The BIG Mac

I designed the Big Mac because so many people wanted a small lightweight paddle canoe, that could accommodate an occasional passenger, but mainly would be used as a double paddle canoe, for someone too heavy to enjoy a Wee Lassie, or Wee Lassie Two. Most of the people who have built this boat wanted a good stable canoe to fish out of, and were not interested in speed. They were interested in lightweight.

The Big Mac is 12' 7" long and has a 2' 6.5" beam.

The Big Mac is asymmetrical, because I like the stern section of the canoe to be fuller than the bow. This can really make a difference in shallow water, and this is where the boat will usually be used in the Sarasota area. For fishing the grass flats for redfish, and trout you can't ask for a better craft.

As to the measurements on the drawings, don't call me and tell me something is 1/8" off. I use the word suggested from experience.

I have not included a seat layout. Every one of these we built at my shop has had a different seat layout. You can set it up with two conventional seats, or with one set low, as in the Wee Lassie. Two of the boats were set up with three seats, covering all bases.

If weight is a prime concern, this canoe can be built at around thirty pounds, but you have to work at it. I didn't like to skimp on fiberglass cloth weight, or the number of coats of epoxy that I use, but you can save a lot of weight by using a soft wood on the rails, rather than the heavier hard woods. Eliminating bulkheads, using short decks, all of these can save from five to six pounds. Makes a difference when you have to carry the canoe any distance.

This is a good looking, versatile canoe for the heavier paddler. I'm talking over 200 lbs.

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