John, new canoe owner

[jccampbell001]

Hi, I just bought a 14 ft Chestnut canoe online. My brother checked it out and is bringing home to me from Ontario. I’m excited to have found this forum and expect I will tap into the knowledge base here. There is some work to do - sanding and painting initially I think, maybe more down the road. We always had a Chestnut canoe at our cottage, which my brother now has and I have been wanting to get one for many years. Nice to know there are so many people out there who love these canoes.

 

[MGC]

Bet you can't own just one
Hopefully the boat lives up to your expectations. They are great to own and paddle. They (wood and canvas) are not as common on the carry's as they once were. They draw a good deal of attention and admiration and even derision (how heavy is that?).
When you work on it, use good paint and good varnish.
You should be able to source any real specific material you might need from the Builder and Suppliers listing on this site. https://www.woodencanoe.org/builders-suppliers
Post some pictures when you have them.
Mike

 

[jccampbell001]

Thanks Mike, will do.

John

 

[jccampbell001]

It’s been in storage in a temperature controlled garage for 10-15 years and seems in good shape but with some cracks. Not sure what if anything should be done before it goes in the water again. John

 

[jccampbell001]

Here are a few photos. You can see some of the cracks that will require repair.

John

 

[Dave Osborn]

It’s evident that the paint and filler is starting to craze. Sand and repaint will keep you going for a while. Remove the outwales and stem bands first. Don’t forget to put bedding compound under the stem bands when you reinstall them.