TRANSFORMATIONS
Welcome to our INSPIRATION Gallery. Enjoy!
BEYOND IMPRESSED!
Here is a really sweet 60 year-old canoe which unfortunately fell into neglect, being left outside season-after-season without periodic maintenance to her wood or exterior finishes. The owner believed this once great boat was beyond help, until BOATFIX.CA stepped in to the rescue. We walked the owner through an assessment, and offered options to make this canoe useful and great again. Once the work was finished the client was offered a free, 16-page Care and Maintenance Handbook with pointers on keeping the canoe in top shape. “Beyond impressed!”, was her words, and another great finish from BOATFIX.CA.
BEFORE
Topical water damage is evident here, and throughout the canoe. With some laborious work ahead, we can bring back most of the original surface, and some added patina in areas that are difficult to remove. She'll look great in the end.
The inwale on the starboard side was split, but not requiring full or partial replacement. Instead, structural epoxy is injected into the affected area and well clamped in place until cured providing a solid, and mostly unnoticeable mend.
With the fiberglass sheathing installed, she'll be well primed and given the first coat of red marine polyurethane, followed by several more until the desired color depth and thickness of finish is achieved.
AFTER
SECOND TIME AROUND
Here's a fine example of a well built, hand-laid cedar strip canoe, hailing from Kleinburg, Ontario. Her bones are rock solid, and she sure looks grand, but we discovered some rot setting into places that are typical on these unique builds. The bow and stern stems take the brunt of the problems, followed closely by the ash gunwales and interior furniture. To really get this project back to rights, a lot of sanding, sealing and brightwork (varnished wood) need to happen. After the delaminating fiberglass repairs were made, 5 coats of marine spar varnish were applied to make this beauty shine. Life is tough when you look this good a second time around.
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A SIMPLE TRANSITION
This 1990, 16'-6" fiberglass Prospector canoe is in very fair shape, with minor dings and gouges to the exterior hull, she would rely on cosmetic changes to make her finish nice. The exterior was treated, filled, primed and refinished with 4 coats of our deep green marine-grade finish. The original interior looked utilitarian at best, but gave her an upgraded finish in our special Kevlar color. New scuppered ash gunwales were installed for ultimate drainage, an upgraded ash yoke and thwart, along with some new ash webbed seats bow and stern. Now, this 34 year-old boat looks absolutely new once again! Sweet!
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SERIOUS WORK AHEAD
There is this 70 plus year-old Peterborough Canoe Company canoe that had several restorations and conversions done over the decades. The final version donned a fiberglass sheathed hull installed in very novice fashion, possibly years before the present owner's acquisition. This incarnation didn't have the bodywork quite right and her ribs were rotting at the gunwales. There was so much rot in both decks that replacement was imminent, along with her ash gunwales inside and out. Layers and layers of red paint were flaking away to oblivion. We need to repair the rib tips by adding new material, replace the gunwales with new long ash, add new decks and new ash furniture inside. This rebuild project was going to be a haul! Let's get at it because the client can't wait to get her back into the water again!
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GUNWALE CHANGEOVER
This is fairly standard fare for BOATFIX.CA. Gunwale replacements. We offer proprietary, hand-built white ash scuppered gunwales designed to drain immediately once the canoe is inverted. We'll add new ash or cherry fast-drain decks bow and stern to complete the conversion. In this example the gunwales were changed as well as the decks. After the old woodwork is removed the canoe is scrubbed clean and new gunwales installed. The seats, yoke, thwart and handles are original to the canoe. All fasteners and finishing washers are replaced with quality stainless steel components.
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ABITIBI WONDER
This is a rare breed indeed. A 1980's square stern 16' fiberglass canoe by Abitibi, has really taken a beating over the years. Her flotation tank has been destroyed under the bow, likely from too many hard landings. There are more duck tape patches on this
boat and just won't float without them! To top it off, this boat is extremely heavy and would do well to go on a diet. Let's get to work and shed some pounds, get rid of the tape and patch her properly, including a Kevlar skid plate on the bow, some fresh paint, new furniture, and bring her back to looking new again. Needless to say, the client was thrilled to get his boat back into the water again!
