A Thames Treasure in the UK

[Nick Dennis]

We had a WCHA-UK paddle day on the Thames and backwaters last Sunday. We started from a glorious old boathouse owned by one of our members. Hanging from the rafters , where it had been for decades was a birchbark canoe which had been commissioned decades ago but not used for some time. Some with plenty of helping hands it saw day light again, the dust washed off and it was paddled.

Research shows its a Henri Vaillancourt but canoe in being a 16' St Lawrence Malecite model.

Now its out it will be repaired and used as it should be; the only difficulty in the Thames valley is the purchase of some bear grease

The boat house

The treasure

Slight damage at the stem which leaked

Beautiful planking & ribs

The makers mark.

Any advice on how to treat and refurbish a birchbark canoe which has been stored for many years would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Nick

 

[beaver]

Treat it gentle…very dry and brittle; especially the roots…spray with water to revive flexibility. Do not drop canoe! The pitch can be smoothed out by ironing with a hot file.

 

[beaver]

You should also contact the builder to get the final answer.

 

[Nick Dennis]

Treat it gentle…very dry and brittle; especially the roots…spray with water to revive flexibility. Do not drop canoe! The pitch can be smoothed out by ironing with a hot file.

Thank you Ferdy. I will pass your advice onto the current custodians of this beautiful canoe.
They didn’t know who the builder was as the records had been lost but through the WCHA they now know.

Keep well and keep building your glorious canoes.

Nick

 

[Dragon1]

About Henri Vaillancourt
http:// www.birchbarkcanoe.net/ builder.htm