How to Carve a Boat From a Tree
Native Americans made use of the materials readily available to them. The boats they made from trees were sturdy and lasted many years. In fact, some boats used for coastal trading held as many as 20 people. You can use modern equipment to carve a boat from a tree while still using the ancient design plan.
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Things You'll Need
- Hardwood log
- Ax
- Saw
- Fire-making supplies
- Wood for fire
- Long-handled shovel
- Pine tar, tree sap or lacquer
- Brush
Instructions
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1
Choose a hardwood log. You want one that's long enough to hold yourself and any passengers. Pick one that is free of knots and that shows no signs of decay. Find one that has a big enough diameter that you can sit in it comfortably.
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2
Remove the bark from the tree with an ax. Use the ax and the saw to carve the shape of the boat. Cut away enough of one side of the log to give your boat a flat bottom. This makes it more stable in the water.
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3
Chop out a trench down the middle of the log. Allow several inches at the front and back of the boat before starting the trench. The trench should be 2 or 3 inches deep to start.
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4
Set the log out of the wind and away from anything combustible. Start a fire. When the fire has hot coals, begin placing the coals in the trench.
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Let the coals burn out the inside of the boat for you. Replace them as necessary. Use the ax to carve away pieces of softened, charred wood as it becomes loose. This process may take a while. Be careful that the log itself doesn't catch on fire.
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Remove the coals when the trench is deep enough. Use the ax to even the sides and the inside bottom of the boat. Smooth the wood as best you can so you don't get splinters in your backside when you sit in the boat.
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7
Waterproof the boat with pine tar or tree sap if you wish. For a more modern finish, use lacquer.
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Tips & Warnings
Use extreme caution when using an ax on hard wood.
