See through planking

[tuckerman]

Hello everyone.
I am working on my first restoration project. A 1967 Otca and she needs some work on the bow and stern stems, but that's another story.
Canvas is off and looking at the planking I can see some light coming through certain areas. Not much, just don't know if it's a huge concern
before re-canvasing. ie should I fill any of these small gaps before re-canvasing?
Thanks so much!

 

[Dan Miller]

When the canoe was built, the planks were tight to one another. Over time, the planking shrinks, opening up the seam a little. If this is what you are talking about, then there is no need to do anything, and in fact, most attempts to fill these open seams is either cosmetically uninviting or causes other problems down the road.

If the light is coming through holes, then yes, you would need to do something!