Diamond in the rough....where to start

[Scott Herod]

Hello all, I just brought home what I think is a real steal, a 16' square stern cedarglass canoe that a semi retired hunter was going to cut up and put out for the garbage truck. Cost me 20 bucks, seems to be very light and solid. The only problem I can see , other than the home made camoflage paintjob, is the gunnals(sp) are pretty much rotted away. It was stored outside, upside-down, which I'm sure was the cause of the rot. It's my first canoe of this construction and I have no idea where to start on it. Whatever needs to be done has to wait until the winter ends as I have no workshop, but I can amass materials while it's cold and tackle it in the spring. Any suggestions would be very much appreciated.
Thanking everyone in advance......
Scott

 

[Kathryn Klos]

The best way to start is by posting here... and the most-likely first suggestion anyone gets is to buy or borrow the book "The Wood and Canvas Canoe" by Stelmok and Thurlow.

Pictures are very welcome, too...

 

[Scott Herod]

Thanks!

Thanks for the suggestion.the book is on it's way and my new treasure is tucked in beside my '68 Dodge, out of the elements for the first time in a number of years I expect. Pictures will follow,perhaps showing some of my restoration efforts.