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ORANGE CRATE
Here is a 1970's model 16' fiberglass Algonquin style canoe, complete with heavy aluminum deck plates and plank bench seats. Back in the day this canoe would have been considered the typical cartop canoe. As heavy as it was there is a lot of momentum in this old boat, and with 3 keels she tracked exceptionally. Let's go ahead and lighten her weight with new ash gunwales, seats, yoke and thwart. While we're at it we'll repurpose the aluminum deck plates into something extraordinary. Some bodywork, a bit of paint, and she'll be brand new again!
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LIGHTWEIGHT PLASTIC
Not many plastic canoes impress upon paddling enthusiasts as their weight is generally prohibitive, but on occasion an oddity shows up, like this girl. Weighing in around 45 lbs, this 16 footer has the makings of something quite delicious if we can reappoint her with new ash gunwales, bootlaced seats, yoke and decks, we can shave off 5 lbs on top. Behold, a lightweight like no other!
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DRASTIC PLASTIC
For those who simply can't envision a thick-walled plastic molded canoe ever looking great even after 25 years of hard use, give this makeover a whirl. Discovered stranded on a cottage beach, the sand and dirt consumed her hidden charm, to which we are about to reveal. This transformation stands as a testament that even plastic canoes can look classic once again.
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EVERGREEN FOR LIFE
This early 1990's Evergreen Prospector was once an absolute beauty. Although she's not in horrible shape, our client wanted to renew old ties with his favorite cottage lake ride. Call in the experts at BOATFIX.CA to get her looking her best with new ash gunwales, refinished cherry seats, yoke, thwart and decks. We got her back into the water again in no time! Thanks BOATFIX.CA!
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WANAKITA REBUILD PROJECT
This 1960's voyageur canoe is being restored for Haliburton area YMCA Camp Wanakita, and is in fact one of four that BOATFIX.CA are to restore before the end of 2023 camp season. 28 feet of fiberglass and ash is a beast of a boat! Better get at it!
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BRING BACK THE SPIRIT
This 1980's era Big Chief fiberglass canoe has been well loved by the owner throughout the years, enduring seasonal temperate changes, regular (and irregular) wear-and-tear, UV breakdown causing the chalky finish on the hull, and struggling with everyday aging. But she's all but lost her spirit. Too many memories later the owner couldn't let her go to die in a landfill site. BOATFIX.CA was contacted about bring her sorry bones back to the land of the living. Taking on the challenge the results, in the words of the client, 'a show of outstanding work'. She's got her spirit back once again!
BEFORE
Showing its age off, complete with battle scars, abrasion rub-throughs, UV wear on the hull as a pink wash from her former bright red, and a heap of crawly critters.
Structurally, this canoe is quite sound and looks to be in reasonable shape, and that's deceiving as it does take on a considerable amount of water very quickly.
Seams on the frames split in 3 locations ready to get multi-layer fiberglass patches.
AFTER
With the addition of Kevlar skid plates, polished gunwales, refinished deck plates, and custom vinyl graphics to modernize the brand appeal, she is ready to paddle any lake you throw at her!
LADY IN RED
Here's a 16 foot cedar that has been in this Air Canada pilot's family forever. The canvas covering was in lackluster shape and close to taking on water. The gunwales were kept in fair shape as were the decks, however he requested new seats, replacing the original (and uncomfortable) oak slat seats. A number of ribs were cracked right through, however instead of replacing full sets of ribs, fiberglass patches were installed over the affected areas forming a solid reinforcement. Also, they blend in quite well with the underlying cedar. And as the client resorted to fiberglass exterior sheathing instead of canvas, the ribs were further reinforced from the exterior. This may go against the grain of purists insisting on canvas (cotton duck) exteriors, or installation of new ribs instead of repairing them, but sometimes concessions must be made to keep the integrity of the canoe without adding an expense one might not be able to afford.
The woodwork was restored and varnished, new bootlace seats installed, Kevlar skidplates positioned on bow and stern, and a fresh new finish on the exterior, giving her a new lease on life. She looks mighty fine dressed in red!
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FAST & FURIOUS
No big story for this 2004 Langford. No bodywork required. Just general wash, hydroblast and shine the gunwales. Replace the seats, yoke, thwart. Paintjob inside and out. New Langford graphics. Like we said, fast & furious; the way we like it!
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UGLY DUCKLING
One of the latest rebuilds from the BOATFIX.CA team is a 1980’s 16’ Watson flat stern-end canoe which, in the state we assessed her, was literally falling apart at the seams. Her stern was rotten to the core, the plastic moldings were for the most part destroyed, aluminum gunwales bent beyond repair, and any interior wood components were at best, firewood. It had also become a haven for spiders and other bugs. Unless someone realized the value of bringing this boat back from the dead, it would most certainly become landfill somewhere.
