How to Make a Dugout Canoe

Choose the right type of wood. The canoe you build should be wide enough to seat at least one person; ideally, it should seat two or three. Some builders prefer pine because it is a softer wood to carve while others prefer red cedar for its width and depth. Regardless of which type of wood you choose, at a minimum, the width should be greater than 2 feet.

Select the right tree. If you are searching for the perfect specimen to build your canoe, choose one with no knots and no rot within 2 feet of the section you will be using for the canoe. The section you choose should be relatively free of defects. Use a chainsaw or axe to fell the tree. The section will probably weigh several hundred pounds, so you may need a crane or some other device to get the tree to the carving site.

Create a model or drawing of what you want your canoe to look like. A good scale for this type of project would be 1 inch equals 1 foot. You can use graph paper if you want a to-scale drawing, but it is not necessary. If you choose to make a drawing, be sure to include a side and top view. Both views should show the seating area for passengers. The goal for creating the drawing is to get an approximation of what you want the canoe to look like, not necessarily every detail.

Remove the bark from the tree with the chainsaw or an axe. The adz will be primarily for carving out the interior of the canoe.

Form the bottom of the canoe by creating a flat plane on one side. Use the chainsaw to make this bottom area level and flat. You will be doing most of the work on the canoe with this side, lying flat against the ground. The edges need to be clearly defined to prevent the canoe from rolling over while you are working on it. The level and flat bottom will also help the canoe remain stable in the water.

Roll the canoe over and begin working on the top. Make the top as flat and level as the bottom.

Draw an outline of your canoe's shape onto the top of the wood with either chalk or a grease pencil. Both the exterior edges of the canoe and the interior edges of the passenger area should be included in this outline. Ideally, there should be a depth of 3 inches of wood on the sides and bottom, surrounding the passenger area. Use an axe to shave off the excess wood on the canoe's exterior and the adz to hollow out the interior. Be careful not to cut too deeply or chop too vigorously.

Carve the front and rear ends of the canoe so that they come to a point that resembles a triangle. This shape aids in the displacement of water when the canoe is in use and helps keep it buoyant. Use the axe to carve the exterior of the canoe's front and rear ends.

Use the adz to dig out the wood in the center of the canoe until there is a recess large enough for one or two people to sit in. This will take several hours or even days so be patient; the canoe will take shape soon. Remember, there should be a 3-inch depth of wood from the floor of the passenger area to the exterior of the tree that is the bottom of your canoe.

Apply a generous coat of water sealant to the entire canoe. Though these canoes do last for some time, keeping them protected from water damage, inside and out, will help keep the canoe in good shape for many years.