Northern Ireland Outdoors Forum - Hiking, camping and more

Outdoor Activities => Northern Ireland Canoeing and Watersports => Topic started by: Dowser on September 30, 2011

Title: My Winter Project - Restoring a Canadian Canoe
Post by: Dowser on September 30, 2011
When the clocks go back and it gets all dark and gloomy, we all need a Winter Project to get us through until daylight returns, so this year I've decided upon the restoration of a Fibre Glass Canadian Canoe.

If all goes to plan my winter project will hopefully become my Spring/Summer entertainment, exploring the offerings of Strangford Lough and anywhere else I can get her launched without being chased  ::)

So here she is as I found her... Neglected and abandoned, just crying out for a bit of TLC

(http://i.imgur.com/w8WX6.jpg)


Couple of ratchet straps and some string and she's loaded and ready for the road.

(http://i.imgur.com/t9PfE.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/SAMfS.jpg)


The journey home was extremely nerve wracking.  The roof rack I was using was originally bought to carry a 3kg Custom Surfboard on the roof of my VW Scirocco 15yrs ago.  Not a 16ft 35kg lump ???

A bit of tinkering and it seemed to be fairly secure.  Sure, if the roof rack gave way there was always the bit of string to hold it in place!!!

Might have to consider an upgrade to the roof rack when I get her restored.

(http://i.imgur.com/dHh6a.jpg)


Phew... Arrived home safely.  Just time for a change of underwear and a cup of tea before setting off again to deliver her to the workshop

(http://i.imgur.com/t9PfE.jpg)


Unfortunately the workshop she is destined to spend her winter in is on the other side of Strangford Lough, so it was another precarious 40 minute drive via the Strangford Ferry to get there  >:(

(http://i.imgur.com/ALOFu.jpg)


Ahh... Sign of relief.  Got there in one piece.  Now the work can begin.  Just need another quick change of underwear!!!

(http://i.imgur.com/cWJ6J.jpg)


I've decided I'm going to strip her right back to the original Fibre Glass because there is about 15 layers of flaking paint and a few, not so solid looking, repair jobs carried out on the hull over the years. 

I am also going to remove the previous fibreglass repairs because some of them are quite lose and I really want to find out what is lurking underneath.  I don't fancy finding out while bobbing about in the middle of Strangford Lough.

So the stripping process begins:

(http://i.imgur.com/ObnNw.jpg)


Oh... And if anybody has taken offence at me referring to the Canadian as "She" up to now, there has been a very good reason for it.  It's because she is actually called "Diane", as I found out after removing numerous layers of paint from the bow.  Not a name I would have picked for a Canadian but it's unlucky to change the name of a boat, so Diane it is  ;)

(http://i.imgur.com/9Rcoc.jpg)


Ok... That's all for now folks.  Stay tuned for the exciting progress on the Great Fibre Glass Canadian Canoe Restoration Project or GFGCCRP for short  :D

I will try and keep a picture diary running here for anybody who is interested.  It could literally be like watching paint dry, but fail or succeed somebody may draw inspiration from it.

If anybody has any tips, ideas or recommendations for Fibre Glass supplies etc etc please let me know.  All input will be appreciated as I've only dabbled with Fibreglass in the past (Sounds Painful, I know) and I'm completely new to Canoeing.

I have a couple of ideas for modifying Diane but I'll keep them to myself for now to add to the excitement lol

8)



Title: Re: My Winter Project - Restoring a Canadian Canoe
Post by: twentyclicks on September 30, 2011
Great project. Will look forward to the updates.

Aside: What engine is in your car to be doing that speed at such low revs (with Diane on the roof)? I take it you photoshopped the clocks for fun and legal reasons...

...my old scirocco would have been flat out in top.
Title: Re: My Winter Project - Restoring a Canadian Canoe
Post by: Dowser on September 30, 2011
Quote from: twentyclicks on September 30, 2011
Great project. Will look forward to the updates.

Aside: What engine is in your car to be doing that speed at such low revs (with Diane on the roof)? I take it you photoshopped the clocks for fun and legal reasons...

