The Backstory:

This boat has been all over the BWCAW, a few rivers in northern Minnesota and Wisconsin including the Big Fork, the St. Louis, and the Red Cedar. In addition, it has been over the Lujeneida Portage out of Sawbill at least half a dozen times. Except for regular oiling of woodwork and minor duct tape repairs, it hasn’t seen the inside of a shop until this winter. It is one tough boat.

The Work:

The glass hull at both deck tips had chipped away from rough use. Glass/epoxy patches were made as soon as the decks were removed. A heavier-gauge stem band was installed to better protect this critical area.

New decks of black ash were carved to replace deteriorated mahogany decks. They were stained for color-match, sealed all around with penetrating epoxy, and varnished with three coats of UV inhibiting spar varnish. A new portage yoke was carved to replace the old, and other woodwork including deck thwarts, seats and outwales were cleaned, sanded, sealed and varnished.

Most of the cracked cherry wood ribs were found in the bow front quarters and port-side midship which is fairly typical – too many rough landings and end-of-portage set downs. There is wisdom in that old saying that the only things to touch the bottom of a canoe should be air and water. There is another saying … if a boat can’t take a bump or two, it isn’t worth a damn.

All buttoned up with black cherry outwales and ready for the water.