Peterborough longitudinal strip question

[petermueller]

I have found a Canadian 16 ft model 1427 that has what appears to be a canvas and /or fiberglass hull. Was not aware that any of the Canadian's were covered but would appreciate any and all input. Owner claims that a canoe "expert" told him that this looks as if it's original. I'll try to add some pictures later.

[Dan Miller]

Methinks the "expert" is trying to sell you something...

[Michael Grace]

Hi Peter,

The original photos made it look like the canoe could have been painted only, but the side view pic here sure looks like 'glass. Certainly not original, but maybe it will come off cleanly. These canoes are built shiplap, so there was no need for external covering.

There are other problems (for example, it looks like there might be some rot in the stem tips), but the canoe is all there and looks like it has fair lines. How about that deck repair? Do you think the bolts are large enought to hold the decking down?!

You've probably already seen his posts, but search R.C. Cross for some examples of how beautiful a wreck of a longitudinal strip canoe can turn out to be. R.C. has made some amazing transformations.

Michael

[petermueller]

The owner of this canoe was kind enough to remove some of the Fiberglass.
Now what do you think?

[Andre Cloutier]

take it home and show it some love. those are the strongest seat frames I've ever seen, doubt they'd flex even under my weight. definitely needs some work but looks like a good solid boat to start with.

[Michael Grace]

Interior looks great. Even the floor looks clean and damage-free. The inside stem looks excellent, but there may still be some rot in the tip(s). Still, it all looks great. HOWEVER, if you're interested, don't let the current owner remove any more of the fiberglass. It looks to be coming off cleanly, but you can see in photo 2 that the glass is pulling off bits of the planking surface. Divets in the surface of the planking will be tough to deal with, but search here for ideas on 'glass removal (heat gun, etc.). Other than the pulling out of cedar bits, the hull looks nice and clean. The glass doesn't seem to cover the outside stems, and it looks like the paint on the stems will come off without too much difficulty.

M

[Dick Persson]

Hi Peter,

Even though the Peterborough Canoe Co in the end also sold canoes and boats made of fiberglass, to my knowledge they never fiber glassed their all-wood-canoes.

Remove the fiber glass with utmost care and don’t forget to carefully clean the planking joints from remnants of resin as well.
_________________________
Dick Persson
Headwater Wooden Boat Shop