Making a Coracle [Archive] - Natural Bushcraft

Roadkillphil

12-02-2011, 06:42 PM

I have spent a while researching coracle design, and today I made a start.
I love making things and this is an exiting new project and indeed, probably going to turn into a lifetime hobby too, with lots of mistakes and lessons learned on the way.

I'm going to post pictures and describe each stage. Please be aware, I am a total beginner at this and although I've studied designs, videos and others descriptions, I'm pretty much making it up as I go. Any hints, tips and Constructive Critisism are very welcome.

This is the coppiced willow hedge I'm sourcing materials from

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4120/5438841043_a2b81b60dc.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/7904270@N07/5438841043/)
Willow hedge (http://www.flickr.com/photos/7904270@N07/5438841043/) by roadkillphil (http://www.flickr.com/people/7904270@N07/), on Flickr

This is Rooster, A good friend o mine, he wanted to come and play too. So we set to harvesting the willow wands

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5057/5438847117_346c971271.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/7904270@N07/5438847117/)
Cutting wands (http://www.flickr.com/photos/7904270@N07/5438847117/) by roadkillphil (http://www.flickr.com/people/7904270@N07/), on Flickr

I marked out the ribs on the grass using a couple of sticks and cordage as a compass. I marked out 2 semi circles with a straight edge between of about a foot. This gave me an oval shape, but not too elongated. I also used a stick to mark the difference between the holes.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5258/5438853561_064bba1c56.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/7904270@N07/5438853561/)
Marking ribs (http://www.flickr.com/photos/7904270@N07/5438853561/) by roadkillphil (http://www.flickr.com/people/7904270@N07/), on Flickr

Then we sharpened up the wands and inserted them into the pre marked holes, giving them a good shove and angling them out slightly.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5136/5439473882_6c7b755902.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/7904270@N07/5439473882/)
Cutting more ribs (http://www.flickr.com/photos/7904270@N07/5439473882/) by roadkillphil (http://www.flickr.com/people/7904270@N07/), on Flickr

One wand looked a bit ropey so, Rooster went and cut another. As you can see in the photo we're building right next to the hedge for this eventuality and also because neither of us have embarked on a project such as this, so we aint 100% on the amount of willow we're gonna need. I'd rather cut just what I need as I go.

By this stage the light was thinning and we wanted to have a plink with the air rifle and catty before dark, so we left it at that and had an hour of target practice down by the stream.

I'm gonna bash on tomorrow with the weaving, seat and skin. My plan is a rough cut seat, a painters dust sheet for the skin and tar paint to waterproof.

Update to this post: As of December 2011 Phil has produced a video on this Coracle, you can watch it here...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V2WJeuA_iKY

resnikov

12-02-2011, 06:49 PM

Wow that's a cool project, looking to forward to the rest of the pics of the project and seeing your maiden voyage. Any chance of a video of that?

Freddy

12-02-2011, 06:50 PM

looking good, i'm eagerly waiting for the next instalment.

Roadkillphil

12-02-2011, 06:56 PM

Oh yes! Rooster is keen to film the maiden voyage, as I reckon and he is certain an instant capsize is inevitable :happy-clapping:
We have a pond near the hedge, and I'm seriously considering donning my wetsuit for the first few goes as its bleddy cold at the mo! :shocked:

Also I mustn't forget to construct a paddle, I'd like to make my own. Any thoughts on choice of wood and carving methods welcome.

Thanks for looking :D

resnikov

12-02-2011, 07:24 PM

Oh yes! Rooster is keen to film the maiden voyage, as I reckon and he is certain an instant capsize is inevitable :happy-clapping:

Didn't want to say but I thought it might happen :p

JonnyP

12-02-2011, 07:44 PM

Good project.. I likey.. :0)

paul standley

12-02-2011, 08:03 PM

Ambitious and terrific project - looking fwd to following this one so good luck...

Beats the hell out of my bread basket...!

aman

12-02-2011, 10:22 PM

Edwin

12-02-2011, 11:21 PM

Suggest that flattening the bottom is good.

Congrats on the build so far.

I always capsize the first time I go out after a spell away. Just a matter of confidence, stepping in the right place. turning and sitting down as you push off. Took me a bit to realise that a boat will try and look after you if you let it.

Ash is traditional for a paddle or willow would be good. But a spade handle with a screwed on plywood blade would do.

Edwin

12-02-2011, 11:23 PM

Tremayne Quay on the Helford for a foraging coracle meet sometime? I mostly go out from Durgan.

Roadkillphil

13-02-2011, 09:59 AM

Tremayne Quay on the Helford for a foraging coracle meet sometime? I mostly go out from Durgan.

As soon as I have a seaworthy craft I'd be very very keen for this.

If this project does not work out, then I'm gonna keep building until I have a coracle that works. This is a boyhood dream for me, goodness knows why I've not tried making one sooner.

Thankyou Edwin for your advice. My plan now is to finish the seat, weaving and tying this afternoon. Then lay a plank over it with rocks on to flatten the bottom, maybe leave it like this for a week before I tie on the skin.

Cheers
phil

Roadkillphil

13-02-2011, 10:03 AM

Fantastic job

There is a guy here in Falmouth that builds Currachs Check out the video http://www.realcornwall.tv/arts/artists/how-to-make-a-currach.html

You have to sit through an advert for 30 seconds or so

This was a real interesting vid, Thankyou aman. The mentioning in the vid of using things you have laying around for such projects also sent a spark whirring in ma head. I'd forgotton about an old knackered canvas tent I have kicking around. I'm thinking of using this as the skin rather than the dust sheet, I'll have to check the condition of it first though.