Luckily, this client did see her worth, reaching out to BOATFIX.CA for help, which we happily provided. In fact, this canoe had become a most enjoyable project indeed, converting her from an ugly duckling to a very classy little boat.
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IT'S WAR!
Youth camps are a great place for kids to access their full potential during the summer months. Teamwork is always promoted to the campers during sports activities and especially when it comes to racing events. War canoes take a beating from these campers as it often pushes the youth to the extreme, and invariably causes great wear on these old cedar boats. We picked up 2 canoes from Red Pine Camp, Ontario to be rebuilt. This particular example is a 24' fiberglass sheathed cedar canoe that has definitely seen better days, and will undergo a complete overhaul from our BOATFIX.CA team, bringing it back to life again.
BEFORE
We were able to pick up two of these great canoes end-to-end on the same trailer. For those camps with longer canoes, we can accommodate up to 38' length of boat.
AFTER
THIS IS A LOVE STORY
We were approached by a client about bringing back a much loved and cherished canoe once owned by her grandfather; an early 1970's Kevlar model by the Pinetree Canoe Company of Orillia, Ontario. The client's grandfather had patched the canoe up and painted it to appear like birch bark, a fitting objective due to the large number of patches he installed on both the interior and exterior over the years. This is an ideal tripping canoe with a very thin, double-skin shell and an overall weight of about 38 lbs. "Can you do it, make her gorgeous and usable again?", the client asks. An heirloom piece like this canoe, restoring her back to her former glory, and giving her the special request to paint her up in birch bark fashion is truly what BOATFIX.CA is really all about. So the answer is a resounding "YES!", I'll sharpen my artistic skills as an illustrator from my past life and give this boat the best love I can put into her (figuratively speaking). Follow along as I show you the process.
BEFORE
And so, the creative process begins! I'll be using some solid finishes along with washes to get the underpaint work ready for details. Faux birch bark is a process, but in the end it has incredible hiding power, and highly recommended for any canoe with an imperfect hull skin. The majority of this finish will be tackled outdoors!
Creating artistic, painterly finishes can be as much challenging as fun. After finalizing the underpainting component I use a scrub brush to apply the over-layer texture finish.
AFTER
GREAT INVESTMENT
From time-to-time BOATFIX.CA will acquire through a purchase, or inherit in some fashion, a canoe that is worthy of a full restoration to keep the boat out of a landfill site. We generally post these acquisitions on the FOR SALE page of our website as INVESTMENT CANOES with the intent to show prospective buyers the canoe in its current state and indicate what we are prepared to sell it for with upgrades ( full detailing, bodywork, interior/exterior finishes, new seats, yoke, thwart, and gunwales and decks if required). This system works well as buyers knows exactly what they are investing right upfront, nothing is hidden, and they see the value of the upgrades reflected in the final product. Often these are older canoes with very classic lines that aren't manufactured anymore. In essence, these investments preserve the great line of canoe classics, and become heirloom canoes that you just won't want to part with.
With this example, a 1993 Kawartha 16', the canoe is already in fair shape although the hull is sunbleached and all interior wood is completely dried out due to weathering and UV breakdown. The buyer wanted a full restoration to be included in the purchase. This purchase was well worth the investment, restoring this 30 year-old classic lines canoe to be further useful and gorgeous as well.
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SUBTLE PALE-BLUE
Our customers come from far and wide! This project is the second for our resident in London, England. This 15' canoe started life as a Quebec-built Cadorette model from the early 1980's, and selling for about $300 new. Canadians became aware of the reputation and quality of the Cadorette Canoe Company, mainly due to their affordability, simplicity, availability and popularity. The hull styling was classic and yet had simple slat-seats and 'bottle-opener' aluminum decks. This poor boat had seen some difficult days with war wounds and battle scars as proof. The owner was kind enough to send her to BOATFIX.CA for one last hurrah, having the full end-to-end refit. This 'subtle pale blue' impressed us all! Hurrah!
