How to Build a Canoe Outrigger

Outrigger canoes are the traditional mode of transportation in many parts of the world, and adding a simple outrigger to your own canoe can make it much more stable. With a few tools and a couple of hours, you can build a double stabilizer for your canoe.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Cut Your Lumber

Things You’ll Need:

Saw Tape measure 3 8-foot 2-by-4s Wood screws Aluminum stud braces 4- or 6-inch C clamps Paint or wood sealant File Sandpaper
Saw
Tape measure
3 8-foot 2-by-4s
Wood screws
Aluminum stud braces
4- or 6-inch C clamps
Paint or wood sealant
File
Sandpaper

Step 1

Measure your canoe. Place your canoe in the water with a full load, and measure the distance between the top of the side and the water line.

Step 2

Cut the vertical supports. Cut two 2-by-4s to the height measurement you just took.

Step 3

Cut the outriggers. Cut two 3-foot lengths of 2-by-4. Cut one wide end of this into a point. Sand the point and one side of the 2-by-4 to be smooth so it will glide through the water.

Step 4

Cut the horizontal support. Cut one 2-by-4 to be the width of the canoe, plus 4 feet.

Assemble the Outrigger

Step 1

Using the aluminum stud braces, connect the vertical supports to the underside of the horizontal support.

Step 2

Use more aluminum stud braces to attach the outriggers to the horizontal supports, with the smoothed side down.

Step 3

Paint or stain the outrigger assembly so it will be waterproof.

Step 4

Using the C clamps, attach the outrigger assembly to the center of your canoe. The outrigger will remove easily for transport and storage and can be attached again when the canoe is placed in the water.

Article Written By Beau Prichard

Beau Prichard has been a freelance writer and editor since 1999. He specializes in fiction, travel and writing coaching. He has traveled in the United Kingdom, Europe, Mexico and Australia. Prichard grew up in New Zealand and holds a Bachelor of Arts in writing from George Fox University.

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