Thanks again
phil

Degsy

13-02-2011, 10:19 AM

Lookin good, should be fun. Going over to Falmouth today to the Maritime museum to take a look at a birch bark canoe that was discovered in an old barn. Its on display before it goes back to Canada. Will try an get some pics posted on here

Roadkillphil

13-02-2011, 07:57 PM

Well, I didn't get as much time on the coracle today as I had planned, but got some work done with the help of my kids, Corey and Erin :D

First of all I found a piece of timber in my garage that seems great for the seat. It was 38" long, and I'd set the coracle at 44". So I started on a fresh patch of grass, marked out and set the wands again. I must say I am actually much happier with the new smaller dimensions.

Anyhows, I cracked on with the weaving and once I'd got about 3" ish I drilled the seat and slotted onto the centre wands. Then cracked on with the weaving, with Corey following me with a bunch of weavers and Erin off somewhere, playing coffeshops with the chickens.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5251/5442809208_a686f45d06.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/7904270@N07/5442809208/)
Weaving with Corey (http://www.flickr.com/photos/7904270@N07/5442809208/) by roadkillphil (http://www.flickr.com/people/7904270@N07/), on Flickr

Finally finished the weaving with no spare wands, not a bad guess. Something I'm quite happy about too.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4082/5442213219_4ed5d6dc64.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/7904270@N07/5442213219/)
Erin testing the seat and weave (http://www.flickr.com/photos/7904270@N07/5442213219/) by roadkillphil (http://www.flickr.com/people/7904270@N07/), on Flickr

I'm not sure how the weave is gonna hold once I've tied up the wands and pulled it out of the ground. I'm considering maybe tying the weave in places to give it more strength, not sure yet though.

So far I've learnt a lot about willow from this project. I have never worked with willow, let alone done any form of weaving, so I'm learning as I go.
I ran out of time today to get any further, but I did try and bend a couple of wands over to form the ribs. Some of the wands had forks on, and I found that these were prone to splitting at the 'knuckle'. :ashamed:
My next step is to replace these with totally joint/fork free wands. None of the weavers I used had any forks and these have all worked in well.

Hopefully, I'll be able to crack on mid week after work as I'm totally hooked on this project now. :D

Edwin

13-02-2011, 09:18 PM

Roadkillphil

14-02-2011, 06:57 PM

If the length of the rods stuck in the ground were long enough they could be woven to hold your gunwale weaving. A sort of rope of willow could be worked on as a gunwale. Or the original woven gunwale will be held snug by the cloth of the skin going over and being sewn so not to worry.

Thankyou very much for your advice and encouragement. I'm going to need to pick your brains and get your opinion on materials and tools for the next few stages, but I'll PM you if thats ok?
There seems to be so many different methods, materials and tools that I thought a first hand personal opinion would be welcome.

Thanks again

phil

Roadkillphil

14-02-2011, 07:13 PM

Well today I had planned on meeting Ivan to check out his place and drop in some Jerky, but work pulled me back into Cornwall instead and, once done, I grabbed a couple of hours with my craft.

So, I cut some new wands to replace the snappers and suspect snappers and got them into place. Then started to bend them over, cut to length and poke them in.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5093/5445892760_337d7743f6.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/7904270@N07/5445892760/)
Bending ribs (http://www.flickr.com/photos/7904270@N07/5445892760/) by roadkillphil (http://www.flickr.com/people/7904270@N07/), on Flickr

I used a method that I'd seen on Edwardian Farm to bend and tease the willow to the desired shape. This stage is quite pleasing, not only are you starting to see the coracle come to shape, but it is quite a satisfying process moulding the shape of the hull with your hands. I found I quickly got a feel for the amount of stress you can place on a wand before it snaps, again quite satisfying manipulating the wood.

Once I'd got all the ribs in place it was a small matter of small adjustments to get the main central lashing on and the craft looking something quite like it :D

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4134/5445299949_1007a6140c.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/7904270@N07/5445299949/)
Taking shape now (http://www.flickr.com/photos/7904270@N07/5445299949/) by roadkillphil (http://www.flickr.com/people/7904270@N07/), on Flickr

I couldn't help photoshopping the pic to get more of an antique fenland feel :ashamed:

Thats where I've left it for now as time was running out and I wanted to get back to cook up some woodpigeon (thankyou Matt ;) )over a bottle of Rattler.
Hopefully I'll be able to get the rest of the ribs lashed into place after work tomorrow.

Cheers all

phil

JonnyP

14-02-2011, 07:23 PM

Lookin good there Phil..

Martin

14-02-2011, 07:25 PM

Where's the maiden voyage going to be mate?

Martin

Bambii

14-02-2011, 08:05 PM

Is this one of the boats like out of Lord of the rings that Gollum is in at the start of Return of the King?

paul standley

14-02-2011, 08:22 PM

Great to see it appearing before our very eyes. Look the dog's b's - very impressed.

Paul.

Edwin

14-02-2011, 09:28 PM

PM away Phil. It is coming good.

Edwin

Freddy

14-02-2011, 09:53 PM

you will have to start on the slipway soon.

