Snowshoe
14
I was a high school senior in
1988 and chose, as a required senior project, to build a boat.
Having seen the clean elegant lines and amazing light weight
that the SnowShoe
14 design promised, I knew I had found a perfect
subject for the project. Since then, I have been able to take
the 14' , 17.5 LB canoe out a couple of times a year with little
more than a rinse with the hose and single new coat of polyurethane
to ensure waterproofing.
This last weekend I was thrilled
to take my two sons out in the boat (the first time for the
youngest). It was a wonderful feeling to introduce them to canoeing
in such an amazing craft. It remains easy to paddle, moves fast,
and is effortless to portage and load on the roof of the car.
It also never fails to draw the attention and compliments of
fellow boaters. Thanks to Platt Monfort and Airolite
Boats for the great design that has now become
a family heirloom (not to mention ongoing source of recreation!)
Very best regards, R.B.
GEODESIC AIROLITE boats
are unique build-at-home Ultra Light Canoes Whitehalls and Sailing
Dinghies, consisting of a fabric covered wooden framework.
The boats are done in a
simplified system utilizing such ideas as cardboard molds. Heat
shrink fabric produces a beautiful shape that is easy to finish.
This is attached with hot melt glue, in tape form that is set
with a household iron.