The Backstory:

This canoe, a family treasure for three generations, had been given to the owner’s mother as a sweet sixteen birthday gift. Years of non-use and extended outdoor storage on the shores of Lake Nebagamon had brought this boat very nearly to its end. What saved it was a 1980s-era DIY fiberglass “restoration” that protected all but the top sides of the boat from rot.

The Work

First step was to remove the forty-year-old glass hull. The owner’s father had removed the canvas and epoxied glass fabric directly to the cedar planking. Heat to remove the glass helped reduce damage to the planking, and much sanding resulted in a fair hull.

Nearly every rib-top was rotted and had to be replaced. New inwales were installed at the same time. To maintain hull-shape, work was done one side at a time.

New decks, thwarts and seats were carved and installed before varnish, canvas and paint. The restoration also included new keel, outwales, out-stems, thwarts, and stem bands.