Anyone know anything about old wood and canvas canoes?

Rotti · #1 05-20-2008, 01:06 PM

I'm thinking about getting one to restore. It's in fairly bad shape, and I have no idea what I'm doing but I'll probably buy it anyway. Just wondering if anyone here is into these things and could give me some restoration advice. I jonied an online wooden boat forum but it's taking forever for them to activate my account.

JJEMMER777 · #2 05-20-2008, 06:52 PM

Sounds like FUN

"Poly" is your friend

How bout some pics Rot so we can see what you are dealing with??

**jaxadam** · #3 05-20-2008, 07:40 PM

I used to do a lot of canoing growing up, and it is really hard to sink one of those bad boys.

Sounds like a really neat hobby!

Hikey Mikey · #4 05-20-2008, 08:16 PM

I love canoeing, but I've never restored and old wood-canvas. I hope you enjoy it. My speculation is that it will be easier to repair the canvas than the ribs.

ryanb · #5 05-20-2008, 08:40 PM

Get lots of 2-part marine epoxy and filler. Sounds like a fun project.

Rotti · #6 05-21-2008, 05:22 AM

Here are some pics.....

Looks scary doesn't it?

I haven't bought it yet. I might pick it up later today.
Someone on the wooden boat forum tells me this is a "very restorable +- 1970 Chestnut Cronje cruiser".

Hikey Mikey · #7 05-21-2008, 11:36 AM

I would second that opinion, just keep in mind that I have only maintained wooden canoes, not repaired them. But yeah, that will need a new gunwale and deck, probably a few ribs, but it is in bad shape, not hopeless shape.

If it is a chestnut, they have a good reputation and you will be starting with a canoe that was made well in the first place.

Rotti · #8 05-21-2008, 12:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hikey Mikey

I would second that opinion, just keep in mind that I have only maintained wooden canoes, not repaired them. But yeah, that will need a new gunwale and deck, probably a few ribs, but it is in bad shape, not hopeless shape.

If it is a chestnut, they have a good reputation and you will be starting with a canoe that was made well in the first place.

I was just looking at it again this morning. It has 4 cracked ribs, and lots of funky planking. Not an easy job but I'm thinking a 2 year project for me and my daughter. Then a very cool canoe at the end of it. Or a bookshelf depending on how it goes.

Rotti · #9 06-06-2008, 07:33 AM

Some photos with the canvas off....

As you cans see someone has done some fairly extensive work to this canoe before.

I'm still waiting for the book "The wood and canvas canoe" to arrive. My next step is to strip the varnish from the inside.

Distantshore · #10 06-06-2008, 09:08 AM

Looks like you are in it now.

Seems like it would be a fun project non the less.

Rotti · #11 06-06-2008, 09:42 AM

Looks bad now but wait till it's done.

bammbamm · #12 06-06-2008, 10:17 AM

It looks like your name

Rotti · #13 06-06-2008, 03:49 PM

LOL I definately posted this on the wrong forum.

Rotti · #14 06-17-2008, 02:56 PM

First photo is varnish removed and second photo is after a wash with deck cleaner. Next I will try to replace sections of the inner rail that are bad.

Hikey Mikey · #15 06-17-2008, 05:36 PM

That "rail" you refer to is properly called a gunwale and pronounced to rhyme with "tunnel."

They are usually made in two parts, the inwale and the outwale (not sure how you pronounce them). They are hardwood, usually ash or oak, because they are such an important structural element of the boat. If you do replace sections rather than replace the entire thing, you ought to use a long scarf joint.

Keep up the good work!

Peace

Mike