Roadkillphil

15-02-2011, 06:54 PM

Where's the maiden voyage going to be mate?

Martin

It'll be at one of 2 farms around the St Eval airfield, inna pond, until I can stop it flipping over!

Bambii
Is this one of the boats like out of Lord of the rings that Gollum is in at the start of Return of the King?

Thats the bunny :D

Thanks to all for your interest :D

Martin

15-02-2011, 06:58 PM

Don't forget to invite us to the launching ceremony then. In fact we could all go back to Ash's place for tea and biscuits after. There's nothing quite like inviting yourself is there? :D

Martin

Fletching

15-02-2011, 07:35 PM

Don't forget to invite us to the launching ceremony then. In fact we could all go back to Ash's place for tea and biscuits after. There's nothing quite like inviting yourself is there? :D

Martin

Well, you being the Poshcrafter™ Martin, I'm sure you can provide the bottle of Shipwrecked 1907 Heidsieck champers for the launch ceremony? ;)

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5060/5449127376_115c735602.jpg

Fletching

15-02-2011, 07:37 PM

Seriously though Phil, I'm well impressed with your progress so far. :)

Steve

Freddy

15-02-2011, 08:12 PM

Well, you being the Poshcrafter™ Martin, I'm sure you can provide the bottle of Shipwrecked 1907 Heidsieck champers for the launch ceremony? ;)

Well we know where to get the flutes to go with that... http://www.silvermans.co.uk/Products/tabid/54/Department/Military/Category/RATIONS+++COOKWARE/id/1/Text/40/poshcrafting.aspx (http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk205/freddyfish007/Bushcraft/TiChampers.jpg)

I do think the launch should be on video and uploaded.... (please)

Martin

15-02-2011, 08:15 PM

Well we know where to get the flutes to go with that... http://www.silvermans.co.uk/Products/tabid/54/Department/Military/Category/RATIONS+++COOKWARE/id/1/Text/40/poshcrafting.aspx (http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk205/freddyfish007/Bushcraft/TiChampers.jpg)

I do think the launch should be on video and uploaded.... (please)

And then sold to You've Been Framed to help pay the forum hosting fees. :D

Martin

Roadkillphil

15-02-2011, 08:55 PM

And then sold to You've Been Framed to help pay the forum hosting fees. :D

Martin

:rock-on:

I was gonna ask Ashley if he'd film it, and maybe parts of the construction too, as I'm building it close by to he.

One of the reasons I'm building this thread with the craft, is for folks out there like me that want to embark on such projects with little or no experience (and £££). A friendly reference from a beginners point of view, including mistakes, problems and of course advice from others more in the know...You know who you are ;)

So a comedic video of multiple flippings would be an awesome finish..... however :innocent: If you come to the launch, you have to give it a go and if necessary get verry wet! :D

Martin

15-02-2011, 09:04 PM

That's a deal Phil, I'll bring my wetsuit. Once it's finished, we'll open a new thread and pop all your posts in there leaving out the mickey taking, chit chat and other bits and bobs on here.

Martin

Freddy

15-02-2011, 09:06 PM

.... however :innocent: If you come to the launch, you have to give it a go and if necessary get verry wet! :D

I'm tempted just to come for a swim.. cos' that's all it would be, I'd fall out so much :D

CanadianMike

15-02-2011, 10:45 PM

Almost made me have to look up what the heck a coracle is, but when I saw the words paddle and seaworthy and the pics on subsequent pages, I think I know, Ray Mears made one at one point in a video, right? Little circular half eggshell style boat thingy. If so, very cool, looking forward to more pics (and the maiden voyage).

Roadkillphil

16-02-2011, 07:10 PM

Well, I put another 3 hours into this tonight after work, and it was getting dark by the time I'd got done! Almost bust my back today too, And I'm absolutely badgered now!

Anyways, Today I made two major changes to the overall design, got the lashing done and weighted the hull to get a flat bottom.

The first change was the two diagonal rods that can be seen in the last pic I posted. Basically, I repositioned them so they run along the sides of the hull.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4074/5451055671_3bb6bfc00a.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/7904270@N07/5451055671/)
All lashed without diagonal rods (http://www.flickr.com/photos/7904270@N07/5451055671/) by roadkillphil (http://www.flickr.com/people/7904270@N07/), on Flickr

The reasons for this was to give the hull more strength and also I wasn't keen on how the skin would lay over the diagonal structure, both aesthetically and for the integrity of the skin when stretched over these two rods.

The second change was suggested to me by Edwin, which was to add rods that go from the seat, round to the bow and stern midway on the hull. If you compare the above pic with this pic, you'll see what I mean.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5219/5451679096_45fb7bf28e.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/7904270@N07/5451679096/)
Extra rods added (http://www.flickr.com/photos/7904270@N07/5451679096/) by roadkillphil (http://www.flickr.com/people/7904270@N07/), on Flickr

This was intended to give the hull and gunwale more strength, and it has done just that. I did have concerns about the integrity of the weaving on the gunwale, but not anymore :D

I also got all the rods lashed together tonight. It started as a slow process, but once I got into it, each lashing got quicker and quicker. I started with a round turn and two half hitches then continued with a solid square lashing on each joint.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5013/5451062595_912d5ee794.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/7904270@N07/5451062595/)
Square lashing (http://www.flickr.com/photos/7904270@N07/5451062595/) by roadkillphil (http://www.flickr.com/people/7904270@N07/), on Flickr

Although backbreaking leaning over and pulling the string about with my home made lashing tool thingy (if it has a proper name, please let me know :D ), it became quite therapeutic on the mind and also satisfying to see the craft taking shape and becoming stronger. Especially with the sun poking through, setting betwixt land and cloudbank, with all manner of birdsong to tickle my ears :D

Once all lashed, I laid a plank over the hull and carefully positioned a lump of granite on top to flatten out the hull.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5211/5451073261_c7c4a3cd5d.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/7904270@N07/5451073261/)
Weighted to flatten hull (http://www.flickr.com/photos/7904270@N07/5451073261/) by roadkillphil (http://www.flickr.com/people/7904270@N07/), on Flickr

I did a little strength test too...

