I have a question

[Dave Wermuth]

About spruce root. Does it ever have to be replaced? Does it last the life of the canoe? The stuff I harvested got real brittle in short order. If you store it will soaking restore its strength?

Thanks, inquiring mind needs to know.

 

[beaver]

About spruce root. Does it ever have to be replaced? Does it last the life of the canoe? The stuff I harvested got real brittle in short order. If you store it will soaking restore its strength?

Thanks, inquiring mind needs to know.

Sometimes replacement is necessary to maintain the integrity of the construction of the canoe.

Water will restore the flexibility & strength of the root. With old canoes especially, it is very important to wet down the roots even before moving them. Vintage canoes are damaged quite easily when omitting this step.

I restored this 100 year old canoe a few years back. It was a real basket-case.


Ferdy