Re-canvas or patch? Need opinions...

[lukeduke]

I need help deciding if a patch is possible, or if re-canvasing is the only (sensible) option. Longer term i plan a re-canvasing, but would love to use it to fish this summer.

Inherited a 50s Penn Yan Cartopper from my grandpa. Wood is in great shape, no rot or holes. However the boat leaks from the front bottom due to some canvas issues.
See photos.

Thanks,
luke

 

[Canoeal]

Sorry, it is time to recanvass...Epecially if you plan to motor it...

 

[MGC]

I need help deciding if a patch is possible, the boat leaks from the front bottom due to some canvas issues.

Luke,

You do need to replace that canvas but all in all, you might be able to stretch it a bit. It's not looking too seriously damaged.

As much as I hate to suggest it, here is a product that you can use to limp by with. Keep it off of the wood.

http://www.jamestowndistributors.co...pid=2091&familyName=Gluvit+Epoxy+Water+Sealer

 

[crosscuts]

Something I have never tried, but others might have, would be a giant patch. Remove the keel, which could make matters worse, cover all the bare planking with wax paper slipped under the old canvas or in this case aircraft cloth and apply a strong construction cement. Then lay, don't stretch too hard, a light layer of canvas over the damaged area. Water proof the canvas with resin, don't get any on wood, then paint. If there are bilge keels these could be removed and replaced over the new patch. Crack fillers would not do the job. The only real efficient solution would be to re-canvas repairing the structure as necessary in the process.

R.C.