
Restoring a Wood & Canvas Canoe
- Step 1: Buy a Boat!. Do some research on which manufacturer or style of canoe you are looking for, there were a few main...
- Step 2: Set Up the Shop. One thing that I love about boat building is that it doesn't require too many expensive...
- Step 3: Demolition. Look over your boat and figure out what might be reusable and which parts you...
Full Answer
What do I need to paint a canoe?
The following items are usually sufficient to do one canoe: Canvas. Specify width and length 1 Quart, Paint, Enamel. Specify color When the canvas covering can no longer be kept watertight by painting and patching, and the hull is still sound, it is economical to remove the old canvas and stretch a new covering over the hull.
How do I Clean my Canoe?
The work is not intricate and will make the canoe as good as new. Remove the stem bands, rub rails and keel thus exposing all fastenings. After these tacks have been removed, the old canvas can be taken off.
Are wood canoes easy to repair?
Popular to common belief wood canoes are incredibly strong and easy to repair. They generally weigh about the same as fiberglass canoes and if stored properly can be kept in mint condition longer than other construction methods as they are more easily refurbished.
Is it easy to apply a canvas skin to a boat?
Applying a canvas skin is, in my opinion, also easier than fiberglassing which I have done on other boats. Would you please send the dimensions of the 2x4s used to build the canoe stands for the restoration of the 1958 olde town wood canoe. How much do you estimate your total cost was? I have a 1948 Old Towne with little canvas remaining.

Can you repaint a canvas canoe?
Repainting canoes is done all the time, with all kinds of paints. Most use an oil based paint, and many use “marine” paints. Some use various other paints intended for exterior use – house paint, porch and deck paint, etc. Oil-based gloss paints are most commonly used.
How do you cover a canvas canoe?
Use a pair of horses, which do not extend beyond the gunwales. This allows the canvas to hang properly all around the rails. Fasten canvas to the hull, using 11/16” tacks along the gunwales, two tacks through each rib. Use 5/16” tacks along stems....Recanvasing a Canvas Covered Canoe.Part NumberDescription322155Bedding Compound5 more rows•Jan 7, 2017
How do you restore a canoe?
3:2117:37Canoe Restoration | The Story of an Old Canoe - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe two big cracks that the canoe had were ones that obviously had came from some abuse or damageMoreThe two big cracks that the canoe had were ones that obviously had came from some abuse or damage perhaps in use on a river. And it took quite a bit of grinding to not just remove the cracked portion.
How do you restore an Old Town canoe?
2:064:26Restoring a cheap Old Town Discovery canoe from facebookYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipEdges so these are the steps you sand it you use some denatured alcohol to clean and prep the areaMoreEdges so these are the steps you sand it you use some denatured alcohol to clean and prep the area and then you heat it up with a torch. And the directions.
How much does it cost to Recanva a canoe?
If the work is done by a professional canoe restorer, you are looking at spending about $2,000 to $3,000 after you have bought the canoe (all of these prices are in Canadian dollars). If the canoe 'needs a little work', be prepared to pay for a full restoration which could cost in the range of $3,500 to $5,500.
Can you repaint a canoe?
To put it as simply as possible, you will need to remove any remnants of the original paint job, sand down the canoe, and then apply at least two even coats of paint. Depending on the paint you decide to use, you may also need to apply a clear coat of stain after the paint has dried.
How do you fix a crack in a canoe?
1:197:17How To Fix A Cracked Canoe - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipObviously so we're going to fill this crack with the matting the fiberglass matting. And then we areMoreObviously so we're going to fill this crack with the matting the fiberglass matting. And then we are going to do a couple layers on top here to refit the reinforce kind of like this what was here.
How do you Epoxy a canoe?
0:584:32Applying a Fiberglass Epoxy Seal (Ep 10 - Cedar Strip Canoe Build)YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou work the epoxy around with a squeegee to help it soak in. I spread towards the closer in first.MoreYou work the epoxy around with a squeegee to help it soak in. I spread towards the closer in first. I work to the very end cut the excess fiberglass off and then wet at the end as best I can.
What material are Old Town canoes made of?
Constructed of wood and canvas. 1966 Breakthrough R&D in fiberglass canoes wins Old Town the Grand Prize of the Society of Plastic Industries Reinforced Plastic Division. Selected for originality of application, design, utility, moldability and appearance.
Which canoe material is best?
Best Canoe MaterialRocky beaches and rough waters – Aluminum and hard plastics.Calm and smooth waters – pretty much any of the plastics, aluminum and wood will get the job done.For fast paddling – Fiberglass, lightweight plastics, and Kevlar canoes.For frequent portaging – use Kevlar or other lightweight composites.More items...
How do you restore a canoe color?
2:374:14Easily restore the gelcoat color on a canoe (a hack) - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipDon't panic it's not the oil dissolving the gel coat. All you do is wipe off some of the pigmentsMoreDon't panic it's not the oil dissolving the gel coat. All you do is wipe off some of the pigments that that got loosened up by the sunlight.
How do you restore a wooden canoe?
10:0113:11Canvas Canoe Restoration - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWhether you're whether you've stripped the inside completely down to bare wood or you just need toMoreWhether you're whether you've stripped the inside completely down to bare wood or you just need to touch up varnish on all the trim. And the inside ribs and planking.
How do you restore a faded fiberglass canoe?
