The First Steps

[Khorst]

So I posted last week in the research forum looking for tips on identifying an old family canoe. It was suggested that I may have a Chestnut on my hands. Unfortunately the canoe is quite remote and off-grid so there is a high degree of latency in terms of going back and forth to collect more information, measurements, photos etc. But as I’ll be heading back soon I’d like to try and gather as much of that as possible to help me determine the first steps to make this canoe lake worthy again.

I’m a little naive but I’ve already learned a lot from perusing these forums and other online resources. I will say that I have This Old Canoe on order already to have as a resource but of course I think the community voices are also interesting to hear especially since I’m going in pretty blind.

Initially I thought the exterior would just need to be repainted but having read a little more I’d expect I’m looking at a re-canvassing job at least. And I’ll hope to collect whatever information I would need on my next trip to confirm that.

I have a few more photos that I’m attaching and as you can see the flaking and peeling are pretty bad throughout. It seems to
me the interior is in pretty good shape but, what do I know? ;]

What would you do with this and what measurements or inspections beyond the obvious might be needed to determine how to proceed?

Are there any good articles or videos that might be good references? I’ll be happy to try and document my project as best as possible such that I can give back for any advice I may receive. Thanks in advance.

 

[Khorst]

Link to my previous post: https://forums.wcha.org/threads/unknown-make-45237.21103/

 

[Todd F]

Khorst, standby, I think I hear the Calvary coming! You absolutely came to the right place.

 

[Rob Stevens]

The interior looks pretty good. Stems look OK, though I am not sure what the stringy bits are in the single photo.

Hard to tell about the condition of the canvas, filler and paint from pictures. Paint will definitely need to be replaced to keep the boat waterproof for use.

You need to see it close up, smell it and touch it. If they are moist/wet and smell like mildew, you should check whether it holds together. Rub it. Scratch it with your fingernail.
Lightly scrape off the flaking paint.
If the canvas and filler are dry, give them a light sanding using 220 grit. If it gums up very easily or the filler is chalky, you may need to re-canvas before using.
Otherwise, the filler stays on the canvas, you may be able to get away with adding a coat of paint and taking it for a paddle.

 

[Andre Cloutier]

Boat looks like its been fiberglassed, lets see how this turns out. very nice overall.

 

[Khorst]

Thanks all for the responses. I’m attaching a couple closer crops in the case that might help identify canvas/fibreglass. On the one near the stem there appears to be a distinct golf ball like pattern. The other with more random marks which I assume(?) are just scrape marks that have come through the paint.

This weekend when I am up at the cabin I will have an opportunity to inspect more physically as you described.

Although the paint wasn’t quite so peeled, the last time the canoe was out it was definitely taking on water slowly but not being familiar with canoe construction I wasn’t sure which components are responsible for the waterproofing role.