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4076/5451085439_6d7528c394.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/7904270@N07/5451085439/)
Strength test (http://www.flickr.com/photos/7904270@N07/5451085439/) by roadkillphil (http://www.flickr.com/people/7904270@N07/), on Flickr

Not even a creak!!

I'll be checking on it now everyday for about a week to allow gravity to do its work. In the meantime, I'll be looking at skin materials, aquiring some bitumen paint and thinking about the paddle.

Thanks for looking

JonnyP

16-02-2011, 09:12 PM

Looks superb...

aman

17-02-2011, 08:38 AM

That is awesome

Can't wait to see it in the water

fish

17-02-2011, 09:55 AM

ive just caught up with this one phil,very impressed! if you go to the wilderness gathering can you bring it to show off?

leon-1

17-02-2011, 02:36 PM

Phil that's very good going indeed, very nicely done.

Roadkillphil

17-02-2011, 06:08 PM

Thanks to all of ye for your positive feedback. :D

I went up there today to add more rocks to the plank and I'm happier with the flatter hull.
At home and work I keep looking at my pics trying to work out the next bits to do, and I find myself dissatisfied with the shape and dimensions. However, when I actually get my hands on and see it for real (nearly called it 'Her' then!) the dissatisfaction is dispelled and I'm likin' what I see :D

Today I've also cut a load of willow for a mat to spread the weight on my feet while in the craft. This was kindly suggested by Edwin, who deserves a special mention for his input to this project via many exchanges of PMs, to offer advice, ideas and answers to my constant questions! ;)

I'm not starting the mat until Ive decided on the shape...square or circular, I can't decide which :confused2: Another thing I've never made and kinda making it up using the web, books and advice from others!

Ashley Cawley

22-02-2011, 09:22 PM

It's been on my list to catch-up with this thread, still haven't done it but will do shortly... whilst I read here are some photos I took of Coracles in the Countryside area of the Royal Cornwall Show 2006...

752753754
Click on images to enlarge.

Edwin

22-02-2011, 09:32 PM

That must be Peter Faulkner's stand at the show.
http://www.coraclesandcurrachs.com/index.html

Roadkillphil

26-02-2011, 06:30 PM

Hi all, I've been tied down with work and other stoof, so I've been on a go slow with this. I wanted to get it out of the ground on Wed, but only got the rocks off on thurs and pulled it up today...

Here tiz with Corey and Erin testing she.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5020/5479662910_660160a8cf.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/7904270@N07/5479662910/)
Out of the ground now (http://www.flickr.com/photos/7904270@N07/5479662910/) by roadkillphil (http://www.flickr.com/people/7904270@N07/), on Flickr

Didn't have much time today so I got her on the workbench and tidied up a couple of lashings.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5258/5479667894_473eac97d6.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/7904270@N07/5479667894/)
Final lashings (http://www.flickr.com/photos/7904270@N07/5479667894/) by roadkillphil (http://www.flickr.com/people/7904270@N07/), on Flickr

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5055/5479073439_58823496b9.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/7904270@N07/5479073439/)
More lashing (http://www.flickr.com/photos/7904270@N07/5479073439/) by roadkillphil (http://www.flickr.com/people/7904270@N07/), on Flickr

I had some concerns about the strength and integrity of the gunwale weaving, but it's held up quite well. :D

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5057/5479078325_69a0d84bb6.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/7904270@N07/5479078325/)
Happy with the gunwale (http://www.flickr.com/photos/7904270@N07/5479078325/) by roadkillphil (http://www.flickr.com/people/7904270@N07/), on Flickr

Over the next week I only have short windows to work on this project, but hopefully it should be looking something like it by next weekend.

My next move is to trim down the rib ends and smooth out any sharp and bumby bits before rigging up the calico and stitching it on.

I've also done some research on flexible varnish to seal the calico, instead of tar paint, to get a 'transparent' finish.
I dropped in to see a chap at a marine resin manufacturer to discuss possible options. Two were appropriate for the job, a waterbased polyurethane varnish that can be made to thin or thick consistency, the other was an epoxy resin. I was quite impressed with the varnish and he gave me a small sample to try. My plan is to make a mini 8 inch coracle and test the varnish on that. :D
However due to cost and also this being my first coracle I've gone for the traditional tar paint at £4 for 2.5L compared to £23.50 + vat per per Litre of flexible varnish!! I'd rather start with being certain of the crafts waterproofing before I start experimenting with expensive products.
The main points of this project are learning the ways of the coracle and doing it at a low cost.

I'll get more pics of the progress uploaded through this week if all goes to plan.