...my old scirocco would have been flat out in top.

Good Man Twenty... I did Photoshop that to see if there were any eagle eyed members out there.  I was lucky to get over 25mph on the way home.  It was kinda windy that day too.  I pulled in about 10 times to let people past being the considerate road user I am.  I knew that pesky rev counter would give it away  :D
Title: Re: My Winter Project - Restoring a Canadian Canoe
Post by: twentyclicks on September 30, 2011
I can be an observant fellow when not trying to look for anything.
Title: Re: My Winter Project - Restoring a Canadian Canoe
Post by: Gerry on September 30, 2011
Looking forward to this project.
Title: Re: My Winter Project - Restoring a Canadian Canoe
Post by: LennyJ1 on September 30, 2011
lol I noticed the speed aswell and thought how the hell is he doing that?  :D
Title: Re: My Winter Project - Restoring a Canadian Canoe
Post by: Damp Colin on September 30, 2011
That sounds like a great wee project. If your looking for info, photo's or advice on restoring open boats "song of the paddle" is a great site for all open boating related queries.
Title: Re: My Winter Project - Restoring a Canadian Canoe
Post by: Dowser on September 30, 2011
Quote from: Damp Colin on September 30, 2011
That sounds like a great wee project. If your looking for info, photo's or advice on restoring open boats "song of the paddle" is a great site for all open boating related queries.

Thanks Damp Colin... I'll defo check it out  :)
Title: Re: My Winter Project - Restoring a Canadian Canoe
Post by: LandyLiam on September 30, 2011
I don't remember it looking that bad  :o must be your shiny car, it looked just right on my battered up land rover  ;D
Title: Re: My Winter Project - Restoring a Canadian Canoe
Post by: LandyLiam on October 12, 2011
well hows the resto going? with all this rain lately we could be needing noahs ark  ;D

here's a wee roofrack might suit you sir
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Handirack-Roof-Racks-Inflatable-System/dp/B000ZJ2IVK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1318414133&sr=8-1

just make sure you read the reviews about scratching the roof  :o can be avoided if careful
Title: Re: My Winter Project - Restoring a Canadian Canoe
Post by: Dowser on October 12, 2011
Quote from: LandyLiam on October 12, 2011
well hows the resto going? with all this rain lately we could be needing noahs ark  ;D

here's a wee roofrack might suit you sir
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Handirack-Roof-Racks-Inflatable-System/dp/B000ZJ2IVK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1318414133&sr=8-1

just make sure you read the reviews about scratching the roof  :o can be avoided if careful

Restoration is proceeding slowly due to the amount of free time I have available but it is a winter project so I'll not panic just yet, as it is only the start of October I suppose  :P

I'm glad I decided to strip the hull right back because I have found some pretty major holes and cracks which are going to need some careful repair work to make her fit for the water again.

Some of the damage is minor and will be easily repaired but in certain places there seems to be very little holding Diane together.  There are two major cracks directly opposite each other on the sides of the hull which if were not attended to would almost certainly spread and the canoe would just split in two  :o

There is nothing that cannot be repaired and reinforced and I plan to spend this weekend finishing off stripping the hull before working out my plan of attack for making the hull sound.

It has been like Time Team at times as the more layers I remove the more history is discovered.

It turns out that Diane is a Gatz Mohawk first came to market in the year that I was born (1975).  I believe that technically means she is a classic lol

Lots of info about Gatz Canoes can be found here: http://www.secure.kanu-gatz.de/index.php?id=9&lang=e and are still in production today, albeit with more modern materials.

