We carried it out of the shop lashed it on the roof, told some stories, and had some laughs. They got in the car and off they went with their canoe. It seemed to happen all to quick, but that was it. I wouldn't be able to look across the shop or open the paint room doors and see that canoe again.
A feeling of sadness overcame me as I watched the canoe bob down our driveway. All those months the canoe had been in the shop, the transformation it went from being an un-paddle-able basket case, almost dump worthy in some peoples eyes, to a fully functional 95 year old canoe that was headed done the road to new adventures and memories.
And then it hit me. This is why we build and restore canoes. I was damn proud of the work Emily and I did on that canoe. I was beyond happy at how thrilled the owner was with the canoe. That canoe kept us warm throughout the winter in more than one way and now it will do the same for its' owner for decades to come. To be a part of that is priceless. It's what keeps us going in the shop, knowing the canoes that leave our shop will provide life long memories and opportunities for their owners for years and years and even decades to come.
1940's Old Town Sport Boat
This sport boat came into the shop in super rough condition
We'll walk through motions from beginning to end.
This what it looked like when it came into the shop.
Rot and broken damage everywhere.
The interior is cleaned up.
The transom was cooked, absolutely cooked.
As Emily removed the transom it just feel apart, almost unusable as a pattern.
The first step is to replace the wide transom ribs to establish a nice crisp
purchase for the new transom.
Emily planing the new mahogany transom.
The new transom made with the keelson mortise
and rib rib rabbet cut.
A close up of the rabbet, groove, that will receive the transom rib.
Before installing, the transom is scrapped smooth for finish.
Dylan test checking the fit.
Emily installing the transom.
With the new transom in, the focus is shifted to new inner gunwales.
Here Emily is removing the old gunwales.
The new transom with new inner gunwales and knees
Emily working on the damage in the bow. New ribs and planking.
The interior varnished and the hull is ready to be canvassed.
Emily prepping for canvas.
In the finish room being varnished
Paint drying.
New oar leathers going on.
All finished and ready to go back to Florida.
H.B Arnold Long Decked Courting Canoe
No spring back, love that!
Canoe Paddles
A few pictures from some paddles we made.
We make them from scratch from solid wood
right here in the shop.
In and around the shop
1915 Old Town sailing canoe ready for cap rails
Sounds like a good project for Dylan.
Getting the sail rig set up on the Old Town sponson sailing canoe
