Canadian Canoe advice

[mschaller]

Hi,

I just picked up a 15’ Canadian Canoe which I suspect is a “balmy” model. It looked in better shape then it was, but not too bad with the tips rotted, stems decks, and inwales/outwales. A few things that are different on this canoe is it has copper tacks holding the planking to the ribs, small steel nails holding the planking to the stem, steel Philips screws holding the decks in, and possibly steel nails holding the ribs to the inwales. Could this help age the canoe? Also, the decks are nicely carved, more so then my peterborough mermaid.

Advice I need.

Should I replace the entire inwales, or just splice the tips? I’ve never really liked the look of spliced tips but I’m not sure how hard it is to replace the entire thing. I’m also planning to convert to a solo so I would have excess holes in the inwales. I may just paddle it backwards.

The stems are rotten at the tips, I’m sure it is very difficult to replace an entire stem but they are split from the tacks. Liquid epoxy and splice, or replace completely.

Any idea what the decks are made of?

Thanks

 

[mschaller]

Pictures

 

[patrick corry]

Looks just like my Chestnut Chum, currently being restored. I recognize the chalky white filler they used at planking butt locations. I've cleaned mine out of each joint since it's dried and falling out anyway!

 

[mschaller]

Do you replace it, and if so with what?

 

[patrick corry]

I’m thinking of trying Totalboat Total Fair. They claim it’s acceptable under water, and remains flexible. Sandable in 3 hrs. Truth is, #10 canvas will probably bridge over the void even with no filler, so I don’t know if filling is even necessary.

 

[Andre Cloutier]

Replacing rails is a job you dont really want to do unless absolutely necessary. This is a Balmy i did tips on. Terrible name, it became a Chum. Same form anyways. If you are careful you can make fairly discreet splices, and its far less work. Steel is par for the course, no big deal. Dont worry about gaps, canvas will cover it and permanent stuff on top of the wood while it moves around isnt great anyways. Cheers.