Troop 25 is not the first troop to build a canoe of any kind but it will certainly be one of a small number of troops to do so. We will build at least two canoes and possibly more.

The troop will not own these but the boys can take ownership by reembursing Mr. Wilkerson for the cost of supplies. The approximate cost is $200. AMong the responsibilities of scouts working on this project is to track time, materials and expenses. This will be good "real world" experience for the scouts.

What if my son wants a boat of his own and we reach the end of summer before he can take ownership? We will continue to build and launch canoes for as long as scouts have an apetite for the work and a willingness to take ownership as each boat approaches completion. Of course when we resume our regular troop meetings and as the weather changes, we will suspend the project until the following spring and summer.

I envision a possibilty that this project could last for quite a while. Only time will tell. It is also possible that we may switch to another design or construction method as the scouts skills and interests change.

The designer of our boats describes them as "Geodesic Airolite Construction" It is really very simple and inexpensive. The process consists of building a simple rugged wood framework which is "braced" by weaving the wood with triangulated KEVLAR® roving. This results in a basket-like frame which we will then covered with Dacron. If you have seen sail cloth you will have an idea of it's texture. However, unlike sail cloth, this material is fitted by heat shinking it. It is a common airplane wing covering type of fabric such as might be seen on crop dusters.

Mr Platt, the designer, has this to say bout the approach, "Obviously Dacron covered boats are not bullet proof...they must be treated with some respect, but not pampered." They can take a beating from rocks and snags but can be cut easily with a sharp object like a broken bottle. Mr. Platt goes on to say, "This has proved to be no problem. Carry some Duct tape and DON'T WORRY!"

The construction technique will be fun and educational for any interested scout. We require only simple tools and the scouts will be VERY involved in the construction.

If you want to know more about these boats you can visit his site at gaboats.com.

You can monitor this column for our most recent status updates.

• Presently we have constructed one of two required strong backs.
• We have also layed out the paper (poster board) templates that will be used to define lines for our plywood forms.
• Our next steps are to create the second strongback, transfer the paper patterns onto plywood, and begin attaching forms to the strongbacks. NOTE: We remain delayed due to scheduling conflicts.
• Next step is to determine feasibility of using my basement as a work site.
• Keep an eye out for a late August email announcing a workshop schedule. Our revised goal will be to put boats in the water next spring.