Thanks for reading

Matt

26-02-2011, 11:09 PM

Hey bud,

that looks to be coming along nicely mate, it's great to see the blow by blow account of the build. Thanks again for the rods, I managed to get them in the next day and they look good, there's you building your first coracle and I've only just planted mine :wink:

Looking forward to the next instalment.

Atb, Matt.

Roadkillphil

26-02-2011, 11:20 PM

I've only just planted mine :wink:

Looking forward to the next instalment.

Atb, Matt.

No worries :D
I've been quite lucky to have been let loose on this willow, but to plant my own, grow it on, coppice and harvest for making something, would be quite satisfying I reckon. :D

Mini instalment coming up :D

Roadkillphil

26-02-2011, 11:24 PM

A little add on,

I spent the best part of this evening making the mat to distribute my load on the deck. Now my wrists hurt and my fingers are swollen! :rolleye:

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5216/5479821721_9b1cbb8679.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/7904270@N07/5479821721/)
Mat making (http://www.flickr.com/photos/7904270@N07/5479821721/) by roadkillphil (http://www.flickr.com/people/7904270@N07/), on Flickr

Corey took the pic whilst encouraging me with lots of praise! Bless he! :D

Freddy

26-02-2011, 11:54 PM

Thanks for the update, it's looking good ;)

Sproutmuncher

02-03-2011, 09:33 AM

What a great project, have enjoyed reading this thread, and looking forward to seeing your finished coracle in action.

jbrown14

02-03-2011, 11:15 AM

What a cool project! I, too, have enjoyed reading about it. Thanks for sharing it with us, Phil.

Later!
Josh

fish

03-03-2011, 09:03 AM

top thread this!

Roadkillphil

03-03-2011, 09:24 PM

Once again, thanks for all the compliments folks.

Trying to fit in making the coracle has been a juggle between two jobs, wife and kids, and, ahem, some good surf this past coupla weeks. So I'm at a point where the project is now happening in my verry small living room! :D

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5300/5490311752_08f0c13ea5.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/7904270@N07/5490311752/)
Ribs trimmed (http://www.flickr.com/photos/7904270@N07/5490311752/) by roadkillphil (http://www.flickr.com/people/7904270@N07/), on Flickr

I've trimmed the ribs right down and rounded all the ends by the gunwale, also shaved off any rough and spiky bits from the exterior of the hull ready to take the calico skin.

I tried using eyelets as an experiment to hold the skin taught over the hull. If they held ok, then fine, but I thought maybe they would help while I stitched the calico. As it turned out, the eyelets were not that great and the stitching has way more strength. The eyelets are now purely to assist the stitching and as you can see in the following picture, have all been removed in the Bow/Stern ( not sure which end is which yet!) and the stitching is holding well.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5258/5494954147_bb400b3bf9.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/7904270@N07/5494954147/)
Nearly skinned (http://www.flickr.com/photos/7904270@N07/5494954147/) by roadkillphil (http://www.flickr.com/people/7904270@N07/), on Flickr

Hopefully the next pics will be of tar paint being applied this weekend.... :D

I'm getting really excited about this now, as I've been planning a route that is a 5k walk from my front door, across fields and down a disused railway. It then picks up the Fal river on Goss moor and winds through clay pits, Trenowth woods, Tregony and all the way to falmouth..... However, I'll need to get the hang of not tipping over on a pond before I tackle a river! errrrr and 5k with it on my back!

fish

10-03-2011, 07:36 PM

looking good pal! is it worth cutting out some pannels in the seat to lighten the whole thing?
thus (sort of!)
http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m92/fishfish_01/Bushcraft/acoracal.png

beechnut mick

10-03-2011, 07:38 PM

think its a case of get it right or get wet.good stuff bud.

Roadkillphil

10-03-2011, 08:53 PM

think its a case of get it right or get wet.good stuff bud.

:cool:
I've kinda resigned maself to the fact that for the first few attempts of getting waterbourne will also include a tippin and a dunkin! :D

fish
looking good pal! is it worth cutting out some pannels in the seat to lighten the whole thing?
thus (sort of!)

I like the idea, and if it was a solid piece of timber, then I think it would work. This is a joined pine shelf that I've recycled though, and I don't know if Id trust the strength after hacking it up.
I'm seriously considering removing the seat altogether and replacing with some rope, maybe test it with the seat in first then see how it goes.

Once agian, I've been on a go slow with this. Very busy at work and home and a busy weekend coming up too, so won't be any progress till next week :(

Cheers
Phil

Edwin

10-03-2011, 09:23 PM

Roadkillphil

10-03-2011, 09:46 PM

I think that a solid seat is necessary, or a cushion on the floor. Your paddling effot is transmitted through the body, the seat and to the coracle. A flexible rope seat would move and waste effort and would pull on the sides rather than maintaining the stability of the structure as the wooden seat does.

Sold! the seat stays :D I've knelt on the mat with my ass just resting on the edge of the seat, so I have the kneeling or sitting options to try out.

It is looking gooder and gooder
Thankee :D

Roadkillphil

22-03-2011, 07:12 PM

Almost done with the sewing now :rolleye:

Started on the paddle too. I cut a piece of ash, nice n green, I wanted to get on with this asap to reduce the amount of sap in the wood, as suggest kindly to me by Mr Dave Budd.