0:052:49How To Restore Faded Fiberglass - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipNow you don't start the machine yet spread it around three or four foot section of the boat. YouMoreNow you don't start the machine yet spread it around three or four foot section of the boat. You start the machine right away you'll just splatter the compound all over the place where it'll stain.
How do you redo a fiberglass canoe?
3:0910:16Fiberglass Canoe Restore - Part 1 - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou can't always do that because both boats are usually double hulled and you can't get to the otherMoreYou can't always do that because both boats are usually double hulled and you can't get to the other side on a canoe like this that's what makes it so easy that you can get to both sides.
How do you get a swamped canoe back in?
1:373:06How to Re-Enter a Canoe From the Water | Canoe Over Canoe RescueYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipOnce there the move the swamp canoe perpendicular to their boat. And then pull it across theirMoreOnce there the move the swamp canoe perpendicular to their boat. And then pull it across their gunnels until it's completely empty of water. They can then flip the boat upright.
How to get dents out of boat hull?
CAUTION: Do not over-heat. The surface should not become too hot to touch. Apply heat by alternating the heat source inside and outside. This will slowly warm the area. Pressure should be applied from inside to aid the material in returning to its shape. With severe dents exact original shape may not be obtainable.
What is a gelcoat repair kit?
DEEP GOUGES: A gelcoat repair kit can be found online from various vendors that contains colored gelcoat, hardener, sandpaper, polishing compound, and instructions. Use to fill in gouges, chips, breaks in the gelcoat.
What is in a resin kit?
Kit contains a 2-part polyurethane resin system , nylon cloth, sand paper, brush, and instructions. Repairs of this nature normally require a patch both inside and outside of the hull. The patch will be applied very much like fiberglass, however this resin is superior in that it is very durable as well as flexible.
How to polarize a boat?
To polarize you will need a hand-held propane torch. The torch will have a flame about 3 inches long. Inside will be a smaller, brighter blue flame. This smaller flame must contact the hull in the area to be bonded. Simply wave the flame across the hull like you were painting it with a small brush.
Can Old Town repair kayaks?
Though our Canoes and Kayaks are built to withstand years of use and abuse, mishaps can occur and your boat may at some point become damaged and need repair. In the event of a problem, we recommend you contact your local Old Town dealer for the appropriate repair kit or parts. Many of these same dealers may be able to repair the boat for you or give you assistance in getting started in the right direction. A listing of additional repair shops is also available by writing or calling the factory. Following is a basic overview of the recommended repair options available for Old Town products.
What do I love about boat building?
One thing that I love about boat building is that it doesn't require too many expensive woodworking tools outside of your general hand tools. For this restoration I used:
How many coats of varnish do I need for a boat?
I applied six coats of Epifanes varnish to the inside of the boat and two on the outside. In between each coat the entire varnished surface must be sanded with fine grit sandpaper or a Brilo pad. This takes a very, very long time but the result is spectacular!
What is the wood used for a boat deck?
In my case I wanted to have some woodworking details run throughout various pieces of the boat so I incorporated hard maple (white pin-stripe), walnut (center black stripe), and zebra-wood in the decks, outer rails and seats.
How to finish a laminate deck?
Finishing was done by stepping through sandpaper on and orbital snader from cutting grit to finishing grit.
Can you replace rotted wood on a boat?
Its very rewarding to replace old rotted sections of your boat with new material that will last. Unfortunately the historic patina the wood takes after being exposed to the air is not present and can produce an undesirable contrast. While some of this will be covered by varnish a bit of stain can help the wood match.
Is a wood canoe stronger than a fiberglass canoe?
Popular to common belief wood canoes are incredibly strong and easy to repair. They generally weigh about the same as fiberglass canoes and if stored properly can be kept in mint condition longer than other construction methods as they are more easily refurbished.
Can you make an instructable out of a canvas canoe?
Skinning a canvas canoe could make a great Instructable all on its own! The canvas is folded in two and placed between a set of two-by-fours at each end so that it can be pulled taught using a set of come-alongs.
How to remove old canvas?
Remove the stem bands, rub rails and keel thus exposing all fastenings. After these tacks have been removed, the old canvas can be taken off. Repair any damage to the wood.
How to do one canoe?
Specify width and length. 1 Quart, Paint, Enamel. Specify color. When the canvas covering can no longer be kept watertight by painting and patching , and the hull is still sound, it is economical to remove the old canvas and stretch a new covering over the hull.
How to cover a hull with canvas?
In the process of covering the hull with fresh canvas, as much excess material as possible should be left until the fabric is stretched and securely nailed. Begin at the center and stretch, working from side to side toward ends as in the sketch until canvas is smooth all around. Stretch in the direction of arrows as shown. In finishing the ends, the fabric along one side should be stretched over the stem and tacked at about ½” intervals, then the excess material trimmed. Next the fabric on the opposite side should be stretched over the row of tacks just completed and a second nailing are made in the spaces occurring along the first row of tacks. This will result in a continuos row of tacks along the stem closely spaced. The fabric is then trimmed to provide the overlap shown in the detail drawing.
How wide should canvas be?
Canvas should extend about a foot longer than the hull, to provide a good grip for stretching, and should be about 3” wider than the old covering . We have never found any advantage to be derived from gluing the canvas to the hull.
Can you use fiberglass in place of canvas?
Some people prefer to use fiberglass in place of canvas. Ask you local supplier of fiberglass materials for instructions covering the use of these products.