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DEEP BLUE SEA
This 1976 Algonquin style canoe sustained years of neglect and abuse, recklessly patched and re-patched by its various proprietors. Extensive wear and fatigue was found in her aluminum gunwales as well as the fore and aft decks severely cracked and broken. With her youthful looks all but faded completely away, she was finally left to rot in the woods. The present owner learned of BOATFIX.CA and took a chance to have her rebuilt rather than committing her to a landfill site. Follow along as we transform this old canoe. The process is quite involved and labor intensive, however the final results are no less than outstanding.
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FLIPPED THE SWITCH
Here is a 1982 Algonquin style fiberglass canoe that truly needed help. The client's concern was that it didn't float quite right, and that she was in desperate need of an overhaul which included a full color switch from yellow to red. Seeing the poor state it was in which included split and bent gunwales, out-of-date decks, unusual seat mounts on the outside of the canoe, ripped padded bench seats, aluminum yoke (a bit of a joke), and more holes and patches one could only cringe for, we set for the task at hand. In the end she was a stunning representation of the work BOATFIX.CA can do to make any small boat look great again.
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CEDAR IN THE GREEN
Here is a very unique prospector style canoe molded of FRP (fiber reinforced plastic) with a hand-laid stem-to-stern keel of aluminum embedded in a watertight channel. Cedar ribs are placed span-wise along the full length of the canoe to present the look of a traditional cedar canoe. The gunwales typically are ash as well as the decks, seats, yoke, thwart etc. This particular canoe was built in Aurora, Ontario in 1976 by the Cedarglass Canoe Company, and is a very rare example of their work.
This canoe has survived close to fifty years, and now requires a refit to bring her back to her former glory. So, here we go!
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AND LOVE WALKED IN
Instinctively, most people might just turn their old canoe into a planter. Worse yet, deep-six it in the shallows of the backyard lake, or send it off to a landfill site (not the best choices). Smart people realize the value of renewing what may have been considered 'done'. And so is the topic of discussion here. A Kawartha 15' model canoe which has been in the family for some years, and whos owners recognize this is a classic fiberglass canoe with much more potential than meets the eye. Follow along as we rebuild this 1990's model canoe, transforming her into a gorgeous new and classic boat for full use again.
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DOUBLE-ENDED DISASTER
We all expect to see issues with our canoes at some time or other. This 1999 Langford 15-6 bore no exception to finding its share of disasters. A strong gust of wind tore this canoe off its dockside mooring and pummeled her against shoreline rocks. Taking a beating for quite some time, her bow and stern ends were completely destroyed compromising her flotation tanks. The owner patched her up the best way he knew how, but it was not the same canoe he purchase in 1999. He wanted her back, and in a shape that is better than before.
BOATFIX.CA to the rescue!
Our crew was able to patch her interior seals, bilges and flotation tanks, rebuild the stem areas of the bow and stern, provide a fresh new interior and exterior finish. After discarding the original heavy vinyl gunwales we topped her off with new ash gunwales, seats, thwart and yoke and cherry decks. Kevlar skid plates were installed on both ends to ensure the integrity of the work would not break down. Just like the owner wanted; 'better than before'!
Happy paddling once again!
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AFTER
TOUGH NUT TO CRACK
The 1988 Chestnut Prospector canoe highlighted here is a rare example of a one-family owned boat that had truly seen better days. We examined her upturned Kevlar hull having several coats of red paint applied through the years, peeling and cracking everywhere. A massive water stain on the natural Kevlar interior indicated it had sat upright and collected rain water for some time, the stress of which collapsed the starboard gunwales and promoted rot throughout the ash woodwork. How many winters had this canoe sat unprotected to the elements? The real challenge was the removal of more than 60 rusted out screws and other fasteners from the woodwork and hull, many of which were beyond recognition. Nothing was going to be easy for this poor boat, and the clock's a ticking.....
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GONE BY THE WAYSIDE
During assessments we often see watercraft in various forms of disrepair and neglect.
On one occasion a Langford Prospector 16-6 was discovered upturned under a cedar hedge where it had resided untouched for several years. This was once the flagship premium model Kevlar canoe Langford promoted in the 1990's. However, to discover moss growing across its hull, dirt and grime packed around her waterlogged and rotten gunwales and decks, holes and cracks in her bilges, it was hard to imagine justifiably bringing her back to life. This canoe was going to be a total gut job but worth the effort in the long-run.