Here's a few pics of where I am at right now and some of the damage that needs to be repaired:

                                                                    (http://i.imgur.com/cXe0m.gif) (http://imgur.com/cXe0m)

(http://i.imgur.com/TLckd.jpg) (http://imgur.com/TLckd)

(http://i.imgur.com/Oxcln.jpg) (http://imgur.com/Oxcln)

(http://i.imgur.com/rsZZy.jpg) (http://imgur.com/rsZZy)

(http://i.imgur.com/evT1s.jpg) (http://imgur.com/evT1s)

(http://i.imgur.com/wtJU2.jpg) (http://imgur.com/wtJU2)

(http://i.imgur.com/yDIv4.jpg) (http://imgur.com/yDIv4)

(http://i.imgur.com/e8e0g.jpg) (http://imgur.com/e8e0g)

So... Bit of work still to be done but I'm gonna take my time, do it right and hopefully end up with a decent wee canoe for exploring Strangford Lough.
Title: Re: My Winter Project - Restoring a Canadian Canoe
Post by: suspectmonkey on October 12, 2011
Quote from: Dowser on September 30, 2011
I did Photoshop that to see if there were any eagle eyed members out there.  I was lucky to get over 25mph on the way home.

I reckon you're just saying that for legal reasons... truth is you were doing over the ton with the clutch in ;D

Nice project, looking forward to seeing how it progresses!
Title: Re: My Winter Project - Restoring a Canadian Canoe
Post by: VMCC on October 12, 2011
I'm only catching up with this thread now...dunno how I missed it! Looking forward to seeing the project completed and the photo diary up until then.
Title: Re: My Winter Project - Restoring a Canadian Canoe
Post by: Craigy123 on January 27, 2012
If your gel coating this give me a shout. I get it well reduced from my work.
Title: Re: My Winter Project - Restoring a Canadian Canoe
Post by: Dowser on January 28, 2012
Quote from: Craigy123 on January 27, 2012
If your gel coating this give me a shout. I get it well reduced from my work.

Wish I had known that... I bought all my fibre glassing gear and pre-mixed coloured gelcoat/topcoat a few months back  :(

I had hoped to have the Gatz Mohawk, aka Diane, near finished by now, but I ended up having to sit exams and also the weather turned quite cold and damp, which isn't ideal for glassing and gel coating.

If you work with Fibre Glass then I might come a knocking for some friendly advice.  I have a fair idea of what I am doing, but I would never turn down a bit of input from somebody who's in the know.

Thanks

8)
Title: Re: My Winter Project - Restoring a Canadian Canoe
Post by: Craigy123 on January 28, 2012
I'll get a chat to you on saturday night/ sunday. All the stuff I work with is GRP based. I've had to fix my jet ski too when my friend didnt see a wall....  ???
Title: Re: My Winter Project - Restoring a Canadian Canoe
Post by: Dowser on February 10, 2012
Now that we have a date pencilled in for a trip to Salt Island (http://www.ni-wild.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=342.msg31420#msg31420) I thought I would post an update on my Winter Project. (http://www.ni-wild.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=2481.0)

Truth be told, the restoration work did grind to a halt over the last couple of months due to the freezing cold weather and exam commitments, but exams have all been passed and I now have the canoe at home where I can keep it warm, dry and in the perfect environment for Fibre Glassing.

I brought it home last week and have been repairing one hole a night for the last few nights and I have even got my centreboard modification installed.

Topper Centre Board

(http://i.imgur.com/vvdee.jpg)

I have always found Fibreglass really cool to work with and I am doing all the repairs from the inside of the hull so that the outside will be as smooth as glass by the time I'm done.  The previous repairs were carried out from the outside and the fibreglass looked like it had been thrown at it from a great distance  :-\

(http://i.imgur.com/HIosn.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/uhili.jpg)


Making the centreboard column was interesting.  I am using the centerboard/daggerboard from a Topper sailing dinghy.  It is an excellent shape, solid, and should do the job intended very nicely.

I first made the column shell by wrapping the centreboard in cling film, which Fibreglass doesn't adhere too, and then made applied a thin layer of Glass matting over that.  When set hard the centreboard slid out a treat and I was able to cut a hole in the hull using it as a stencil and then Fibre Glass it into place and make it a lot thicker.

Don't be concerned about the height of the centre column in the pictures... It will be coming up through a third centre seat, that I am making out of hardwood, and then it will be trimmed down flush with the seat.

(http://i.imgur.com/58Vv2.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/IhMm9.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/Tj6vi.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/5pYn1.jpg)

I've also designed and ordered up decals for the Bow and Stern.  As the Gatz Mohawk has quite a Red Indian shape and feel to it I have decided to keep this going with the graphics. The background colour in the designs is very similar to the actual colour of the new Gelcoat that will be finishing off the outer surface of the hull.

