Any tips on re-finishing a 30-year old canvas-covered cedar-stip canoe? I've heard it both ways now, to soak it first to see if that resolves the problem (it's been sitting dry for a few years now....), and to varnish it first so the soaking doesn't ruin the old wood.

Can I just put a fresh coat of spar varnish on it without stripping it, assuming there's no major problems with it?

Can you give us more of an idea what the possible problems are? You're original post kind of hints that it might be sinking on you when you put it in the water, but that's not totally clear.

How does the canvas look? Is it in good shape, or does it have obvious cracks?
Any broken ribs or planks?
Any obvious rot in the wood? The stems are a common place for rot to start.

One great online resource is the Wooden Canoe Heritage Association -http://www.wcha.org/

___________________________
No your other left!
www.loonislandoutdoors.com

Lots of experience and advice can be found in the "Boat Design and Construction" forum on CCR.

http://www.myccr.com/SectionForums/viewforum.php?f=49




Barbara

Oh, and I forgot...

photos really are worth a thousand words, and will give the folks a


clearer picture


of the situation.


LOL




Barbara

Hi Cindi,

Depends on the condition of the canvas. Here is how I would address this.

Is the canvas in good order - no rips tears etc. then I would put the canoe in the water and paddle it around if it is leaking slowly. This should swell the wood and tighten it up. Please note this may take some time for the wood to swell.

If this slows the leaks you are making progress. If not examine for any other possible places for water to enter. Specifically - remove the keel (assuming the canoe has one).

Check the conditions of the screws etc. Replace keel and use 3m Marine sealant in all of the screw holes and along the keel. If none of this works you have a problem with the canvas and should consider replacing it.

Varnish will not keep out water and should be confined to the interior.