Canoe's Story Continues...

[Gary]

I thought you might like to hear/see this canoe's story. Originally built in 1941-43 by Peterborough Canoe Co. a Champlain model, it was eventually donated by its owners to The Canadian Canoe Museum in rough shape.
When the museum was moving to its new building, they hosted an online auction to reduce some of their surplus inventory. I sat in on this auction to watch some of these old canoes find new owners. With 15 minutes left there were 2 canoes left without buyers, this one, and a Chestnut Pal also needing major renovations. For the admin fee of $15 I purchased these 2 canoes and drove down to Peterborough to pick them up.
They sat in the rafters of my shop for about 4 years until I decided to restore the first of these two canoes. After replacing a number of broken ribs, many new rib ends, about 15' of cedar planking, new stem tips, ash gunwales, cherry decks, center yoke, and canes seats, v-grain fir shoe keel, many hours of stripping & sanding, then new canvas filled and painted Epifanes #16 red, the canoe is ready for the water again.
I'm happy to say that the canoe has found a wonderful couple who'll enjoy it and make many more memories for the next chapter in this canoe's story.
Another one saved from the burn pile so to speak!
Gary

 

[Todd F]

Well done!

 

[Pook]

Nice job, Gary!
Beautiful job- and love the fact that it will continue to be enjoyed on the water!
Bruce

 

[Gary]

Thank you to all who've replied etc. I certainly wasn't looking for a pat on the back but was hoping to encourage others to not give up on these old craft before their time. This one wasn't the worst I've seen but there are fewer and fewer out there and we can't ever replace the ones we've lost.
Thanks to all of you who keep them afloat!
Gary