Super Lightweight Replicas Three Styles in Two Lengths
WHAT MAKES A SUPER LIGHTWEIGHT - INFUSION BAGGING
This is the latest technique in fiberglass/composite construction. Simply put, it is the process of laying into the mold all
of your cloth dry, placing a vacuum bag over it, sucking out all of the air and then drawing the resin through the vacuum.
This results in a minimum of resin - enough to "wet-out" the fabric - and a minimum of air bubbles. Excess resin does not
increase strength but does increase weight and air bubbles create weak spots. We use a special kind of fiberglass that
has virtually no air spaces between the fibers. These spaces cause weaknesses. We use a type of resin that is more
flexible and less brittle. Stiffness is created with a special "core material" that we lay between the fabric as ribs (see photos above). The result is a
stiff, impact resistant, light and authentic looking craft. The process is more expensive to perform but this is a case
of getting what you pay for.
Basic Features, Optional Features and Prices
Primarily due to the volatile nature of the oil industry the cost of materials and shipping can effect our
costs. Therefore prices are subject to change at any time. Once you have ordered and paid a deposit the
price is locked in.
ORDERING YOUR CANOE
Unlike your standard conventional canoe these require much time to trim out. We may have your style and length
in stock or there may be a slight wait involved. Our policy is a deposit of 50% and a signed agreement that protects
you as regards your deposit and tells us what you want in your canoe - it puts us on the same page.
The balance is due upon completion and prior to shipping or pick-up.
Contact us at 509-327-7902 voice or email at john@barkcanoe.com for more
information. How To Order
509-327-7002 voice and facsimile
john@barkcanoe.com e-mail
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Consignment Canoes
How does 46 lbs for a 16ft canoe sound? We could make them lighter but solid ash thwarts and sitka spruce gunwales
add weight.
Using a cutting edge composites process called "infusion bagging" and high quality fabrics and resins we are able to
create an extremely lightweight canoe that is also highly impact resistant and stiff. It looks authentic inside and out.
If you plan to do much touring which includes portages or you simply want an "easy-on, easy off" canoe for transporting
with the looks of a real birchbark canoe then the Super Lightweight Models are the answer.
Click on any image to enlarge photos.
These three are all the super lightweight infusion models. From left to right: Great Lakes Ottawa; Western Ojibwe; Abenaki. Each comes 16 or 18ft
lengths.
Our 16ft model all decked out comes in at 46 lbs. Our 18ft model is 56 lbs. The hull shape is fast and stable in all
types of water conditions. Therefore if you do long treks that require portaging this is the canoe I would recommend.
Standard features of the Infusion Bagged Models:
- Designed by master birchbark canoe builder John Lindman so all lines and
measurements conform to traditional designs.
- Computer matched gel coat to real birch bark
- 32 oz of hi-tech stitched fiberglass cloth
- 2 inch core material ribs every 2 inches just like in a birchbark canoe
- Plastic root with a similar color, shape and size of real root.
- Sitka Spruce gunwales and caps
- White ash thwarts
The Base Price is $2495 for the 16'
$2695 for the 18'models.
Seats
The voyaguers occasionally had seats in their canoes. These worked on the same principle as the old wooden swing
hanging from the tree branch - a board with two holes on each end. Heavy leather thongs are run through the holes,
up and over the gunwales into and through holes in the hull directly under the gunwales then through the board
and tied. They are made of 1x6" spruce or hemlock boards and are stained (if desired) and oiled. Price is $75 for 2 and
come assembled. You can adjust the height.
Stencil Kit
The Native builders often fashioned designs on the bark by scratching away the thin layer of inner bark (cambium) that
would stick to the bark when it was removed at colder times. This was called "winter bark". The dark brown designs
that were left could include various animal motifs, floral designs or geometric patterns. They would also paint these
designs on their canoes as well. Perhaps you would prefer to have us do the design work in-house. Simply choose a motif and we will do the work.
Prow motifs $75 per print. Gunwale motifs $200. (See example in photo above).
Price does not include shipping. The cost of shipping varies with your location and the size of your canoe.
Typically you can expect $350 to $450. This is subject to change due to the ups and downs of fuel costs.
