Building a Lightweight Canoe - Start to Finish

The first episode of the amphibious canoe build and journey across the Scottish Highlands. Skin-on-frame canoe building has roots tracing back to multiple indigenous cultures around the world. At its core, it involves stretching a waterproof skin (historically hide) over a wooden frame often lashed together with sinew. I chose this method for the amphibious canoe partly because it produces lightweight canoes but also because they tend to be tough and resilient structures. The reveal of the final weight of the canoe and bike mechanism will be in episode 2 during the final weigh-in. This build is a prototype that will be offered for sale via commission. Head over to for a registration form and I will be in touch when there are slots available. Follow me on social media - links at A massive thank you to my sponsors for this episode: Brian from Cape Falcon Kayak - for the detailed canoe plans and email support. Corey from the Skinboat School - for supplying the skin system Axminster Tools - for supplying the respirator, block plane, Japanese saw and square. Without the respirator, the project may have never been finished Ernest Wright - for their incredible scissors. Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 0:30 Wood 1:28 Gunwales 6:12 Stems & Keel 6:38 Ribs 14:01 Stringers 21:41 Stem Upgrade 25:51 Gunwale Reinforcements 28:49 Oiling the Frame 29:37 Skinning 33:52 Rub Rails 37:53 Coating 45:32 Keel Strip