shell. It’s a little heavy and has the riggers mounted on the gunnels. The newer version has a drop in rowing rig and are lighter I think. Toying with taking the lines off and building a SOF version. We’ll see…
Elwood,
Interesting. Send pics! Going for a row shortly.
Eddie
Ebreeden4@gmail.com