"The plans arrived today and I had a chance to look them over. I don't believe I have ever seen a set of plans as well thought out and easy to understand as these. I have built very few things from plans, maybe 4 or 5 in my entire woodworking career (15 years) and if all plans were as easy to follow as these I would never design another thing myself. :-)

The way you designed the shorter pieces with the tenons is pure genius. Making angled tenons like that is normally a bugger but with your method it's going to be a pleasure, plus they're all made at the same time, each one exactly as the other. ... The impressive thing about these that I think many home builders might not realize is that if they were to buy 2 pre-caned plain-jane seats from say Flounder Bay, they'd be into them for about 22 each plus freight so at least $50US. They could purchase your plans for I think $13??? the ash would runs about $12 for 2 seats, and a little caning. Quite a bargain considering the toal cost would be about 2/3's and you'd have two VERY neat seats."

Doug Keaster, May 5, 2000
The Bear Paw Canoe Company

"I got the Seat Plans today. I just wanted to thank you for your timely service. Also, I wanted to say that you do excellent work! I draw for a living and have done so since 1980. I converted to CAD in 1985. Its good to see someone utilizing CAD and caring enough to use good layout and design skills these days. The computer has sort of taken our minds off the craft of drawing and on the treadmill of speedy design changes and drawing production. But as you illustrate, one can still produce beautiful, well understood drawings, with thought given to line weights and graphic elements, even on a computer. I believe many schools are lacking in adapting all of the standard drafting practices and techniques to the computer. Many architects and engineers I've worked with are sadly weak in drafting. It is their language afterall. You'd think they would take more pride in expressing it. Perhaps this is because so many people have a hard enough time just getting a handle on the use of the software. Let alone maintaining drafting standards and practices with the software. Your drawing is evidence that some are excelling though. Keep up the good work!!

Sincerely,"

Don West, December 3, 1997

"Greetings Martin! Varnishing point is excellent! Very detailed. I have to tell you that I am not a perfectionist, but I like to know how things are done properly in case I can get my (deleted) inspired. If you looked at my canoe, you would cringe with terror. However, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I put three fill coats on the canoe, and I must say it is a work of art...

A hundred bucks is a steal for plans and on-line advice... I don't think I could have made it this far without your support. The problem with books is that they are confusing and don't contain enough information. Your advice is always succinct and specific, even in your generic treatments, such as "Varnishing Point". "Varnishing Point" not only answered my questions about varnishing, but also about sanding the newly glassed hull. There's a heck of a lot of info there!

In any case, after reading the article, the only way a person could screw up varnishing their hull is by being lazy. Even a stupid person could follow the instructions. You're quite a good writer! Keep up the good work! (I just pulled those comments from my "teacher" list of compliments). This canoe thing has been a real buzz, not just an excuse to drink more beer and hide from my wife in the basement!"

Rob Haslam, March 30, 1998

"I got the seat plans yesterday. Very impressive! It is a pleasure to get high quality plans, both from a design perspective as well as the hard product. I plan to use the seat in a Wee Lassie II, which should begin construction this Fall after I finish my stapless Adirondack guide boat. I used the wedges and clamp method from the Green Valley builder's notes for the stapless constructuion. Worked great!

Thanks again."

John Michne, August 15, 1999