With the recent success of my kayak upgrade, I got bold and just started working on building my 8 foot Bear Creek solo into a sailing canoe.

Here's a couple first pics- it was a tag sale find, $50, with a couple HUGE holes in it. I patched them up with fiberglass and epoxy resin. It looks like poo but is very stable and a great boat.

It's getting a bamboo lateen rig, similar to a sunfish, wiht a short mast, 2 spars joined at one end, and a triangular sail, possibly with a single batten. Control is just 2 sheets for tacking and a single main halyard to drop the entire rig in an emergency.

There's going to be a rather large rudder, and either a set of leeboards (ugly and dorky), or a retractable centerboard fit through the hull just behind the seat.

I expect the boat to handle decently, not great, but better than paddling against the wind/current!!!
stinkyattic Reviewed by stinkyattic on . CANOE upgrade... it's gonna get a SAIL!!! With the recent success of my kayak upgrade, I got bold and just started working on building my 8 foot Bear Creek solo into a sailing canoe. Here's a couple first pics- it was a tag sale find, $50, with a couple HUGE holes in it. I patched them up with fiberglass and epoxy resin. It looks like poo but is very stable and a great boat. It's getting a bamboo lateen rig, similar to a sunfish, wiht a short mast, 2 spars joined at one end, and a triangular sail, possibly with a single batten. Rating: 5