We were so excited to see Bear Mountain Boats mentioned in the 2014 Summer/Fall issue Canoeroots magazine! In the article, Parks & Recreation star Nick Offerman discussed his Jedi-like experience filming our Canoecraft Companion DVD, he offers advice for paddlers wanting to build their first boat, and he shares his next project (hint: it's another one of our plans!)
One of the many exciting developments in secondary education in Ontario over the past several years has been the introduction of the Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) program - a ministry-approved specialized program that allows students to focus their learning on a specific economic sector while meeting the requirements to graduate from secondary school. It also assists in the transition after graduation to apprenticeship training, college, university, or the workplace. I.E. Weldon Secondary School in Lindsay offers three SHSMs – one each in Construction, Transportation, and Arts and Culture.
The May 2014 issue of Popular Science magazine features an interview with Parks & Recreation actor Nick Offerman who talks about the joy of building, and features a photo of the 18 foot-long canoe he built under the guidance of Bear Mountain Boats called "Lucky Boy".
Nick Offerman's new book "Paddle Your Own Canoe" features the Bear Mountain Boats canoe he made on the front cover. Nick built his canoe while filming our Canoecraft companion DVD.
Enjoy this excerpt on the Canadian Canoe Museum’s first annual Small Craft Rendezvous, written by Cobourg Kid
...Speaking of Bear Mountain Boats, (one of the major sponsors of the Rendezvous), 2013 marks their fortieth year in business. Over that period Ted Moores, Joan Barrett and their crew of craftspeople have worked tirelessly to design (with the help of Steve killing) and produce, with the help of subcontractor Ron Frenette of Canadian canoes, wooden watercraft, that combine classic lines with the most advanced epoxy strip marine technologies. With such a great team Bear Mountain has in fact become the go to source for plans, kits, how-to videos (one featuring Nick Offerman) and technical support for anyone who wants to craft his/her own, canoe, skiff or sailboat.
We are sponsoring the WAR CANOE CHALLENGE being held at Canoe Niagara in Welland, Ontario on August 1 - 4th. The Canoe Sprint World Championships 2013 will attract 1200 paddlers and their families to Canada.
The War Canoe Challenge sponsored by Bear Mountain will showcase Canadian teams racing in front of spectators and paddlers from 85 countries and highlight this uniquely Canadian sport. The intent is to stimulate interest in C15 (war canoe) racing for future inclusion in international competitions.
Ron Frenette our great friend and instigator of many canoe builds and paddling trips has been longing to develop plans for a 26 ft. Voyageur canoe. Many years ago Ron paddled one from Sault St. Marie to Thunder Bay and he thinks there must be others interested in building one. I am not convinced that there is a market and told Ron that we could not justify the development costs - besides we would then have to build one in order provide instructions. In case you don't know Ron I will share this secret with you - he does not understand the word NO. Before I knew it he had a scheme cooked up. Ron has been working with one of our customers in Italy named Mateo -  FYI when we sell a kit you also get Ron's wonderful support during the building process. Mateo's family has been building clocks for 400 years in Milan and naturally he became friends over the internet with Ron and invited him to come to Italy to paddle the canoe but Ron had a better idea - it was hatched over some high wine and a huge cedar fire on the Kipawa last fall and it goes like this...
Please join us on Saturday June 22nd, 2013 at the Canadian Canoe Museum in Peterborough, Ontario for a Celebration of Small Boats!
If you build, restore, own or want to learn more about small watercraft, don’t miss this opportunity to be surrounded by fellow enthusiasts. There will be live demonstrations, workshops, vendors and special guest speakers. The Canadian Canoe Museum will be open and free.
This years Rendezvous will mark the 40th anniversary of Ted Moores and Bear Mountain Boats. Nick Offerman, an accomplished woodworker, Bear Mountain canoe builder and actor will be a special guest at the event. Nick has a wicked sense of humour and currently stars on NBC’s Parks and Recreation as Ron Swanson. He will entertain you and make you laugh with his thought-provoking insights into the world of woodworking and boatbuilding. If you own or have built a small craft we hope you will bring it along. There will be awards for the best displays and stories told about your boat.
For home wooden canoe builders producing only one boat, a fixed height "horse" fitted with a carpet sling for the wooden canoe or kayak is a good solution. Horses are easily and quickly built and can be used for display or storage The wooden horses Bear Mountain Boats built nearly 20 years ago are still in use. The basic wooden horse can be built to your specific height and space requirements.The canoe sits upright in the sling for fairing, sheathing and sanding the interior. To work on the canoe in the inverted position, attach a 1-by-4 inch board across the top of the wooden canoe horse. An excellent alternative is a fitted cradle mold, which is attached to the strong back. It keeps the hull from sliding around during sanding and supports the hull in the desired position for glassing.
The routine for glueing while planking your wooden canoe project is simple, and  will get the job done efficiently plus ensuring you don't forget to put glue on the stems. The syringe you use for gluing can be bought from epoxy or dental suppliers. It holds enough glue for about 18 feet of plank, so you can judge how much glue you are using. If you run out halfway down the plank, you are applying too much glue. If the syringe is still almost full when you reach the far end, you are applying too little glue. Applying the right amount of glue while building your wooden canoe is a knack that you will develop as you become comfortable with the process. In principle, there should be just enough glue to bond the joint, with only a small amount squeezing out when the next plank is stapled in place. In practice, it is better to use too much glue and wipe off the extra than to use too little and worry about the planks coming apart when the staples are pulled out.
From finishing your small craft masterpiece to sharing your love of canoe building, Bear Mountain Boats offers four New Year's Resolutions that will help you be a better canoe builder in 2013.
