17' Lapstrake Canoe

The 17 ft version of Walt Simmons's lapstrake canoe, the longest of the three lengths sold by Duck Trap Woodworking, at roughly 65 lb finished. Like her sisters she is driven with a jointed double paddle and can be planked in traditional cedar over steam-bent ash ribs or glued lapstrake in 6 mm okoume plywood. The designer says the two methods end up weighing nearly the same, so the choice rests on materials and climate.

Plans give lines, offsets, a construction plan and a full-size body plan, so the moulds come straight off the sheet. Simmons rates the canoes as the easiest lapstrake boats to build and suitable for a first attempt. Budget 180 to 320 hours. The medians below come from builders who logged this boat here.