Hiwassee Wanderer PDF

The Hiwassee Wanderer is a simple, easy-to-build canoe that is designed for the amateur boatbuilder to construct at home. It is made from 3 sheets of plywood and a minimal amount of lumber, using the simple “Stitch and Glue” method.

It is a solo canoe, meaning that it is designed for one person. Overall length of the finished boat is 12’6″, making it easy to transport in the back of a pickup truck.

It’s generous 33″ beam (width) and 6-1/2′ keel give the Hiwassee Wanderer plenty of stability, making it as easy to use as it is to build.

Construction plans include 2 plan sheets and thorough, well-illustrated instructions with plenty of pictures.

The Hiwassee Wanderer is designed to combine the classic aesthetics of vintage wooden canoes with the simplest possible construction. While these concepts may seem mutually exclusive, we believe the Hiwassee Wanderer is a well-balanced compromise between the two. It is well within the ability of a first-time, inexperienced boatbuilder to build this canoe.

So, if you have ever wanted to build a boat, this is a great place to start. Not only will you treat yourself to the rewarding experience of building your own canoe, you’ll know the great feeling that few people ever experience: enjoying time on the water in a boat made with your own hands.

Find out why we say, “the adventure isn’t just on the water!”

Plans include detailed instructions for both simple wooden seats and seats made from woven nylon webbing.

Just HOW easy is it to build a Hiwassee Wanderer canoe? This short video gives an overview of the basic steps and stages involved.