Stern Stem and planking - part 2 (7-30-08)

Before and after. I replaced parts of 6 planks and part of the stem from just above the water line and up. Here the new planks are secured to the new stem and the end has been sanded flat in order for the canvas to have a 1/2" or so surface to be nailed to.

Pictures of Deck (7-30-08)

Before and After Restoration of the stern deck and stems. The stains are just linseed oil that I applied to the inside edges...the whole canoe will be wiped down with it but the edges had to be done now since they will not be exposed again. It will look uniform eventually.

Planking and stems (7-28-08)

Top, Obtaining some outwale mahongany

Bottom, Erin and I buying mahogany for the
outwales at Jeffries Woodworks














Both stems are INSTALLED! Ye haw! I did not like the stern stem so I removed it and created a new one...its that first child OCD perfectionist thing. Anyway, the one I had installed would have been fine but I wanted one better. So I lamenated several 1/4" layers of white ash together with epoxy and allowed it to set for a few days. I had to bend the ash over a mold (which I also had to create) and left it to dry. Now it is installed (with epoxy and nails). Next I installed some planking to the area where the big hole was. The white cedar is so light weight and flexible! Lastly I shaped three ribs. On Tuesday of last week I noticed THREE MORE broken ribs. Ahhhhhhhhhh! Now I have to order three more rib stock and shape them.

The stern turned out marvelous! Anna, you will like it! I had to replace the rotten stem, split planking and had to do some restoration of the deck plate and two inwale tips. I will put the pictures here I hope tonight. I will do the same thing to the bow (stem, planking, deck plate and inwale tips.

Here is the cool thing...I was able to use salvagable pieces of the outwale to make the stern and bow inwale tips and the ends of the deck plates since all the wood is the same (appears to be all mahogany). The Old Towne designation "AA" grade means the owner ordered the best grade of wood to trim the canoe with. In this instance he wanted it to be mahogany. Anna has a nice canoe. AA grade. So once it is restored it will have salvaged pieces used and not thrown away.

My plan this week is to bend the three ribs I have prepared and I hope to install them. I need to order more planking, more ribs and buy some stripper because after the ribs and planking are finished I will take the boat outside and strip the 50 year old varnish. I have to do that not for aesthetics but to cover the canoe with linseed oil. See, linseed oil soaks into the wood and creates a more flexible (less brittle) hull and is a great wood preservative.

Good stuff! This canoe will be beautiful! 32 hours so far in the effort. Dad-gum this is fun!

New Stems Installed (7-4-08)

The new stem in the mold after bending. I left it there about 3 days. Here is a picture of it installed. I had to do a small scarf/end joint with epoxy to join the new ash stem to the not-rotten portion of the existing stem. I will allow the epoxy to cure for about a week so it will harden properly before I do any sanding. I nailed the stem planking to the new stem as well today. Now we wait for it to cure good and hard.

I received my order from Northwoods Canoe Co. in Maine yesterday. In it was canvas, northern white cedar planks, ribs and assorted other goodies. Once the stems are good and joined I will flip the canoe and replank the broken holes with new wood. Next I will probably strip the old varnish and then coat the inside with linseed oil.