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[vttramper]

I am beginning a SOF version of an Adirondack "pack boat" style canoe in the tradition of the Rushton Wee Lassie. The design is similar to Mac McCarthy's Wee Lassie in overall dimensions, but I like a more assymetric layout with a finer entry, fuller stern and more rounded profile. Anyway, I have built a couple using standard wooden stripper construction and am excited to see how the same design turns out using the Kudzu Craft methods. I am following the general approach in the Fuselage Frame book but have a question about floorboards, specifically: Is there any reason not to mount the floorboards on top of the frames?

It seems that there could be potential advantages:
- boards resting on frames should be stronger than suspended by the lashed joint
- frames should be stronger without the floor cutout on the bottom edge
- floor can be flatter/less twist with less need to strictly follow the outer curvature of the hull

The only disadvantage I can see is that the CG would be raised if the seat were at the floor level as with a kayak, but I don't think it will be an issue with a canoe where the seat will be raised a bit above the floor in any case. The stripper version is very stable with the seat mounted a couple of inches above the hull and I expect the SOF would be similar.

What do you think?

[Hirilonde]

It seems that there could be potential advantages:
- boards resting on frames should be stronger than suspended by the lashed joint
- frames should be stronger without the floor cutout on the bottom edge
- floor can be flatter/less twist with less need to strictly follow the outer curvature of the hull

-A well done lashing or series of lashings will be as strong and probably stronger than the material it supports.
-The strength of the frames is tied to it's weakest point. The frame can be designed such that the cutout is not weaker than the rest. If 1" is the needed web width, then design it such that there is 1" left after removing the material that is the cutout
-What is the advantage if the sole is flat (not twisted)? Its not like you walk around much.

What do you think?

Sorry, but I don't see any advantage. And raising the sole does raise the center of gravity as you pointed out. In any small craft, especially canoes and kayaks this is a big deal IMO.