Once cut I set to splitting it with an old knackered gollock and a big 'ammer, with my axe to help guide the split in places. Ended up with this

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5061/5550395469_f08c96254b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/7904270@N07/5550395469/)
Split ash log (http://www.flickr.com/photos/7904270@N07/5550395469/) by roadkillphil (http://www.flickr.com/people/7904270@N07/), on Flickr

Then marked out the shape of my paddle and started making stop cuts with my folding saw and started chop chopping away

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5184/5551002090_9a1975719a.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/7904270@N07/5551002090/)
Notched and partially chopped (http://www.flickr.com/photos/7904270@N07/5551002090/) by roadkillphil (http://www.flickr.com/people/7904270@N07/), on Flickr

Getting there, the kids making sure I'm doing it right :D

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5180/5550412705_097570aac3.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/7904270@N07/5550412705/)
Almost there (http://www.flickr.com/photos/7904270@N07/5550412705/) by roadkillphil (http://www.flickr.com/people/7904270@N07/), on Flickr

Almost done with the axe

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5150/5550984918_a1509f83f6.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/7904270@N07/5550984918/)
Bit more work with the axe then on to shaving (http://www.flickr.com/photos/7904270@N07/5550984918/) by roadkillphil (http://www.flickr.com/people/7904270@N07/), on Flickr

Chopped a bit more off the back of the paddle end so it don't look as much like a cricket bat. Gonna set about shaving and sanding in the daylight... can't beat natural light for crafting and stuff.
In the mean time..... back to sewing ;)

Ashley Cawley

22-03-2011, 08:23 PM

Ashley Cawley

22-03-2011, 08:24 PM

Nice photoshop work Fish! - Spun me out there for a min! :p

Roadkillphil

22-03-2011, 08:39 PM

Looking great mate! Thank god she's wearing a helmet, still looking a bit chunky in the 3rd pic :p

Really is coming on! :) ... it might be a little long do you think?... still that's only a good thing at this stage; better to have too much than too less!

Cheers bud :D
I've left the handle long for he to rest on ma shoulder for some one hand sculling while I smoke me a pipe with the other hand ;)
And like you say, I can always shave he down if needs be.

All the best

Phil

Roadkillphil

04-04-2011, 11:08 PM

Well, almost finished the paddle.
Last bit of shaping with the axe, with Corey offering me advice :D

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5146/5589978283_f20f7b64a6.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/7904270@N07/5589978283/)
Last few chops of the axe (http://www.flickr.com/photos/7904270@N07/5589978283/) by roadkillphil (http://www.flickr.com/people/7904270@N07/), on Flickr

Then I started shaving by my garden hobo

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5103/5589988701_da3084ebbe.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/7904270@N07/5589988701/)
Started shaving (http://www.flickr.com/photos/7904270@N07/5589988701/) by roadkillphil (http://www.flickr.com/people/7904270@N07/), on Flickr

Then carried on indoors once it got too dark for sharps, much to the delight of Em

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5268/5589752001_5f1723a7d4.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/7904270@N07/5589752001/)
Errrrr, sanding then oiled then done! (http://www.flickr.com/photos/7904270@N07/5589752001/) by roadkillphil (http://www.flickr.com/people/7904270@N07/), on Flickr

All I've got to do is give it a good sanding, then oil him up.

As for the coracle, just gotta finish sewing and paint her watertight. Busy Bee at the mo, so its as and when I can fit it in.

Thanks for looking

Phil

Freddy

05-04-2011, 12:31 AM

I love it. Keep it up, you must be on the home straight now.

Fletching

05-04-2011, 07:25 AM

Looks like you've got a bit of hoovering to do as well, Phil. :)

Roadkillphil

05-04-2011, 09:21 PM

Looks like you've got a bit of hoovering to do as well, Phil. :)

Indeed :D Firing up the hoover at quarter past midnight, while running a bath didn't win me any brownie points :confused2: :D

Anyways, got him all sanded and even added a bit of paintwork...

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5104/5593461712_e9fba54d45.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/7904270@N07/5593461712/)
Sanded, and a little paint too (http://www.flickr.com/photos/7904270@N07/5593461712/) by roadkillphil (http://www.flickr.com/people/7904270@N07/), on Flickr

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5178/5592876307_75d6fa608d.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/7904270@N07/5592876307/)
Keet, the first orca (http://www.flickr.com/photos/7904270@N07/5592876307/) by roadkillphil (http://www.flickr.com/people/7904270@N07/), on Flickr

The Orca is Keet, an Inuit legend. It is inspired from a ceremonial drum I once saw, I made a design and had him tattooed on my back some years ago. He'll keep me strong and sure on the water.
I may add more paint before I oil, I may not. I'll see how it goes.

Cheers
Phil

Ben Casey

05-04-2011, 09:23 PM

That looks really good.

Roadkillphil

05-04-2011, 09:31 PM

That looks really good.

Thankee Ben, shafts a bit wonky, not sure how it'll work. For sculling a coracle I think it will be ok, I don't think it would be too great in a canoe.

ATB

Phil

Matt

05-04-2011, 10:13 PM

That's quality mate :)

Matt.

klause

05-04-2011, 11:33 PM

You know what Phil? thats bang on that mate, cant wait to see the vid of you going for a paddle !

Love the art it matches your arms....

P.S. The wonkey shaft gives it a certain character.....

Ashley Cawley

12-04-2011, 07:02 PM

Well, today Phil has been out consulting with the professionals and testing his kit thouroughly before his maiden voyage...

