What is a pirogue?

 

The pirogue (pronounced PEE-rhawg), is a small, highly maneuverable double-ended boat indigenous to the swamps and bayous of southern Louisiana. Inspired and adapted from a caribbean indian design by early Creole and Cajun settlers over two hundred years ago, this unique, highly versatile craft has no rival in the backwaters of Louisiana, east Texas or anywhere else shallow "skinny water" is a challenge. Favored by sportsmen and outdoorsmen from duck hunters to trappers and fishermen, pirogues allow them to reach remote game habitats inaccessible by other means. Its super-quiet, stealthy operation also makes it ideally suited for naturalists, bird-watchers and wildlife photographers — anyone wanting to approach and observe nature while creating as little disturbance as possible.

 

What are the pirogue's specifications?

 

Length 13 feet - 9 inches

Beam  36 inches at midsection

Sides   11 inches  

Weight (approx.) 68 lbs. / 31 kg.

 

What can I do with my pirogue?

 

A better question might be: "What can't I do with my pirogue?" You're only limited by your imagination. Big enough to hold either two average-sized men with fishing tackle/guns or, one man with a whole arsenal of gear, the pirogue is small and maneuverable enough to slip through the narrow, twisted courses of even the most primitive backwaters. Whether you car-top or slide it into the bed of a truck, you'll find yourself exploring more often and more easily without the hassle of having to deploy a cumbersome larger boat. Better than other pirogues, Cajun Secret's superior design offers enhanced hull flare for increased stability and load-carrying capacity.

 

What advantages does a pirogue offer over a canoe?

 

A cross between a canoe and a kayak, you could rightly think of a Cajun pirogue as a kayak with a "can do" attitude! Pirogues are more versatile and practical than either canoe or kayak for carrying extra gear, plus a pirogue operator can either paddle from a seated position, or choose to stand and paddle/pole for extra visibility when "sight fishing." Really, the only "disadvantage" — if you can call it that — is be prepared to get a lot of looks and questions from curious onlookers. A Cajun Secret pirogue is definitely different — its striking good looks guaranteed to turn heads!

 

How is the pirogue constructed?

 

Basically, three pieces of plywood (a hull bottom and two sides) are flexed and joined together to form the hull shape. It's pretty simple — and amazing how the beautiful, classic shape forms almost as if by magic right before your eyes. The special shapes of these parts is the real genius behind the old master builder’s design and makes the "magic" happen.

 

What type of plywood is used?

 

Either marine-grade or regular ¼” plywood available at any home-improvement center or lumber yard works fine. For the one longer piece of plywood needed, you can join (scarf together) two 4’ x 8’ sheets of plywood. Instructions for how to do this are shown in the plans. Additionally, a few other pieces of relatively inexpensive wood are used for joining the ends of the plywood sides together. Everything needed can be bought at a Home Depot or Lowe's.

 

How much does it cost to build one?

 

A lot less than a buying a canoe, kayak or jon boat, for sure. The estimated cost of building the pirogue is approximately $125 - $250, depending on materials used, quality of wood, etc.  

 

 

What do customers say about our pirogue plans?

 

Lots of really good things! See testimonials for just a few.