(http://i.imgur.com/EvmXM.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/CP78j.jpg)

This has been an awesome project so far, with plenty of challenges to overcome, and I busting to get it out for it's maiden voyage, but still lots to do as you can see.  She is a bit further on than she looks in the photo's but my battery in my camera died last night so I don't have any pics that are bang up to date  :(

I'm aiming to have the Hull finished by next weekend, and sanded smooth as glass, then the following weekend I will be applying the Gelcoat/Topcoat.

The last thing to do will be apply the Graphics and get her tested before the Salt Island Adventure :D
Title: Re: My Winter Project - Restoring a Canadian Canoe
Post by: hud on February 10, 2012
Don't fancy restoring a wee wooden one next Dowser??!? I have one floating round needing a bit of TLC!
Title: Re: My Winter Project - Restoring a Canadian Canoe
Post by: Dowser on February 10, 2012
Quote from: hud on February 10, 2012
Don't fancy restoring a wee wooden one next Dowser??!? I have one floating round needing a bit of TLC!

Floating around... Nice Pun  ;)

I could be tempted.  If you have any photos let me know and I will pm you my email address.
Title: Re: My Winter Project - Restoring a Canadian Canoe
Post by: twentyclicks on February 10, 2012
This is coming on great. I love that the hall has become a workshop: a hull in a hall to mend the holes  :D
Title: Re: My Winter Project - Restoring a Canadian Canoe
Post by: Dowser on February 10, 2012
Quote from: twentyclicks on February 10, 2012
This is coming on great. I love that the hall has become a workshop: a hull in a hall to mend the holes  :D

It doesn't take Sherlock to deduce that I'm not married, and if I was I wouldn't be for long lol  ;D
Title: Re: My Winter Project - Restoring a Canadian Canoe
Post by: LandyLiam on February 10, 2012
Quote
The previous repairs were carried out from the outside and the fibreglass looked like it had been thrown at it from a great distance

well i didn't plan on using it for speed events  8)
Title: Re: My Winter Project - Restoring a Canadian Canoe
Post by: Dowser on March 11, 2012
Time for a quick update as we seem to have a few canoe based outings coming up in the not too distant future  :)

Loads of progress made this week surprisingly as I've had the busiest week of work ever.  Got the Mast Step fitted, Seats, Centreboard Housing and Upper Mast Support made from reclaimed solid oak floor boards, Mail Sail adapted and all fibre glassing complete, including a reinforced kevlar floor.

In pictures it looks a bit like this:

The Indoor Workshop
(http://i.imgur.com/aIEE3.jpg)

Mail Sail from an Optimist Sailing Dinghy before adapting it
(http://i.imgur.com/is5LV.jpg)

Mast Step made from Mahogany and fibre glassed into position.
(http://i.imgur.com/QKuGE.jpg)

The reclaimed Oak Floorboards (Hope my Land Lord isn't following this thread  ;))
(http://i.imgur.com/3VmEw.jpg)

Clamping the boards together with Epoxy Resin to make them wider
(http://i.imgur.com/mmqPy.jpg)

The Centreboard Housing in progress
(http://i.imgur.com/966zR.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/mD1iw.jpg)

Centreboard Housing constructed and all edges smoothed.  Don't want any bruised/punctured legs
(http://i.imgur.com/gNJnb.jpg)

The Mail Sail professionally adapted and sown by Twentyclicks Sister.  Huge big thanks to Twenty for organising it and his sister for actually doing the hard bit so excellently.
(http://i.imgur.com/q4tqG.jpg)

The Mast/Boom Connection.  The mast is a Fibreglass Sailboard Mast and the Boom is a Laser Spinnaker Pole fitted with a 55mm Plastimo Rowlock.
(http://i.imgur.com/RSn8h.jpg)

The Solid Oak wood work
(http://i.imgur.com/F3amo.jpg)

From Top to Bottom
Centre Board Housing
Upper Mast Support
Rear Seat
Front Seat

(http://i.imgur.com/O1Mi8.jpg)

