This is about as basic as it gets. Looks like it could be a fun project. Personally I don't favor canoes, too tippy for me, I want something wide enough to stretch out on the seat and take a nap.
http://www.navesinkmaritime.org/wiki/doku.php?id=nmha:dugout_description
http://www.navesinkmaritime.org/wiki/doku.php?id=nmha:dugout_description