The all-wood canoe has been built continuously in Canada and the US since the 19th
century. These noble canoes were originally fashioned after native dugouts,
and had the advantages of being much lighter and more easily fashioned. When you
admire the beauty and style of these all-wood canoes, keep in mind that they have
nothing other than their proven construction techniques to keep their occupants
dry while paddling (with some help from quality varnish).
Construction styles included cedar strip over oak rib, lapstrake, and wide plank,
to name just a few. The examples shown here are from modern builders
(Windy Ridge Canoes and Geoffrey Burke - Boatbuilder), and display some of the
craftsmanship that still exists today.
In the late 1800's, the American
Canoe Association was principally a sailing club that used all-wood decked
canoes. Many WCHA members and builders sail their exquisite little yachts
today, and they are still very exciting to sail.