Centre Board Housing in position.  Centre Board column will be levelled flush with the wood once installed.
(http://i.imgur.com/MrwWV.jpg)

How it's looking at the mo with wood work just set in position prior to painting
(http://i.imgur.com/bO8Pt.jpg)

In this pic you can see three stainless steel bolts descending from the front cross bar. These will hold the Upper Mast Support.  The Cross Bar has been reinforced substantially to take the pressure.
(http://i.imgur.com/jk3KK.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/yCCqO.jpg)

To Do List
1. Final Smoothing of Outer Hull
2. Gel Coat Outer Hull
3. Deck Paint Hull's Interior
4. Apply Decals
5. Install Rigging (Mail Sail Sheet and Kicking Strap and Rope to attach Main Sail to top of Mast.
6. Source two Wooden Paddles
7. Launch
8. Enjoy


Title: Re: My Winter Project - Restoring a Canadian Canoe
Post by: Spud on March 11, 2012
Good work dowser look forward to seeing the finished article!
Title: Re: My Winter Project - Restoring a Canadian Canoe
Post by: Mourneman on March 11, 2012
Brilliant job Dowser,Looking forward to seeing it in the water ;D
Title: Re: My Winter Project - Restoring a Canadian Canoe
Post by: Kayakgirl on March 11, 2012
Wow its looking fab!
Title: Re: My Winter Project - Restoring a Canadian Canoe
Post by: Al Fresco on March 11, 2012
Fantastic work Dowser, hope to see it at the Salt island trip.
Where do you get your fibreglass and other kit for repairs from?
I have a few fibreglass kayaks to repair.
Title: Re: My Winter Project - Restoring a Canadian Canoe
Post by: Dowser on March 11, 2012
Quote from: Al Fresco on March 11, 2012
Fantastic work Dowser, hope to see it at the Salt island trip.
Where do you get your fibreglass and other kit for repairs from?
I have a few fibreglass kayaks to repair.

I'm sooooo looking forward to the Salt Island trip. Been talking about it for years but never had a Canoe up till now.

These guys here are fantastic.  They are local, extremely helpful and will deliver to your door for £5, if your not able to collect from Newry.

http://www.fibreglassdirect.co.uk/

Title: Re: My Winter Project - Restoring a Canadian Canoe
Post by: Al Fresco on March 11, 2012
Cheers, thanks for that.
I think salt island will be good craic, looking forward to it.
Title: Re: My Winter Project - Restoring a Canadian Canoe
Post by: Dowser on March 24, 2012
Latest Update - A few pictures of the Canoe with the sail hoisted and the Centreboard in place.

(http://i.imgur.com/a6kFM.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/Xw6PY.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/nas9y.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/EznDI.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/hRdFS.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/yx25i.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/C1tkn.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/EnWPy.jpg)

And yes, I still have to Gel-Coat the outside and paint the inside  :(
Title: Re: My Winter Project - Restoring a Canadian Canoe
Post by: Mourneman on March 24, 2012
Looking good mate,when will it be finished?
Title: Re: My Winter Project - Restoring a Canadian Canoe
Post by: Dowser on March 24, 2012
Quote from: Mourneman on March 24, 2012
Looking good mate,when will it be finished?

Hopefully ship shape in three weeks.  Gonna finish preparing the hull for painting this week, then I'm off to Lanzarote for a week, then the following week she will be finished and taken on her maiden voyage  :)
Title: Re: My Winter Project - Restoring a Canadian Canoe
Post by: LandyLiam on March 24, 2012
i'll maybe stay on shore, purely to take pictures  ::) or maybe get a wee video for you've been framed  ;D  i hope your painting it yellow again (it'll be easier to find underwater!)
Title: Re: My Winter Project - Restoring a Canadian Canoe
Post by: Dowser on March 24, 2012
Quote from: LandyLiam on March 24, 2012
i'll maybe stay on shore, purely to take pictures  ::) or maybe get a wee video for you've been framed  ;D  i hope your painting it yellow again (it'll be easier to find underwater!)

