Issaquah

Rich in history with Native American tradition, coal mining, and logging, the city of Issaquah is nestled at the base of the Cascade mountains near Seattle, WA.

A Boy Scout troop local to Issaquah wanted a touring and wilderness tripping canoe that could haul a lot of gear but still perform well on the water. The design could not be too complex since the youths of the Scout troop would be building the canoe with minimal adult supervision.

The 17.5 model is designed for tandem touring and wilderness tripping. It can carry 2 adults and camping gear and still perform safely on the water. The hull is constructed from 8 panels, 4 panels per side. The top tumblehome panels allow for easy paddling and are not difficult to assemble.

A second, shorter and narrower version was requested in the same style. The 14 model is designed for solo paddling or a very light tandem with small crew (kids). It is constructed in the same manner as the 17.5 model.

Specifications
Issaquah 14
Issaquah 17.5
Overall Length 14' 4.3 m 17.5' 5.3 m

Max. Beam (main hull)
32"
.5 m
35"
.9 m
Height at bow & stern
18/16"
 46/41cm
20/18"
51/46 cm
Height at mid ship
13"
33 cm
13.5"
34 cm
Rocker fore & aft
1.5"/1.5"
3.8/3.8 cm
1.5"/1.5"
3.8/3.8 cm
Estimated weight using Okoume plywood
42 lbs.
19 k.
72 lbs.
33 k.
Recommended weight onboard
175-550 lbs.
80-250 k
200-800 lbs.
90-363 k

This design can be built by a careful first time builder. There are no complicated scarfing techniques. Everything can be done by someone with average woodworking skills and tools.

Always wear your Personal Floatation Device!

Bill of Materials

  Issaquah 14 Issaquah 17.5
Plywood: 3/16" (5mm) minimum thickness
 3 sheets 4 sheets
Epoxy Resin (With 15% waste factor)
 1.9 gallons 7.2 liters 3.0 gallons 11.3 liters
Fiberglass Tape
 22 yards 20 m 25 yards 13 m
Fiberglass Cloth, 6-ounce, 30" wide.
20 yards 18.2 m 25 yards 23 m
Wood Flour
2 quarts 2 liters 2 quarts 2 liters

*Additional material for fairing will be required. Material type and amount will vary depending on builders' taste and skill level.

Cost:
About $285 U.S. in 2005 costs (for 17.5 model). This cost will increase depending on build options.
*Note: this estimate does not include plywood, lumber, outfitting, or varnish/paint. These items vary according to builder desires/tastes.

Labor:
The hull can be built in 40-50 hours. Up to 30 hours to fair and paint depending on the desires and skills of the builder.

More:
Visit our Customer Service forum and see what others are saying about our designs.

Our Plans Include:

  • Simple to follow, detailed drawings of each panel with all dimensions required to layout and cut from flat plywood sheets.
  • Drawings list
    • Plan and Profile
    • Panel drawings on 11" x 17" paper. Metric and U.S. Standard units included.
  • Specific building notes for this boat. 27+ pages with detailed text and illustrations.
  • Bill Of Materials.

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