Do I need to spend the for marine plywood?

[MarshallWhite]

I have been using my canoe to buzz around tidal estuaries with my 2.2 HP Merc on a motor mount for two years, and I'm looking to mount it on the back. I paid nothing for the canoe, and have another Old Town for whitewater, so I want to chop the back end off and make a mini "Grand Laker" with a flat transom. I was quoted $68.00/sheet for 3/4" Marine Fir
and $79.00 for 3/4" Marante (sp?). Now a carpenter I know says he'll give me a piece of 3/4" oak for free. I am not rolling in dough, but I want it to come out nice. Any suggestions?

[Bob Parsons]

I would reccommend keeping it as it is. Buy going from a motor mount to directly behind you, you will find it less convenient to use the motor with the handle more to the middle and further back. (unless you are planning on shifting the seat forward) The trim of the canoe will be changed (less floatation behind you and more weight)
Other cost aspects fiberglass, caulking. and more bailing if boat gets dropped .

[Wee Hooker]

Go to home Depot and get a 1/2 sheet of 5 ply 3/4" Luan Mahogany. This will be plenty strong and look great if varnished. Cost is about $20. I use this stuff all the time in the marine envirns.
BTW, if your Old town is a "white water " design, it probobly has lots of rocker for and aft. If you cut this boat andhang the motor, the bow will point at the moon. It will also not track well do to this bananna configuration and lack of keel. I'd suggest you try a side mount motor bracket ( cabelas has em) before you cut the canoe. You'd probobly do better to sell the old town and get a cheaper canoe w a more suitable profile.

hth

Dave