Free Plans: 1910 St Francis Canoe
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The St. Francis Canoe of About 1910 appears as Figure 81 in the Bark Canoes and Skin Boats of North America. Howard I. Chapelle notes that the canoe features a narrow, rockered bottom, and he notes that the model was popular with guides and sportsmen for forest travel. The almost vertical to slightly flared sides resemble a more modern canoe than some of the other free plans that I posted. Chapelle writes that some of the St. Francis canoes had midship tumblehome like the Malecite canoes, but that those were not marketed to sportsmen.
As my Winter Free Canoe and Kayak Plan project draws to an end, I feel like I’m finally gaining ground. With only six weeks left much of Bark and Skin remains unmodeled. The remaining kayaks are more complicated and harder to model than the last few, and lots of canoes remain. I’m torn, because I want someone to build the boats, but I also want to model some of the more — to my eye — bizarre boats, like the Beothuk canoe. If you have a suggestion, get it in.
On the donation front, I recently received a $50 donation and very nice letter via the post office. A few other visitors have pitched in a beer or coffee. I even got two six packs. I have about 75 hours into the project. I hope you find it valuable enough to send me cash. I appreciate it.
Specifications
Length: 15 feet 2 inches
Width: 36 inches
Depth: 13.5 inches
Capacity: 300 to 600 lbs.
Canoe Building Books
These plans don’t include instructions. If you want that, pick up a canoe building book.
- Canoecraft: An Illustrated Guide to Fine Woodstrip Construction
- Building a Strip Canoe, Second Edition, Revised and Expanded by Gil Gilpatrick
- Consider buying The Bark Canoes and Skin Boats of North America for more info about this canoe.
For a more, check out my review of canoe and kayak building books.
Get the Free Canoe Plans Downloads and Complete Drawing Packages Available
- Get them here: 1910 St. Francis Canoe Drawings
Builder’s Photos
Bryan Hansel
Bryan Hansel is a freelance writer, award-winning photographer and a former American Canoe Association L4 Open Water Coastal Kayaking Instructor. His home port is on Lake Superior in Grand Marais, Minnesota. He also teaches photography workshops.
5 Comments
David V.
I have a question for you, how thick should the bow and stern sations be? And have you calculated that thickness into the number 7 and 14 station halfs that attach to the bow, stern station or should I just remove that thickness from them myself? (ie…. If I use 1/2 station thickness I just subtract 1/4 from each station half). I think you are doing an super job for all of us “amature” canoe builders. I have built two canoes, a 10 foot wee lassie and 16 foot prospector ( finishing up now) and came acrossed This web sight. I like the fact that there are so many plans at a reasonable price. I have my eye on a few and will be more than happy to send the amount you are asking, I just have to figure out which one I like best! Thank you!
Bryan Hansel
Thanks, David, for the kind comments. You can use whatever thickness you’d like for the stations and then subtract that from the stations that attach — I didn’t subtract any thickness in the drawings so builders could determine that on their own. I like to use 3/4-inch plywood, but 1/2-inch will work, too.
Make sure to send pictures of any canoe you build. I love to see the finished boats.
David V.
I will be sure to keep in touch. I am looking at the 1910 St. Francis right now to maybe start next fall, I like the shape and size. It’s great that you have made these at 1:1 scale, makes it a lot easier to take to an office supply shop and print. I have look at many plans online and none compare to what you have done. I would like to thank you and hope you keep up the good work! I think I may buy the book just to see what you may have plans for in the future! Thanks again!
Bryan Hansel
Sounds good. It’s Bark and Skin is worth having for any canoe and kayak enthusiast. I think it’s an eye opener.
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