Building the Klondike Boat

Period Materials

Skaguay News, December 31, 1897:
  • 10 lbs pitch
  • 15 lbs oakum
  • 25 lbs assorted nails

O. S. Johnson's Alaska Outfit included:

  • 25 pounds 8 wire nails
  • 20 pounds 10 wire nails
  • 15 pounds 6 wire nails
  • 6 pounds 20 wire nails
  • 7 1/2 pounds oakum
  • 7 pounds pitch
  • 250 feet 5/8 rope

Klondyke and Yukon Guide (1898): Take plenty of tow for packing possible cracks in your boat, also two pounds of good putty, some canvas and, if possible, a small can of tar or white lead.

Outfitting recommendations from Joseph Ladue, the founder of Dawson City, in his book, Klondike Facts:

  • 6 pounds of assorted nails
  • 1 pound of oakum
  • 5 pounds of pitch
  • 150 feet of rope

About the naive boatbuilders: "They learned from watching, doing and their own mistakes." (Smithsonian National Postal Museum)


Back to the Main Klondike Boatbuilding Page

Contact:  Fritz Funk (fritzf@alaska.net)