At the outset of the 2001 competition a number of construction methods and ideas were considered. It was finally decided to form the canoe as a flat plate and fold it like Japanese origami. This unusual construction method, modeled after a canoe built in Australia in the 1980's facilitated east forming, casting, and finishing since most of these tasks would be performed on a flat, horizontal surface. The plan was simple, but actually completing it would be an entirely different story.

Hull design centered around creating a canoe shape out of flat surfaces while the concrete mix team focused on designing a concrete with adequate compressive and tensile strength along with a density less than water. Once these two steps were complete, form fabrication began and casting could take place. Following casting were endless hours of sanding, finishing, and painting. Finally the familiar "M" was painted onto the interior finish, and the canoe was completed.

The only hurdles left to overcome were Michigan State, Michigan Tech, and a host of other schools at the regional regatta.