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STANDS THE TEST OF TIME
In the early 1960's a newlywed couple gifted the purchase of a second hand 12 year old canoe to each other, a 1948 model Algonquin style glass-fiber reinforced plastic (FRP) canoe. This 73 year old 15'-6" relic is one of the earliest examples of commercially built, Canadian-made fiberglass canoes. We know little about the manufacturer other than the layup is very basic (as one might expect for an early glass cloth canoe) and that her flotation tanks were well designed and stood the test of time without seam cracks or holes. No gelcoat was employed in this early model design as lacquer paint finishes were typical of the period. Sadly this canoe endured years of severe weathering and ultraviolet breakdown on the surface where paint just flaked off when touched. The FRP reinforced keel had severe delamination issues and was separating from the bottom of the hull.
The client's intention were to get it restored and pass it on to grandchildren. Little did we realize this project was going to take a very, very long time to complete, so let's get cracking!
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OVERWHELMED!
Words alone cannot express the joy and euphoria I experienced resurfacing this old Northland cedar canoe. Built in the 1970's this gal had experienced rot under the decks and gunwales. Her floors were in lackluster shape with layers and layers of varnish flaking away. The seats, thwart and yoke were losing their ability to perform adequately. A makeover was imminent and the assessment was provided (albeit the owner was perhaps a bit skeptical we could do the work adequately, but developed enough trust in us giving the go-ahead to proceed).
While performing work on this great canoe we uncovered several issues making her a job-and-a-half, yet were able to get the work done and delivered to the rightful owner. Needless to say, 'overwhelmed' is the only word I can use to describe his disbelief on receiving it. The photos look great but one would really need to see this canoe in the flesh to truly appreciate her full beauty.
BEFORE
Dry-fitting deck to gunwales
AFTER
FOREVER GREEN
The Evergreen Canoe Company has been out of business for many years now, and for whatever reason the company folded you can be assured it wasn't due to bad quality. In our humble estimation, Evergreen's were some of the finest built canoes available. Period.
These 'workhorse' canoes continue to survive to this day, many well loved and in excellent shape while others not so. Hulls that bare wood gunwales, decks and other interior wood appointments were the highest risk for neglect, being left outdoors to the elements and sadly just fell apart. The one highlighted here is no exception. A splendid example of a rags-to-riches transformation ensues, restoring it to her former glory, making her forever green again.
BEFORE
Preparing for the work at hand.
AFTER
HEAD OVER HEELS
The Prospector Canoe Company has been a well respected name in quality Canadian canoes for years. The Kevlar sixteen footers are just gorgeous and extremely light for portaging, while their classic lines and use of wood are a celebrated blend of 'natural-meets-composite'. Here's one from the mid 1980's getting a complete makeover and sparing nothing of the handmade ash interior, gunwales and decks. The original owner fell head over heels in love with his old flame once again!
BEFORE
Application of multiple coats of color
Dry-fitting deck to gunwales
Apply custom designed vinyl graphics
AFTER
LOOK FAMILIAR?
In the 1980's Canadians became aware of the reputation and quality of the Quebec-built Cadorette canoe, mainly due to their affordability, simplicity, availability and popularity. The hull styling was classic and yet had simple slat-seats and 'bottle-opener' aluminum decks. It isn't any wonder that these great boats are popping up everywhere these days. Here is one sixteen footer that blew us all away when we took it to the limit for a full refit, and appoint it with quality, handmade woodwork and our own custom vinyl graphics. Wow!
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WASH & REPEAT
Here's another Cadorette (albeit a fourteen footer) which was stashed helplessly along side a garage, waiting for this transition moment to arrive. This forty year-old boat donned padded wooden seats over her broken fiberglass hull. The aluminum gunwales were also bent and with a slight twist along one side. The client had an emotional attachment to this old girl and wanted the full makeover to bring her back to life. So, here we go...
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AFTER
BEAST OF A CANOE
Often we come across some very interesting prospects to rebuild, however on this particular assessment a canoe our team affectionately named 'TANK' became a rebuild project. Who knows what brand or where she was made, but it was a heavy and ungainly beast that had been left for dead, filthy and donning delaminated patchwork from a previous repair, broken seats and hangers, and destroyed flotation tanks on bow and stern requiring full rebuilds (they were made of paper with glass cloth on top). A real challenge, so off to work we go!
The entire canoe was taken apart, cleaned inside and out, hydro-jet wash the gunwales and rebuild the fiberglass decks. New patchwork and re-fairing was installed to replace the previous botched repairs. Flotation tanks were rebuilt with lightweight marine mahogany plywood and glass cloth. Brand new interior and exterior finishing was applied, new seats and hangers attached, ash yoke replacement installed and custom graphics applied.
