Michael's Canoe, JASON
Background
Michael picked up his canoe from an older gentleman about 8 years ago. The gentleman was getting to the point in life where he wanted to pass the canoe on to another paddler who would enjoy it as much as he did. There had already been a number of repairs made to the hull which indicates a lot of adventures (or perhaps misadventures).
Since changing owners, the canoe has paddled the Ottawa, Rideau rivers while following the geocache routes along the Jock River.
Michael wants to restore this canoe in honour of his son, Jason, who passed away from a stroke. This will be his memory of his son so everytime he goes for a canoe, Jason will be there with him.
I have not worked with Scott canoes before but looking at the older decels on the side and the info plate, I think this canoe may be 30 years old?
I found this information from the Canadian Canoe Routes website.
Manufacturer's Description:
The 16' Whitewater is a versatile tandem design offering outstanding river-running performance. This lively canoe is fun to paddle in whitewater yet shows surprising speed and control on flat water. The hull widens quite quickly just aft of the bow for incredible buoyancy in waves and choppy water. Dry, stable and user friendly, best describe the Scott Whitewater
Specifications:
Length: 16'-0", Width: 36", Centre Depth: 14", Bow / Stern Height: 21.5", Weight: 67 lb. (Fiberglass), Weight: 56 lb.(Kevlar), Weight: 48 lb. (Exp. Kevlar), Capacity: 940 lb.
Restoration
My main focus for this canoe will be to repair the old kevlar patches, replace the aluminum yolk with a wood one, and paint the exterior hull classic red.
I am starting with the exterior hull and identifying areas with deep scratch lines. I will apply gel coat to these areas in hopes to give the canoe more smooth exterior. The canoe will eventually be painted red so I am using a red gel coat colour.
Kevlar Patch Day!
I find the process of patching very therapeutic. I gives me a chance to focus my attention and work methodically.
Using 150 grit sandpaper, I will feather the edges to blend with the hull. I will also be painting the interior grey so I am not too worried about the colours not matching.
I removed the thwart and yolk. For the thwart, I bent it back as best I could. The tubular aluminium definitely provides strength but is tough to bend without adding stress to the material.
Michael provided a wooden yolk to replace the existing aluminium one. Attaching the new wood yolk was a bit of a dilemma for me as I wasn't sure how to anchor it to the canoe. I decided the best way would be to cut the old yolk, flatten the tube part and use this as my bracket.
The stern keel has proved to be a bit of a conundrum. The old kevlar fill has worn away and created a bit of a cavity. I decided the best way to solve this problem was to belike a dentist. I drilled out all the broken parts and filled the gap with a Marine Epoxy.
Lesson 159: Make Sure To Spray Wash the Canoe First
After I applied gelcoat to the outer hull and put the Kevlar patches in place, I spray washed the canoe to prepare it for painting. But... after a good rinse I could see more spots I missed. So, back to the gel coat and one more Kevlar patch.
First coat of paint...
I applied 3 coats of paint to the outer hull. With restrictions to stores, it has been a challenge to get the supplies I need to finish the project but with the help of Createincolour, I was able to get the decal in place.
I feel connected to the canoes I work with. I admit, when they leave I feel a bit of meloncoly. Their stories drift through my thoughts as I work out the next details and when the work is done, its time to let it go. What a privilege I get to be part of the continuing story. I hope you have many days with Jason paddling the rivers around Ottawa looking for that next cache :)