O ye of little faith, but if you do get any footage for You've Been Framed I want 50%  ;)
Title: Re: My Winter Project - Restoring a Canadian Canoe
Post by: LandyLiam on March 24, 2012
only if you don't drown  :D
Title: Re: My Winter Project - Restoring a Canadian Canoe
Post by: velvetmonkey on June 14, 2012
Hi Dowser,

Have you had a chance to lauch her yet?
Title: Re: My Winter Project - Restoring a Canadian Canoe
Post by: Dowser on June 14, 2012
Quote from: velvetmonkey on June 14, 2012
Hi Dowser,

Have you had a chance to lauch her yet?

It's the big launch weekend this weekend, weather permitting.  To be honest, even if the weather is awful she's getting her bum wet.

Top Coated the whole thing last weekend and she has come up nice.  Going to spend the next couple of evenings adding the finishing touches and varnishing my paddle (and that's NOT and innuendo lol).

It was like Christmas for me last week with the arrival of Buoyancy Bags, Rigging (For when I sail her), New Life Jackets and of course my ultimate hobo stove which is probably going to be used for the first time on an island overnighter on Strangford Lough.

I've been holding back on posting any more photo's until I get her sitting just right with her new decals an all  ;)

I have to admit, she's looking really well, in my opinion anyway  ::)

Oh, okay then... Here's a sneak preview:

(http://i.imgur.com/3gCm5.jpg)
Title: Re: My Winter Project - Restoring a Canadian Canoe
Post by: Dowser on June 17, 2012
What a weekend of awful weather but the sun came out in Killyleagh today between 3pm and 5pm so I headed for the shore and finally converted my Winter Project into a new hobby!!!

My first outing was excellent and the canoe handles very very well both paddling and sailing.  Bit nervous sailing it for the first time as I had a few spectators loitering about but it handled as well as any sailing dinghy I've ever been in so I'm well pleased.

I'm going to give it a few more sea trials, in varying weather conditions, then its off Island Hoping in Strangford for me.  If anybody fancies an Island camp then I'm now good to go  8)

Here's a few pics of the finished article.  None of me actually paddling or sailing it yet because I wasn't leaving my camera with a 5 year old at the waters edge but hopefully get a few action shots next time out:

(http://i.imgur.com/BrVQS.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/Wrvfp.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/KClDI.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/GGCSa.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/WTqFe.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/IHBTt.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/g4kvY.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/gXyKN.jpg)

All in all a very successful launch  ;D
Title: Re: My Winter Project - Restoring a Canadian Canoe
Post by: Mourneman on June 17, 2012
 ;D pure class Dowser,must say you did a first rate job restoring it,look forward to seen what adventures you get up to !
Title: Re: My Winter Project - Restoring a Canadian Canoe
Post by: Dowser on June 17, 2012
Quote from: Mourneman on June 17, 2012
;D pure class Dowser,must say you did a first rate job restoring it,look forward to seen what adventures you get up to !

Thanks Mourneman... I am really really pleased with the way it has turned out.  I'm also surprised at how steady she is in the water, even without the centre board down.  I was out with the two kids for a while and it was so steady and when the centre board was down you could have stood up and paddled it like a gondola  :D

I can see many adventures unfolding with this new toy.  Possibly a lot of fishing too  ;D

PS Mourneman, I'll pm you about that other stuff we were chatting about.  I got distracted putting the finishing touches to the canoe and forgot to reply  :-[
Title: Re: My Winter Project - Restoring a Canadian Canoe
Post by: Kayakgirl on June 18, 2012
Looking good Dowser.. May you have many happy days sailing and paddling your boat.
Title: Re: My Winter Project - Restoring a Canadian Canoe
Post by: RedLeader on June 18, 2012
Looks like an awesome chum, just in time for summer too, what more could you want!
Title: Re: My Winter Project - Restoring a Canadian Canoe
Post by: whoRya on June 18, 2012
Looks fantastic.  Fair play for  having the guts to do a project like that.  Maybe you could post a before and after picture at the end of this thread?
Title: Re: My Winter Project - Restoring a Canadian Canoe
Post by: Rumblebum on June 18, 2012
Yeah Dowser she looks brilliant! So this is the reason you havnt been in the hills then eh :)
Title: Re: My Winter Project - Restoring a Canadian Canoe
Post by: Wolf_Larson on June 19, 2012
What a cracking job mate, well done and have fun on the water mate.
Title: Re: My Winter Project - Restoring a Canadian Canoe
Post by: Dowser on June 19, 2012
Thank you Mourneman, Kayak Girl, WhoRya, Redleader, Rumblebum and Wolf_Larson for your kind words.