The owners were shocked at the results (as were we). She looks pretty sweet, and will bring years of joy and pleasure to the paddlers in the family.
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HAD SEEN BETTER DAYS
In the mid 1960's a new breed of canoe came onto the market which offered a very different range of components for their fiberglass canoes; manufactured aluminum seats, yokes, thwarts, carry handles and deck plates. The Scott Canoe Company of New Liskeard, Ontario entered the small-boat scene with great applause, offering durable canoes constructed of metal on fiberglass and Kevlar.
The project we highlight here is a recently transformed 1998 Scott canoe that had definitely seen better days. The client requested some hull repairs, a new paint job, new seats and interior components of ash wood to replace the aluminum ones; effectively giving the canoe a new lease on life.
There were interior cracks and field patches to tend to. Four layers of paint of different colors were built up through the years, the final being a thick coat of yellow latex which had to be scraped off prior to any sanding and body work could take place. This project was going to take some time, but in the end the canoe looked spectacular!
Great job BOATFIX.CA!
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AFTER
THE PROSPECTOR CHALLENGE
BOATFIX.CA was presented with a real challenge in bringing back this 1991 Prospector Brand Kevlar canoe to a condition of it's former glory.
On first appearances the hull had multiple layers of green paint applied during its 30 year life to date. The exterior bottom had severe wear and tear with the addition of a long fiberglass patch running along its keel. A huge Kevlar patch on the interior floor indicated some trauma from the past, however was applied quite well and required no additional work.
The ash decks were rotted out on the ends as well as rot forming on the edges. They would all have to be replaced. The gunwales were showing signs of rot and the port side inner and outer gunwales were held together with duck tape; also requiring total replacement.
The yoke had significant rot on the port side and would be replaced with new. The seats were in fair shape however were showing signs of delamination and the owner opted to keep them if possible.
Needless to say, our work was cut out for us!
BEFORE
The hull was indeed a challenge, resurfacing the bottom of the canoe, leveling out the existing patchwork, and filling the gouges and scratches of days gone by. Once the epoxy primer coat was laid, creating the ultimate foundation for the colour to go down, a special marine finish was applied in multiple coats.
The outer gunwales were specially milled from long white ash and installed with the new decks. Inside gunwales were added as well as seat blocks, new polypropylene webbed seats and a deep-dish contoured yoke, all from white ash. The interior Kevlar was treated with a special finish to seal and rejuvinate the surface, making her look new again. Finally, a vinyl logo was created and applied to both sides at the mid section, producing a uniquely personalized boat.
Here's the final product. Enjoy!
AFTER
CEDAR HAS SEEN BETTER DAYS
This very old and worn out cedar canoe came to us with a requirement for new ash decks and gunwale rebuilds, inside and out. The client also requested new ash contoured yoke and new ash seats and hangers.
Although the typical seating for cedar canoes are sinew or cane, the client requested a more comfortable ride with polypropylene webbing, ...but first thing's first.
BEFORE
The decks were completely rotted out taking some of the gunwales and some of the original cedar ribs as well. The outer gunwales and decks were removed. Inner gunwales were scarfed just short of where the decks would be. Cedar ribs at the decks were addressed. New cherry decks installed. Outer gunwales were saved (just!), sanded, oiled, oiled, and oiled again. The interior was fully cleaned and clear coated, bringing back luster and waterproof abilities. This canoe lived in my living room for 2 months and it wasn't at all a bother.
With some help from the client (oil, oil, oil), this canoe will be well looked after in the future and bring years of enjoyment to all.
AFTER
THIS FISH NEEDS SERIOUS HELP
Sunfish sailboats are extremely popular boats and can be found world-wide due to their ease of use and handling abilities. Our client discovered this gem for sale at a bargain price and quickly snatched it up. BOATFIX.CA offer their assistance to resurface the hull and give her a bright, new paintjob. Along with that, the mahogany centerboard, rudder and tiller components were restored.
This boat looks new again and ready for yet another season of sailing in the heart of cottage country. Great job BOATFIX.CA!
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AFTER
A SPECIAL WORK-IN-PROGRESS
BOATFIX.CA prides itself on producing quality repairs and upgrades to suit the client's budget. Often is the case where a full refit of the boat is required and a full tear-down takes place. This project tells the story of an aging Langford Nahanni who's shell is so badly sunbleached on the outside it is difficult to discern her original deep plum color.
