I'm starting my first ever wood & canvas restoration. Before I jump into the project, a little about the boats history. It is a Peterborough, 75th anniversary with stem #1448 9778. The canoe was originally purchased by my Dad who died when I was very young (1966). My brother and I used it off and on when we were kids. When I was in high school, I recaned the seats, and slapped a coat of mystery paint on it. Since then it has mostly been in storage. It has only seen the water maybe a handful of times in the last 20 years. My plan is to restore it, and give it to my brother, who probably forgot I still have it. I want to restore it to as close to original condition as I can, but I also want it to be as functionally pleasing as I can make it. Along the way, I'll create tables of offset data, and hopefully create a composite copy or cedar strip copy for myself, since most of my canoe building experience is with those types of construction.
By most peoples standards, I am a master woodworker, even though I don't consider myself one. I do have a very well equipped wood shop at home, as well as at school (I'm a teacher), so I'm pretty much unlimited by tools.
Here's the starting point
The decal indicates 75 year anniversary. Doesn't seem to connect with Dates.....My Dad died in 1966, Peterborough was founded in 1892. I'm not too hung up on that.
Here's the stem #
At this point, most of the wood seems in pretty good shape. A few of the rib ends have splits, but no rot. I believe these can all be repaired after clean-up.
This is the bow, and the only area showing any rot. Inwales and possibly decks need significant repair or replacement. I'm planning to replace. Trying to match new wood with significantly older is difficult without it being noticeable.
So here's my plan for getting started:
1. Remove seats & Thwart. Replace with temporary braces to maintain shape and provide strength.
2. Chemically strip inside ribs & planking. I have lots of experience with Kutzit, which is very thin. If I use Kutzit, I'll leave the skin on at least for the start of stripping, to eliminate dripping through the planking.
3. Remove outwales, canvas, inwales.
4. Finish clean-up, and initial sanding of inside planking & ribs
5. Stop & reassess wood repair/replacement needs.
Hoping to get started in about 2 weeks. I have a few things to cross off the honey do list first, or I'll be sleeping in the canoe.
By most peoples standards, I am a master woodworker, even though I don't consider myself one. I do have a very well equipped wood shop at home, as well as at school (I'm a teacher), so I'm pretty much unlimited by tools.
Here's the starting point
The decal indicates 75 year anniversary. Doesn't seem to connect with Dates.....My Dad died in 1966, Peterborough was founded in 1892. I'm not too hung up on that.
Here's the stem #
At this point, most of the wood seems in pretty good shape. A few of the rib ends have splits, but no rot. I believe these can all be repaired after clean-up.
This is the bow, and the only area showing any rot. Inwales and possibly decks need significant repair or replacement. I'm planning to replace. Trying to match new wood with significantly older is difficult without it being noticeable.
So here's my plan for getting started:
1. Remove seats & Thwart. Replace with temporary braces to maintain shape and provide strength.
2. Chemically strip inside ribs & planking. I have lots of experience with Kutzit, which is very thin. If I use Kutzit, I'll leave the skin on at least for the start of stripping, to eliminate dripping through the planking.
3. Remove outwales, canvas, inwales.
4. Finish clean-up, and initial sanding of inside planking & ribs
5. Stop & reassess wood repair/replacement needs.
Hoping to get started in about 2 weeks. I have a few things to cross off the honey do list first, or I'll be sleeping in the canoe.
