Selway Fisher markets plans for both a stitch and glue and a cedar strip Prospector canoes. This review is of the Cedar strip version. This would make a good first foray into cedar strip boat building.
My boat is made from very rough strips cut from not properly dry Western Red Cedar but has nevertheless resulted in a good looking and very servicable boat. Wood construction generally is much stronger than most people realise due to being covered inside and out with glass and epoxy while being very light weight. I dont think I would do the Dart loop in it, but would happily tackle the section below.
It is the lightness that is the first thing you notice on the water (as well as carrying to the water!). Whether paddling as single or double it is possible to spin the boat in it's own length with ease. The down side is that in a wind it skids around something wicked. Makes you think hard about trim. If more canoes were this fun to paddle there would be a lot more open canoeists. It looks good too!
