Little is known about the construction of canal boats on the Illinois Michigan Canal.  In the late 1990’s, there was a breach in the integrity of the canal after a severe rain fall.  In an area known as the Morris wide, the remains of multiple deserted canal boats were seen.  Investigation of these boats was undertaken.  It was found that the boats were made of white oak and pine.  Nails were forged or machine made.  Presumably, other boats were abandoned in other areas of the canal.