"How It Used To Be Done: The Early Pirogue"

The pirogue (pronounced 'pee-row') was first used in the year 1666. It is some what of a mystery how the pirogue got to Louisiana, but it has been there for centuries and became a part of the Cajun heritage. Originally the pirogue was called a dug-out, and made from large cypress logs, some measuring more than 12 feet in diameter. The cypress log was split down the middle. Then the outside of the log was shaped to the builders liking using only an ax and an adze. After finishing the outside, it was turned over so that the insides could be "scooped" out with an adze and other chisels. Before this work began, many holes about 1/4" in diameter and 1/2" deep were drilled into the log from bow to stern. Charcoal sticks were driven in to these holes, so when chopping out the insides the carpenter stopped when he saw these holes to get the proper thickness of the hull. These holes were later plugged up.

"How It's Done Today: The Modern Easy-to-Build Pirogue"

Over a period of many years, the advantages of this craft became well known by every sportsman and boating enthusiast who has ever used one. Many different designs are in use, from the long narrow racing pirogues to the more stable vessels such as the one represented by these plans. These plans are for a modernized version of the pirogue that has been in use for over 100 years. Although this pirogue is not built in the same way as the early pirogues of 300 years ago, our popular design is used in the heart of Cajun country today.