The ash inner and outer gunwales are rotted to beyond help. Her bow and stern decks are waterlogged and must be replaced. The interior cherry seats and hangers, kneeling thwart, yoke and carry handles are salvageable but will require some serious work to bring them back again.
Follow along this work-in-progress as BOATFIX.CA brings this once beautiful boat back to life.
BEFORE
Removal of all internal wood components, gunwales and decks making ready for full prep and paintwork.
Two coats of marine-grade polyester (polyurethane) for the white and deep red finish we're looking for.
Refinishing the old and grey sunbleached cherry appointments, bringing them back to life.
AFTER
New white vinyl logos cut by BOATFIX.CA were applied to the hull. The finished product BOATFIX.CA provided looks outstanding! The client was over-the-moon after reunited with his old friend, ready to share new travels in his new canoe.
RUNAWAY TOBOGGAN
Last winter this Evergreen canoe made an unsuccessful escape from under a cottage porch, down an icy hill and into a tree or two (possibly more). She was a mess to say the least. Come spring the owner hauled her back home and figured she was done for until a little birdie told the owner about BOATFIX.CA and signed up for a free assessment.
On our arrival we were totally astonished at the damage she sustained. The gunwales at the bow had lifted clear away from the hull and bent in three axis, her forward hull was smashed on port, center and starboard, and the forward flotation tank was badly punctured, ripped and delaminated from the hull on her interior. This was clearly going to be a challenge for the BOATFIX.CA team.
BEFORE
Rather than purchasing a new and expensive set of gunwales we opted to springing the twisted metal back to right with the help of some clamping dynamics, working the X, Y, and Z axis individually till they lined up appropriately.
The flotation tank was repaired in time-sensitive stages, allowing the individual areas to cure and harden one-at-a-time.
The forward exterior damages were rebuilt and reinforced to help strengthen what was left of her bow. A Kevlar skid plate was installed at the stem to add rigidity and protection, safeguarding the next solo toboggan run would be less stressful on her and on the trees she connected with.
AFTER
FADE TO GREY
This once beautiful Langford 17'-4" had surely seen better days. This boat had been left to the elements one winter and due to extreme freezing forced trapped moisture to expand, splitting the aluminium gunwale wide open.
The untreated interior cherry woodwork also suffered from UV exposure, becoming sunbleached and grey.
BEFORE
With some tender loving care (and brute elbow grease)
BOATFIX.CA treated her with the best makeover possible, bringing her newly reconditioned wood interior back to the vibrant cherry she once possessed. Her seats were also rebuilt and rewoven with heavy-duty webbing.
AFTER
To say she looks fine is merely an understatement. This boat is good as new. Her owner has happily reunited with his beautiful canoe once again promising to take better care of her from now on.
SHERWOOD'S DIRTY PAIR
The beautiful Sherwood Inn requested a resurrection of two Evergreen canoes, produced by a company long out of existence (translating to unavailable parts). The two canoes were in very poor shape yet still had many years of useful life after an overhaul and makeover. The client was in awe of the results.
Today the two Evergreen canoes continue their duties, delighting Sherwood's guests on beautiful Lake Joseph, Ontario.
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AFTER
THE CEDAR CHALLENGE
BOATFIX.CA pulls out all the stops! According to Muskoka's Sherwood Inn Resort, this 1991 Cherokee soloist cedar strip canoe was the centerpiece of their special events, and is only brought out for special occasions. The unfortunate problem with this cedar strip canoe is the aging, cracking and delamination of the glass cloth to the cedar due to excessive weathering and being left in the harsh sun.
The newly resurrected boat was delivered to the client in the spring of 2019 and was accepted with great thanks for a seemingly impossible task.
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TOO MANY HOLES & CRACKS
Yes! Way too many holes and cracks for this poor old canoe to stay afloat. 28 holes to be precise. When seeing the photos before it came to BOATFIX.CA we felt another nightmare on its way.
Rachel picked this canoe up for a song and realized why after getting it into the water for the first time. Checking her options of turning her hard earned money into a planter or having it repaired she came to see BOATFIX.CA .
This fiberglass canoe is a testament to worn-out boats, at least that we've ever seen. There comes a time when you have to decide when her time is up. Is it worth the repair? Can I get something newer for the price of the repair? And perhaps there is an attachment to your boat, and you just can't let go.
