I live in a part of the world where the typical Birch Bark (papyfiera betullae) for birch bark Canoebuilding does not grow, and other birches do not suit for this purpose.Looking forward on building one with materials I can collect myself and respecting in general the native way of building, my following question.
What can be used ,even in non natural material, to build a canoe that looks, feels, …., like a birch bark canoe but where the hull is not made out of birch bark.
Other barks like spruce,beech,…. or the existing birchbark painted polyester, kevlar,royalex,…modern canoes are not taken in consideration.
I wonder If anyone has some idea which material could be used that could or would replace birch bark and still offers a look close to the one of birch bark.
A possible substitute for spruce root lashing is welcome too.
Posted this question at home & …, an answer arrived but canvas,pvc,. do not suit the purpose due their thin nature, Birchbark is 3-6mm ??
You could possibly use hemp twine instead of the spruce lashings? Or rawhide? Traditional kayaks were made from sealskins, so would some type of treated leather be an option for you? Birch bark canoes have been replaced by canvas canoes, even among native people, so that material seems to be the most likely substitute. It is quite a project – such a canoe will be a challenge to build. Best of luck with it.