Broken Rib Under Stem

[Skip Worzel]

I have been given an old Pen Yann canoe. For me it it an ideal repair training canoe since everything needs repair. It has a couple broken ribs that go under the stem. My question is how to replace them?

I have two options as I see them:

Option 1: I could bend the rib over the outside of the canoe and then remove the stem and install the rib and reinstall the stem.
(The stem also needs repair. I have steam bend new stem stock. I have the option of scarfing a piece or replacing the whole stem.)

Option 2: I could bend the rib over the outside of the canoe and then cut it in half and instal each half as a cant rib.

Which option do you feel is better and why or is there another mathod that I have not yet thought of?

[jchu]

Skip if you post a picture it might be easier for someone to give you an idea. I suspect their are some people here who have dealt with the same problem.

Regards
Jeff

[dcp740i]

I had the same problem with my OTCA. We actually had the rib bent correctly but could not get it to slide under the stem--logistics of the extreme bend prevented it. We cut the rib in the center instead where it sits under the stem, scarfed the joint, and glued and clamped the heck out of it. Worked out great, and you can't see it once the canoe is finished. This shouldn't be your biggest problem! Have fun.

[Dave Wermuth]

you might consider removal / loosening of planking on one side. that may give you access to work it in place. then put the planks back

[Gil Cramer]

If you are really careful, once the steel nails through the planking into the stem are removed on the bottom of the canoe, the end of the stem can be pried away from the ribs. Cut off the nails through each rib into the stem and slide the new rib in place, After it has been bent around the other end in the appropriate location. It helps if the new rib has some pliability, and it will require some hand shaping where it goes under the stem. Be very careful that the canoe doesn't "bulge" where the new rib is installed. You might use a strap with a rachet on the outside to keep the canoe in shape.

[Skip Worzel]

Thanks for the input. I have thinking along the lines of Dave Parmelee. Except I did not think of scarfing and gluing. I believe this is what I will try to do. Thanks for all of your input and ideas.