Carrying Place Grey Owl Re-canvas?

[John Sand]

I looked at the boat today nearby. It's very handsome but the canvas is torn below the gunwales, and a couple of spots on the bottom. It's not tight to the hull near the tears. The cloth itself appears thin, I think it's synthetic. There is some discoloration around the tacks too, maybe salt water has affected them. My thought is that the canoe needs re-canvassing, at least. I don't have the room or time for it, and there don't seem to be any restorers nearby. I will try to post some pictures, I'm open to suggestions.

 

[John Sand]

 

[Gil Cramer]

Appears to be cotton canvas. Typical rot at the gunwales. Needs to be recanvassed.

 

[John Sand]

Can anyone recommend a restorer near Long Island NY?
Would it make sense to bring it to the assembly to find one?

 

[patrick corry]

Have a look in the Builders & Suppliers section of this website; Mid-Atlantic section. Closest to you is probably Satters Restorations.

 

[John Sand]

I made a deal on this boat, I'm picking it up tonight.
I also joined a local nonprofit boat shop, they have done w/c canoes before, and have an Old Town Double Ender hanging up.
Would I be crazy to tape the small tears in the bottom of my "new" canoe and take it for a test paddle?

 

[Benson Gray]

Would I be crazy to tape the small tears in the bottom of my "new" canoe and take it for a test paddle?

No, this is commonly done.

Benson

 

[samb]

Commonly done!

 

[patrick corry]

Just check in with the Flex seal guy. He’ll fix you right up!

 

[John Sand]

I taped it and splashed it. It leaks acceptably and paddles nicely. I brought it around to the point where my father would launch canoes sixty years ago.

 

[David Satter]

Just use Gorilla tape. Flex seal is a nightmare to use on boats. Even on canvas that's going to get replaced. That stuff shouldn't be near any nice boat. to many bad experience's.