Repair Story

“Old Town Canoe”

A few years ago a friend came to me asking if I would be could do some restoration work on her fathers canoe.I was very interested and short while later it arrived at my shop. My only condition was that I got to take it out for its first paddle after the work was done

My first step was to see what I could find out about its history. To do this I contacted the Wooden Boat Heritage Society and sent them the serial number. A short while later I received an email back with a copy of the original build record for this canoe. It was constructed by Old Town in July-August 1914 and was shipped to the Edward J. Triton Company in Philadelphia in 1915. For its age it was in great shape.

To start the repair first I carefully removed the outer gunnels & canvas.This canoe also had a top cap that I very carefully removed as I did want to re install it later. Then I accessed the damage to the wooden structure. This included several broken planks & ribs. Also part of the stems would have to be replaced. All in all not to bad.

Once this was done it was time to put on a new canvas. This is my favorite step in the process but also the one that takes the most time

To finish off I reinstalled the outer, top gunnels, keel & brass stem bands. Finally the day came to put back in the water. This was done on the Roseway river near home. Slipping it back into the water was an exhilarating experience. Knowing that this canoe had such a long history it was a honor to have the chance to bring new life back to it and taking it out for a paddle is a experience that I will remember for a long time.”

It is my hope that I can bring new life back into your canoe

like I was able to for this one.

Canoe Shelburne - Repair & Restoration Service

Serving NS, NB, PEI & NFLD