How to Make a Canoe Seat
One of the earliest, most primitive forms of water travel is the canoe, predating the engine and the use of metal. Today canoes are made from woods, fiberglass, aluminum and many other components, but the design remains basically the same. Here you will learn how to add a seat to your canoe.
Things You'll Need
- Safety goggles
- Leather work gloves
- Dust mask
- 1 piece of plywood (5/8 inch x 12 inches x 12 inches)
- Drill with 1/2-inch wood bit and 1/2-inch bi-metal bit
- 12 bolts (3/8 inch x 3 inches) with matching nuts and washers
- 1 can of oil-based enamel spray paint
- Small adjustable wrench
- 2 pieces flat iron (1/2 inch x 3 inch x 3 feet)
- Hand grinder with heavy grit wheel
- Carpenter's crayon
- Tape measure
- Jig saw with bi-metal blade
- Heavy craft paper
- Painter's tape
Instructions
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1
Place one of your pieces of flat iron across the sides of your canoe. Mark the outside edges of the canoe on the bottom of the iron on both sides with your crayon. Cut along these lines with your jig saw. Smooth the edges with your grinder.
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2
Lay this piece back into place on the top edge of your canoe. Drill two holes through the iron and the lip of the canoe on each end of the iron bar. Slide a bolt into each hole and secure them into place with a washer and nut from below. Tighten the nuts with your adjustable wrench.
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3
Place the second piece of flat iron on top of your canoe so that there are 12 inches between the outside edges of both pieces of iron. Mark the spot where this piece will lay. Mark, cut, replace, drill and bolt this piece of flat iron as you did with the first piece.
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4
Use your tape measure to find the center of both pieces of iron. Mark this center spot. Find and mark the center of your 12 inch x 12 inch board. Line up the center lines on your iron bars and board. Drill a hole into each corner and secure the board to the irons with your remaining bolts. Secure them with your washers and nuts and tighten the nuts with your adjustable wrench.
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5
Protect your canoe by covering it with heavy craft paper and painter's tape. Be sure that the only area showing is the new seat. Or, you can remove the seat for painting then replace it after the paint is completely dry.
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6
Hold your spray paint can 8 to 12 inches from he surface and spray paint onto the finished seat. Move the can from side to side and pray lightly in bursts. Allow this first coat to dry and repeat. Allow the second coat of paint to dry before putting your canoe into the water.
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Tips & Warnings
Flat iron pieces can be found in many of your larger home remodeling centers (such as Home Depot and Lowes).
Power tools can be hazardous. Please read and follow all manufacturer's recommendations before operating any power tool. Please wear all safety equipment when operating power tools. Spray paint produces lethal vapors and poses a hazard. Please use spray paint only in an outdoor area or a well ventilated are. Always wear protection such as a dust mask or respirator.
