Rescued 12’ solo from landfill

[Bjager]

Hi everyone. I’m a newbie to the site and to trying to refurbish a cedar strip canoe. I retrieved this beautiful specimen from the local landfill where it was to become firewood. Not sure if it was scratch built or bought at a shop. No markings of any sort on it. I would like add some photos of the boat but not sure how to go about doing that.

[Stephen]

Hello Bjager

There is this post about adding photos but as you will see it is eighteen years old and some parts are out of date.
http://buildersforum.bearmountainboat ... php?t=1150

I'm curious to see this canoe you've found.

Stephen

[Bjager]

Here is a link to some pictures https://photos.app.goo.gl/LTixTAc42BpbpPx86

[Bjager]

Would love to here suggestions on how best to proceed with som restoration.

[Jim Dodd]

WOW ! What a find !

Thanks for the pics. They make it much easier, to give a good response.
I gave your pics a look over. It appears to me it was built with Polyester resin. A sure test is to scratch it, and give it a sniff. If it was Polyester resin, it will have a fiber glass odor. Epoxy , not so much.
If it is Poly ? It will peel away from the wood hull easily with some help from a heat gun. Do this outside, as it's not pleasant.

If it is Epoxy ? A good sanding and recoat with 4 , or 6 oz cloth, and epoxy resin.

The gunnels appear to be glued on. This makes me think it was built with epoxy resin. They look bad enough, I'd replace.

They can be chiseled off.

Again make sure you determine what kind of resin was used.
More advise to follow.

Great find ! A great project for sure ! If you could find the original builder ? A big Plus !

Jim

[Bjager]

Thanks for all the tips Jim. I did a scratch and sniff test and am thinking it’s epoxy resin as the only smell I’m getting is a cedar smell. I would like to replace the gunnels and also the decks. I am assuming the gunnels need to be removed before putting new cloth on.

Bert

[Jim Dodd]

You are welcome Bert.
It depends how far you want to take the restoration.
Check the gunnels for rot or splits. If they look good and solid ? Sand them, and evaluate .
If the hull is built with epoxy ? Give it a good sanding, removing the varnish, down to the glass.
Be careful, but sanding into the weave of the cloth a little won't hurt.
Reglass with 4 or 6 oz cloth, and epoxy resin. Trim the cloth where it meets the gunnels. Don't lap over the gunnels.
You need only glass the outside.
The inside would just need a sanding and varnish.

You will be amazed at how good it will look.

do a search of this site, on how to glass, and fill the weave of the cloth.

Good Luck !
I'm sure you will have more questions. Keep them coming !

Jim