Author	John Hummel
Title	Hummel Canoe
Created	Sunday, Feb. 21, 2010
Content	Greetings to those interested in the craft of wooden-strip boat construction. During the winter of 2009, I had the pleasure of building a canoe with Fermon Martin (Fermon Canoes). I had long wanted to build a canoe. My Dad's people were all boat-builders, but somehow I didn't inherit the wood-working genes. I read Ted Moores' book "Canoecraft" over and over and, while it is very stimulating, it is also a bit intimidating. I heard of Fermon through a mutual friend, called him, and he invited me to visit him at his shop, which is only 10 kilometers from my home. My intent was to get some pointers on how to get started. We talked for a bit, then he invited me to use his shop for the project. I was also allowed to help him fibre-glass a canoe he was building (one of the intimidating steps). We developed a wonderful relationship, Fermon and I. He helped me get going, then allowed me to muddle along at my own pace, kind of keeping an eye on me at the same time.. He has a delightful sense of humour, and, although I'm old enough to be his father he would, with a twinkle in his eye, gently give the reins a yank and set me straight if he noticed that I was wandering. There are times when two pair of hands are definitely useful, especially for a rookie builder, and Fermon was always willing to guide me through those procedures. I was able to watch him work on boats he was making for other customers and, while he is basically self-taught, his insistence on quality and thoroughness was always evident. Nothing that does not meet his personal standards ever leaves his shop, and those standards are very high indeed. My boat might be an exception. I made every mistake a beginner could possibly make, yet the canoe insisted on becoming as lovely as I could ever have hoped. She's certainly mine but, if she is at all correct, it's because of Fermon's influence and his patient teaching. I have already admitted that Fermon has become a friend, a man I am more than proud to name as a friend. That notwithstanding, I would not hesitate to recommend his work and his dedication to his passion. I wish you all happy building. If you have a deep interest in building your own canoe, don't hesitate. You need to do it. Scary? Intimidating? Depressing at times? All of the above. Find a Fermon or, better yet, Fermon himself. Sand a hole right through your hull and fix it. Break a gunwale that you spent time scarf-jointing. Mend little patches where you sanded too deep into the weave of the fibre-glass. Mix filler incorrectly, wait three days for it to set, then dig it out and try again. I did all those things. All said and done, the first wee journey on my quiet lake, in my own canoe, was an experience so exhiliarating, beautiful and rewarding that I couldn't trade that sense of accomplishment for anything. Trust me, if I can do it, anyone can. Best regards---John Hummel

Post new comment

Name*
Title*
Link
Comment*
	For security purposes, we ask that you enter the security code that is shown in the graphic. Please enter the code exactly as it is shown in the graphic.
Your Code
Enter Code*

Title	Author	Created
Hummel Canoe	John Hummel	Sun 21 Feb 2010 8:36:04 AM EST
re: Hummel Canoe	Fermon	Thu 23 Sep 2010 9:54:41 PM EDT