Weather permitting, Redleader and I are taking her for another spin this evening so hopefully I'll have a few action photos/videos to post tomorrow.

If anybody fancies a paddle around Strangford then drop me a pm and you would be more than welcome to join me and we can get something organised.

8)
Title: Re: My Winter Project - Restoring a Canadian Canoe
Post by: Kayakgirl on June 19, 2012
Keep me in mind when i get back from the states as I will need to lose a few pounds from all this eating I'm doing!
Title: Re: My Winter Project - Restoring a Canadian Canoe
Post by: Dowser on June 19, 2012
Quote from: Kayakgirl on June 19, 2012
Keep me in mind when i get back from the states as I will need to lose a few pounds from all this eating I'm doing!

Definitely, I'll be looking for a few paddling tips.  I've been following your American dining on Facebook and the food looks awesome...

I couldn't believe the size of that Pork Chop  :o

(http://i.imgur.com/y2wp7.jpg)

I hope you hadn't finished... Those left overs would have fed me for a week!!!

Have a great time Shamara  :)

8)
Title: Re: My Winter Project - Restoring a Canadian Canoe
Post by: Kayakgirl on June 19, 2012
My friend and I shared it although we couldn't finish it. The bone and meat would have made a nice soup but my friend's bro polished them off.
Title: Re: My Winter Project - Restoring a Canadian Canoe
Post by: Dowser on June 20, 2012
Here's a few pictures and videos of the canoe in action last night.  Nothing too exciting yet... Really just to prove she floats and sails for now. 

My first island camp will be arranged for sometime over the next few weeks.  Details/Location will be posted for those who want to join in.

Photographs

(http://i.imgur.com/Y0MaV.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/wl46L.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/2B0oK.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/paa0z.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/CFkPW.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/NqRTd.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/IIN8y.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/1lhWy.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/YxXv1.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/ikii2.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/Jay8P.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/TxZ5X.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/o6Wjs.jpg)

Videos - Click on the image to view video  :)

(http://i.imgur.com/62wA4.jpg) (http://youtu.be/NEunMmWhFfk)

(http://i.imgur.com/Bf8UV.jpg) (http://youtu.be/1KzNO5hIU-g)

8)
Title: Re: My Winter Project - Restoring a Canadian Canoe
Post by: LandyLiam on June 20, 2012
great to see it alive again  :)  is it just me or does anyone else think the front is a bit higher when redleader is in the back of the boat  ::)
Title: Re: My Winter Project - Restoring a Canadian Canoe
Post by: RedLeader on June 20, 2012
I was leaning back  ::)

Quote from: LandyLiam on June 20, 2012
great to see it alive again  :)  is it just me or does anyone else think the front is a bit higher when redleader is in the back of the boat  ::)
Title: Re: My Winter Project - Restoring a Canadian Canoe
Post by: Kayakgirl on June 20, 2012
I was going to say the trim was a tad off lol
Title: Re: My Winter Project - Restoring a Canadian Canoe
Post by: MG1 on June 20, 2012
Looks good mate. You've done a great job. I'd be up for some island camping this summer.
Title: Re: My Winter Project - Restoring a Canadian Canoe
Post by: Oisín on June 20, 2012
So how do you approach travelling in it?

Do you use it as a canoe or more as a sailing boat? Or a bit of both?
Title: Re: My Winter Project - Restoring a Canadian Canoe
Post by: Dowser on June 20, 2012
Quote from: Oisin on June 20, 2012
So how do you approach travelling in it?

