Michael R Aubin - Champlain

I have enclosed a picture of the Peterborough Champlain canoe I built last fall. I wish to commend you on your design and detail in instruction for building canoes. It was over ten years ago that I first got the idea to build a canoe myself. I got a copy of Canoecraft and was soon addicted to the idea. I still remember calling you up and discussing the idea when I was still in my teens. It took me over ten years to compile all the variables needed - space,tools,time and of course money. Your web site, especially the Builders Forum was extremely helpful and educational. The construction had very few problems and was very rewarding...It took me a total of 250 hours to build the strongback, mold and canoe building completely from scratch. I cut and routed my cedar planking from 19' clear rough cut western red cedar timbers and built and carved my own seats, thwart and ash trim. The total weight of the canoe is 59 pounds. I am a person who likes to take on challenges with my hands, building a canoe tops a long list of achievements. I can't express how much fun I had even when I couldn't see for the sweat in my eyes while sanding. I hope the second turns out as well as the first. Michael R Aubin