I've just begun restoring a 1924 16' Old Town wood/canvas canoe and my question is, how much space should I allow between the planking? Thanks !

Go with the original plank size - usually 4" on OT. The old planks have probably shrunk considerably, leaving what looks like a big gap. When you oil the plank, they will swell and when the canoe is in the water for a few days, it will really swell. If you make the gaps to tight, especially in the bottom, there will be no room for swelling to occur and the planks will buckle & crack.

Good luck

Thanks for your response!! It has, however, generated a new question. When you say the planks will swell considerably once in the water, can you elaborate?? That is, after the canvas has been applied or, wetting prior to attaching to ribs? I hope that's clear!?
Thanks again!!
Greg

I meant when the canoe is used, it will absorb water into the cells of the planking and cause them to swell.

If you have to replace ribs, you should do it before you re-plank.

If you haven't found it already, the Wooden Heritage Canoe Association discussion forums offer a tremendous wealth of restoration information.

I meant when the canoe is used, it will absorb water into the cells of the planking and cause them to swell.

If you have to replace ribs, you should do it before you re-plank.

If you haven't found it already, the Wooden Heritage Canoe Association discussion forums offer a tremendous wealth of restoration information. http://whca.org

A "Rule of Thumb", from the "way backs", was to use a nickle. That came from good ol' Uncle Abe, from lower New York state,on my dads' side. He didn't want to get into a canoe that wasn't Wood & Canvas. He fixed 'em, He built 'em. When we used my Herters 18' Fiberglass & cast aluminum, he would grump and complain continually, or at least until he picked up a two or three pound bass on a flyrod and deer hair miller.

I've used the nickle and it seems to work.