Anatomy of a Merrimack

                    

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NOT JUST ANOTHER PRETTY FACE.   

Our ten day process to make these carbon fiber and wood canoes starts inside a clean mold. Colored gel-coat is sprayed into the mold and allowed to dry. Next, the fabrics used in our composite hulls are carefully laid up by hand and wet-out with vinyl-ester resin, with up to five extra reinforcing layers placed in the most critical areas.

Cherry ribs are then added to give additional strength. Shorter half-width ribs are alternated with

long ribs, which forms a striking oval shape on the inside bottom of the canoe. Then a layer of 3/4 oz

fiberglass mat is laid over the half ribs and all the cherry ribs are protected with two coats of vinylester resin.

After separation from the mold, the canoe is trimmed with cherry outwales and ash inwales, seats,

thwarts and yoke. Cherry is also used for the decks and handles. Four coats of wood preserving oil are applied to all wood parts. The outer hull is polished and waxed, then the canoes are finished with a touch of brass and painter ring.

Finished Merrimack Osprey