Handbuilt
by Alex Comb
Builders
of
Wood & Canvas Canoes
Wooden
Kayaks and Classic Rowing Boats
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Build your own wooden canoe or kayak | |
Wood & Canvas Canoe Construction
Each year we offer a class on wood and canvas canoe construction. During
a week long course, participants will build one canoe. One student may take
home the canoe for the cost of materials ($1000 to $1400 depending on model).
The building class is limited to 6 students. 
This class demonstrates an "open form" type of wood and canvas canoe construction.
This type of construction involves using a form that is similar to that
used to build a wood-strip canoe. The form is much easier to construct than
the solid form often used in wood and canvas construction and it can be
readily taken apart for storeage when not in use.
This class is designed for those wanting to learn the skills to build a canoe on their own and for those who would simply like the experience of building a finely crafted wooden canoe. WoodenBoat School in Maine This summer I will be offering a class in the open-form wood and canvas canoe construction through WoodenBoat School in Maine.
Wood Canoe/Boat Repair No group classes currently scheduled.
Private Sessions: A deposit for the cost of materials is required. Please call to schedule.
Cost: $180/day plus materials
Articles
Available on Canoe Construction: Dacron for wood and canvas canoes
For information on available lodging: |
Private Sessions
This option allows you to select your own convenient time to build your very own boat. I will not build your boat for you though I will be available to explain and demonstrate the required steps and offer any assistance you need. You may bring a helper if you wish for a slight additional fee. Cost for these classes is $180 per day ($200 with a helper) plus materials ($1000 to $1400 depending on canoe model. Groups building two and three canoes can be accomodated for a reduced daily fee. For prices for groups and for all other boats please call for a quote). Please call or e-mail to arrange time and dates. You are encouraged to watch our video prior to attending a canoe-building private session. One half the price of the video will be refunded to those attending a private session. 
"I finished the kayak. Thanks so much for helping to make this
a reality. Spending " Alex had prepared the stock before I arrived. We worked steadily
the first day and the days to come. He gave me room to build my own boat,
but was there to help when I needed it. In the end (eight days) I had
on the canvas and two coats of filler. Thanks again, Alex, for all your
help. I will be proud to paddle this beautiful canoe for years to come".
" Alex combines classical music, Zen & yoga to create a relaxed
atmosphere where work becomes fun. I found skills I never knew I had and
built a canoe I will admire, cherish and most importantly, use for years
to come. Thanks Alex for helping me fulfill a dream!". 
" The best thing I did this summer was to stop by and talk with Alex and he suggested we build this boat
together". |
P.O.
Box 297 • Knife River, Minnesota 55609
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Clinics on the repair of wood and canvas canoes and boats are also available. These are designed to help folks get repairs done to their own boats. 
I will schedule one-on-one classes for individuals to build their own
boat. Any of our stock models can be built with my instruction and full
use of our shop. Custom boats of other designs can also be built.