Do you use it as a canoe or more as a sailing boat? Or a bit of both?

Bit of both to be honest... The sailing rig can be dropped or raised in less than a minute and sits neatly in the bottom of the boat. If you get tired paddling you pop the sail up and sit back and relax.

The sail was originally intended to be a bit of fun but I can see a 50:50 split between sailing and paddling.

I also think that sailing in heavier winds, when I get used to the handling, could become a sort of extreme sport lol

With plenty of buoyancy bags the odd capsize shouldn't be an issue and will just add to the fun  ;)
Title: Re: My Winter Project - Restoring a Canadian Canoe
Post by: RedLeader on June 20, 2012
Define fun again?  :o :o :o

Quote from: Dowser on June 20, 2012
With plenty of buoyancy bags the odd capsize shouldn't be an issue and will just add to the fun  ;)
Title: Re: My Winter Project - Restoring a Canadian Canoe
Post by: Wolf_Larson on June 21, 2012
Thanks for the pictures, looked like real fun. Did you catch anything ?
Title: Re: My Winter Project - Restoring a Canadian Canoe
Post by: Dowser on June 21, 2012
Quote from: Wolf_Larson on June 21, 2012
Thanks for the pictures, looked like real fun. Did you catch anything ?

We didn't fish for long... Spent more time paddling about.  There were quite strong onshore winds when we first went out and if we stopped paddling for any length of time we were carried inshore to shallow waters very quickly, so conditions weren't ideal.

Next time I go fishing in the canoe I will be using hand lines instead of rods.  The rods are too much hassle and not really necessary because you don't need to cast for mackerel.  So, decent hand lines with a trace of feathers is all I will be using going forward for sea fishing.

8)
Title: Re: My Winter Project - Restoring a Canadian Canoe
Post by: Wolf_Larson on June 21, 2012
Thats a good idea, fishing rodes are a pain. Better fishing the bear grylls way ;D
Title: Re: My Winter Project - Restoring a Canadian Canoe
Post by: Mourneman on June 21, 2012
Boat looks first rate,hand lining mackerel sounds great :)
Title: Re: My Winter Project - Restoring a Canadian Canoe
Post by: fourman on June 21, 2012
looks like good craic, did you get much attention from the bystanders?
i m sure they have never seen a sailing canoe before at edyc. ???
whats your PY number lol .
Title: Re: My Winter Project - Restoring a Canadian Canoe
Post by: Dowser on June 22, 2012
Quote from: fourman on June 21, 2012
looks like good craic, did you get much attention from the bystanders?
i m sure they have never seen a sailing canoe before at edyc. ???
whats your PY number lol .

It is a bit of a novelty for EDYC but everyone seems to be fairly impressed.  I'll be the first to admit it sounded a bit crazy at first (and probably still does) but I paddled over to Dunnyneils tonight for a spot of fish and then sailed her home.  Can't be bad with that  ;)

Look at this for an image of relaxation lol:

(http://i.imgur.com/kXYaa.jpg)

Turns out I can sail big boats too.  Found out this evening we came 1st in the Early Season Cruiser II Class at EDYC so Champagne at the weekend  ;D

Here's the vessel we claimed 1st Place with:

(http://i.imgur.com/pIpBG.jpg)

8)
Title: Re: My Winter Project - Restoring a Canadian Canoe
Post by: twentyclicks on June 26, 2012
Been off the net a while, just catching up.

Looking sweet Dowser! Nice to see it in action  8)
Title: Re: My Winter Project - Restoring a Canadian Canoe
Post by: Dowser on June 26, 2012
Quote from: twentyclicks on June 26, 2012
Been off the net a while, just catching up.

Looking sweet Dowser! Nice to see it in action  8)

Thanks Twenty... If you get a chance some time let your sis see the pics and vids here so that she can see her handy work. I'm still amazed at the job she did. The sail looks very professional. If it had of been me in control of the sewing machine it would have ended up looking like a busted welly  :D
Title: Re: My Winter Project - Restoring a Canadian Canoe
Post by: Spud on June 26, 2012
I've been offline for a while too, looks brilliant dowser, health to enjoy her!