03/31/2026
RESTORATION OF A 24’ RIVER CANOE
(Manufacturer Unknown)
The 24’ River Canoe we restored recently was a BIG job, not only because of its physical size, but due to the extent of work required to bring her back to a “like new” condition.
As you can see it the photos, this canoe arrived in a very well used condition. After too many fishing trips to count it was time for this beauty to receive some much needed TLC.
First order of business was to remove the old finishes from the interior of the hull, and remove the fibreglass from the hull in any areas that required repair work. Once all the wood requiring attention was exposed we could begin the repair and restoration work required.
TRANSOM REPLACEMENT
A very big part of this restoration job was to address a leaky transom which had plenty of rot setting in, and a few cracks. Not only was this a major site for water intrusion when in use, but the transom was becoming structurally unsound.
Once all the brackets and seats were removed from the rear of the canoe, we could carefully remove the transom. Once out, we were able to use the original as a template to cut a new one.
After dry fitting the new transom and support brackets into the canoe, we stained the wood (to match the original components) and sealed the wood with varnish. It was then installed into the canoe.
REBUILDING THE REAR 10’
With the new transom in place we could then get to work on replacing all the broken planking and ribs. The entire rear 10’ of this canoe was replaced entirely with new materials including a new stern seat. All of which received colour matching stain to blend the new with the older components remaining for a cohesive look throughout.
RIB REPAIRS
A common issue seen in rib & plank constructed canoes is rotten rib tips and rotten planking along the shear line. In order to stop the rot from continuing to spread and to ensure maximum strength for the gunwales to attach to, it was time to make some repairs.
KEEL & KEELSON REPAIR/REPLACEMENT
The inner keelson was rotted away at bow and stern of this canoe. The Keel was rotten at the rear 10’ of the canoe. The majority of it, both interior and exterior, through the centre of the canoe was solid, so only the front and rear portion was replaced respectively.
ANCHOR CLEAT
The cleat used to secure the rope for the anchor was broken and we were asked to make a replacement for it. The customer requested this be a wooden piece.
INTERIOR REFINISHING
Once all repair work was completed, it was time to restore the appearance of the canoe. All new components were stained a colour to compliment the original wood for a cohesive look. Once staining was completed the entire interior hull and all other wood components (seats, gunwales and decks)received multiple coats of varnish.
FIBERGLASS
Normally we would replace the entire covering of a canoe, but in this case the fibreglass itself was still in good condition. By only removing what we had to for repair purposes, we were able to save our customer some money. We did paint the entire hull for a polished, cohesive finish.
NEW OUTER GUNWALES
The outer gunwales of this canoe were rotten in some areas and had multiple breaks from bow to stern. The best solution was to replace them instead of splicing in multiple places for maximum strength and longevity.
KEEL CAP
The rivers in New Brunswick are rocky and shallow. These river canoes are the go to vessel for getting anglers to their fishing holes…but they do take a beating on occasion. Our customer thought it would be nice to add an extra bit of protection by covering the keel with either metal or plastic. We were able to source the material that potato farmers use on the bottom of harvesting equipment to help glide over the fields…makes sense to us. It’s a very hard wearing material that slides more easily than metal or wood over rocks and dirt…time will tell if this is the way to go and we hope to be able to share that with you.
FINAL TOUCHES
After all the paints and varnishes had dried it was time to reinstall the seats, all the brackets, cup holders and custom fitted transom plate.
Once the costumer gets their new anchor back from fabrication it will be installed on the bow of the canoe, just in time for the annual spring fishing trip. 🎣
