Gaps and Tack holes

[michael papst]

I am restoring an old cedar and canvas canoe following the guide on restoration by Stelmok and Thurlow but have come up against two issues the authors did not comment on. There are some small gaps between some of the good planks no more then 1/16 inches. Do these gaps need to be filled before covering? I have replaced a number of ribs. I have re-tacked the ribs to the good planks, do I need to fill the old tack holes before covering?

 

[Dave Wermuth]

Hi,

gaps are ok. As far as the old tack holes. the canvas will cover them but you can use wood filler if yuou want. What you don't want is for anything to come loose under the canvas and go roaming around and cause bumps.

 

[michael papst]

Thank you

Hi Thanks I will watch for bumps, it is getting cold here in the north so covering will be a spring project have all winter to re-plank and sand and sand. Thanks Michael

 

[Mark Adams]

I have never filled in the old tack holes. The canvas goes right over the top of them, and you never know that they are there. If there is a small divot, the canvas filler fairs it right in.