1084
Looking Good Phil.

Ben Casey

12-04-2011, 07:09 PM

Love it :D

Roadkillphil

12-04-2011, 07:28 PM

Hahaha! you snatched that from my FB!
This dude actually did a 3 hour coasteer dressed like that, hats off to he.

My suit is Gold BTW ;)

Adam Savage

12-04-2011, 08:09 PM

I'm imensly impressed. Time for me to start work on my rowing boat, made from woven grass and pig spit LOL. Hats off to you for the excellent work. I look forward to seeing the splash n dash.

Roadkillphil

12-04-2011, 08:36 PM

I'm imensly impressed. Time for me to start work on my rowing boat, made from woven grass and pig spit LOL. Hats off to you for the excellent work. I look forward to seeing the splash n dash.

Thankee kindly :D

RobbC

18-04-2011, 06:07 PM

Ive been meaning to read this thread for ages, just got round to it:ashamed:. I love the paddle, especialy like the wonkyness of it, makes it unique. Amazing work Phil, im eagerly awaiting the footage of the maiden voyage.

Robb

Adam Savage

18-04-2011, 06:17 PM

RobbC

18-04-2011, 06:31 PM

Wonky? that's aesthetic ergonomics that is LOL Thats what i meant:p

Robb

Roadkillphil

07-06-2011, 09:45 PM

Well this past coupla months has been hectic with work, family and lots of other projects distracting me! :D
However, got the skin sewed on and finished oiling the paddle, just gotta paint her up and we be seaworthy :D
Hopefully get the painting done over the next coupla days. I'll stick some more pics on when she's done.

ATB

Phil

Ben Casey

07-06-2011, 09:53 PM

I think you should try to cross the channel in it :) If so can you bring me some fags back :D

Adam Savage

08-06-2011, 05:49 AM

Avast, ye land lubbers. Ahoy matey, hoist the missin mast....oh I can't...it's missin...

I hope you've swabbed the poop deck thoroughly... ;)

Roadkillphil

08-06-2011, 08:23 PM

Garrrrgh!! The poop deck be swabbed and the first lick o' paint be splashed by the hull!

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2235/5812485127_e1bbf79469.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/7904270@N07/5812485127/)
First lick o paint (http://www.flickr.com/photos/7904270@N07/5812485127/) by roadkillphil (http://www.flickr.com/people/7904270@N07/), on Flickr

Keep a weather eye on the horizon cos she be seabound by sunday eve, me hopes!

Ben Casey

08-06-2011, 08:29 PM

I hope I can be there for the launch mate :)

Adam Savage

08-06-2011, 08:34 PM

She's looking purdy mate. What's her name? The Black Pearl? let's hope it's not pearl Harbour...:p

Edwin

08-06-2011, 09:17 PM

Does look good.

Raven

09-06-2011, 12:48 PM

great job bud, god bless her and all who sail in her!!

Roadkillphil

09-06-2011, 07:20 PM

Cheers Gents :D Second lick applied this morn too :D I have a name in mind, but she wont be named until launch day :)

RobbC

09-06-2011, 07:23 PM

You got a bottle of champers for the naming ceremony;)

Robb

Roadkillphil

09-06-2011, 07:26 PM

I set aside my last bottle of last years batch of Elderflower Champers for the occasion ;)

fish

10-06-2011, 09:11 PM

looking good phil!

Adam Savage

13-06-2011, 03:02 PM

Did you manage to test sail her at the weekend buddy?

Roadkillphil

16-06-2011, 07:51 PM

Did you manage to test sail her at the weekend buddy?

Na mate, she wasn't quite ready, butttt........

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2666/5839838579_5a336ee1df.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/7904270@N07/5839838579/)
The finest of vessels (http://www.flickr.com/photos/7904270@N07/5839838579/) by roadkillphil (http://www.flickr.com/people/7904270@N07/), on Flickr

Here she be, ready for the launch.... finally :D
Not sure when I'll get her wet, I'm proper busy at the mo, but I'll get some pics on as soon as she's had a dip :D

All the best

Phil

Martin

16-06-2011, 08:02 PM

She's looking great mate. :) Can't wait to see her in action.

Martin

Jack Russell

16-06-2011, 08:11 PM

Phil, a thing of beauty is a joy forever............... I have loved this thread from the start, anyone wanting to make "anything" without the knowledge can learn lots from this thread (and how you went about it). I agree with the mods, when you've taken a dunkin' and got it purrr-fect let's have it "sticky" and we can all be inspired; I AM IN AWE, well done you.

Adam Savage

16-06-2011, 08:15 PM

I AM IN AWE.

