Waterproof paint for leaky canoe

[Rosina Lake]

I have a wood and canvas Prospector from the 50s or 60s. It’s in great physical condition, but leaks a bit (along many of the ribs). The paint is mostly intact, though crazed. Replacing the canvas is beyond my abilities. Is there a waterproof paint I can apply over the current paint?

 

[Dave Osborn]

Short of new canvas, which is the right thing to do, I would try to identify the specific spots that the water is coming in. Those spots could be filled with some waterproof caulk.
I don’t know of a paint that would be the cure-all to the leaks. Address the bad spots, then repaint the whole thing.

Here is a list of Ontario based canoe restorers. It could be possible that one is near enough for you to have it recanvassed.

BuildersSuppliers

www.woodencanoe.org