Surely you meant to say OAR...;)

Roadkillphil

16-06-2011, 08:24 PM

Ben Casey

16-06-2011, 09:03 PM

Getting all excited now for the launch it looks really good :)

Roadkillphil

19-06-2011, 10:36 PM

Well firstly I must apologise to all those folks who wanted to come see the first dipping of the coracle. Today my good friend Sam invited me over to his pond to take her for a spin. I had a coupla hours spare, so I thought why not! :D

So I donned my wetsuit, paddle shorts and buoyancy aid (I thought a capsize was a dead cert!), wandered down the fields with coracle on ma back and set her down at the waters edge to test for leaks. Once satisfied I took up position to do a float and balance test.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5080/5850043275_f00806d82a.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/7904270@N07/5850043275/)
Float test (http://www.flickr.com/photos/7904270@N07/5850043275/) by roadkillphil (http://www.flickr.com/people/7904270@N07/), on Flickr

I was surprised at how quickly I got used to keeping balanced and also moving around within the craft. So paddle in hand I tried to steer her about. The figure 8 method of paddling took some getting used to and the advice I'd seen on a how to vid on youtube certainly helped. The main part of this advice is not to go to hard at it, gentle controlled strokes is the way.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3403/5850617472_4844dd7a5c.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/7904270@N07/5850617472/)
Paddle test (http://www.flickr.com/photos/7904270@N07/5850617472/) by roadkillphil (http://www.flickr.com/people/7904270@N07/), on Flickr

So I paddled her around for a while, didn't capsize and wore my extra large cheshire cat grin for the occasion.
Lots more playing and testing, and adjusting of the seat and other such stuff to be done before I'm 100% happy, but I'm really really pleased with how she handled.
Don't worry gents, for future exscursions, I'll plan them better so those interested can come along, have a drink and a go.... She still needs to be officially named, and technically a scoot around a pond doesn't qualify as a maiden 'voyage' :D

Thanks for looking and thanks to all for your encouragement, kind words and interest.

All the best

Phil

jus_young

19-06-2011, 11:21 PM

Impressed. Nice one Phil.

JonnyP

20-06-2011, 05:51 AM

Beer runs to France next then Phil..?
I bet your well chuffed. She sits nice in the water.

Adam Savage

20-06-2011, 07:27 AM

Fantastic work mate. Great to see her performing well and keeping you dry. Very impressed.

Edwin

20-06-2011, 12:42 PM

Well done, hooray! Yes, gently does it. Looking forward to seeing it for real.

paul standley

20-06-2011, 01:05 PM

Well done, very impressive and glad to see you got this project finished.

Ashley Cawley

20-06-2011, 04:27 PM

Whey! Congrats Phil :D She's looking good :happy-clapping:

Not sure if you were actually floating there or just showing off in a puddle - that Collie in the last pic barely looks up to it's chest! :p

Really impressed mate, well done.

Martin

20-06-2011, 08:40 PM

Proper job matey. ;)

Martin

Ben Casey

20-06-2011, 09:55 PM

Very impressed mate :)

Raven

21-06-2011, 12:07 PM

brilliant phil, thats the coolest mate, well done!! i want one!!!!!

Roadkillphil

21-06-2011, 03:35 PM

Thanks for all the feedback guys, much appreciated :D

Matt

22-06-2011, 06:59 PM

Nice one mate, great to see the project complete :)

OAG,

Matt.

Roadkillphil

22-06-2011, 08:28 PM

Nice one mate, great to see the project complete :)

OAG,

Matt.

:D Cheers Bud, got summit for ye, be in touch at the weekend ;)

Bob W

08-07-2011, 10:40 PM

Excellent Phil, inspiring stuff!

I'd like to try my hand at a Canadian canoe, maybe one day!

Ashley Cawley

17-12-2011, 07:26 PM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O3RFXWTjaoc

Adam Savage

17-12-2011, 08:12 PM

What? No wetsuit? :p

jus_young

17-12-2011, 11:01 PM

Phil looked like he was more worried about hurting his knees than getting wet

Adam Savage

17-12-2011, 11:03 PM

Just more comfy while kneeling in the coracle :)

Ashley Cawley

18-12-2011, 12:17 PM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V2WJeuA_iKY

Well done Phil ;)

Roadkillphil

18-12-2011, 01:15 PM

What? No wetsuit? :p

If you look carefully in the full vid you can see my Bouyancy Aid under my jumper... I was also wearing a wettie as the water was freezing. If I'd have capsized at this time of year without a wettie in the middle of the lake, the chances of me getting out are slim. I am a very strong swimmer and an all round waterman, but in cold conditions like this weekend even the strongest swimmers can lock up and drown.

Cheers

Phil

Roadkillphil

18-12-2011, 01:16 PM

Ash the Vid looks great!! :D Cheers Bud :D

Adam Savage

18-12-2011, 01:59 PM

If you look carefully in the full vid you can see my Bouyancy Aid under my jumper... I was also wearing a wettie as the water was freezing. If I'd have capsized at this time of year without a wettie in the middle of the lake, the chances of me getting out are slim. I am a very strong swimmer and an all round waterman, but in cold conditions like this weekend even the strongest swimmers can lock up and drown.

Cheers

Phil

Hang on...I've never known a "sensible Phil" before...what's going on? Bring back the real Phil :D

Seriously though, very good advice and good points made.

Kieran

18-12-2011, 10:09 PM

If you look carefully in the full vid you can see my Bouyancy Aid under my jumper... I was also wearing a wettie as the water was freezing. If I'd have capsized at this time of year without a wettie in the middle of the lake, the chances of me getting out are slim. I am a very strong swimmer and an all round waterman, but in cold conditions like this weekend even the strongest swimmers can lock up and drown.

Cheers

Phil

Great video Phil!

I went out kayaking last year when it was 0 degrees celcius...

I didn't wear a wettie.. (this was down par beaach) and I ended up in the sea...

That was.. cold! I got home and in the shower about 1300hours, and when I went to bed at 2100 or whenever it was.. My feet were still cold! And so were other highly sensitive to cold areas.lol