BEFORE
Now we may not be miracle workers by any stretch, but managed to resurrect this 60 year old from the landfill site with a lot of elbow grease and sweat. A budget was given to work with, which we happily did, and then threw in a couple of 'extras' giving the value-added component to top it off.
We think Rachel's eyes fell out after reuniting with her boat and sent her on her way with some words of caution. The boat is old. Her bones are weak, but if you treat her nice and gentle you'll get some good mileage out of her.
Another happy customer
AFTER
NICE WORK GUYS!
BEFORE
Rocky Crest Resort & Country Club located on Lake Joseph in MacTier, Ontario had urgent need of rebuilding two of their aging Evergreen canoes. The surface gelcoat finishes had hazed so badly due to long exposures to the sun over the years requiring UV inhibitor coating treatment, bringing the finish back to life. The floatation tanks were split and required rebuilding. The seats, decks and yoke were replaced with BOATFIX.CA's own high-load & wear wood components.
The transformation was a huge success, and also greatly appreciated by the resort's director.
Another happy customer!
AFTER
A TYPICAL MAKEOVER
Here's a basic refresh to a yellow gold Evergreen canoe. Typical of many older fiberglass canoes, the flotation tanks fail due to splits on the seams and require a simple reinforcement. Also seats, yokes, thwarts decks and carry handles get beat up, dry out and become sunbleached. Seat hangers tend to fatigue and break and require immediate replacement. Hulls also suffer from UV breakdown and become hazed, often well beyond what the original color should be.
Here is an example of a total overhaul and makeover, giving years of use to the owner.
BOATFIX.CA puts your boat back into the water again!
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APPROVED!
Camp Kirk's canoe fleet was in poor shape this summer.
Many of our canoes were out of commission due to damage, and the others were in precarious shape due to lack of proper care and maintenance over the years. It has been a struggle to find a company who can provide timely and good quality service however meeting BOATFIX.CA was a true blessing.
They came to our property and did a thorough assessment and provided us with a very realistic and affordable maintenance plan. When the canoes were returned to us, it was evident that a great deal of energy and care went into each and every boat. After the canoes were delivered to us they presented a thorough service report and offered tips to keep the fleet in optimal shape and moving forward.
BOATFIX.CA went above and beyond, providing professional care to our fleet. We hope to continue our partnership with BOATFIX.CA to ensure our canoes stay in tip top shape!
E. Coutts, Director-Camp Kirk, Kirkfield, Ont.
CAMP WENONAH
Camp Wenonah, located in Bracebridge, Ontario, has been a regular patron to BOATFIX.CA when repairs to camp canoes and sailing dinghies are required. Many of the canoes we repair for camps have seen better days and therefore undergo some very serious transformations to have them back in service again. Camp Wenonah's number 18 (shown below) gets a workout to bring her back into the water again.
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BRINGING HOME THE FLEET
BOATFIX.CA prides itself on the boat maintenance programs available for camps, schools, resorts and associations. We're driven to provide the best possible care to your watercraft fleet. Operating year-round, we accommodate your high-season with our mobile, on-site repair program or off-season where we bring the fleet home for the winter and prepare them for the busy season ahead.
YOU ASKED FOR IT!
Cottage Care Rentals & Property Management loves to treat their customers well. BOATFIX.CA was approached to do a conversion of an older fiberglass canoe to present to the current owner as a gift. As the owner was on holiday (and unbeknownst to them) BOATFIX.CA did major upgrades and repairs to bring this boat back to life including new hand-made wood appointments such as gunwales, decks, seats and yoke. The exterior had a new makeover as well giving the boat a brand new classic look and feel (it may have taken a few pounds off her as well).
Happy customer yet again!
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ROADKILL REBUILD
This canoe is literally roadkill.
It was found off the edge of the road in the country and stripped naked of its essential components and having all assortment of plant life growing inside her. She donned a fiberglass shell and some serious holes, road rash and a top-line which was in serious repair. Our staff determined her age was about 50 years and felt she deserved a second chance to be recycled back into use again.
After 2 weeks of intense work the new upgrades were completed and later given to a very happy customer!
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FLYING PADDLEBOARD
This expensive paddleboard had a collision with a dock after being windswept, according to one upset client. The fiberglass took a significant edge-beating and chipout occurred, intruding water into the core. We did our magic by rebuilding the edges, fairing her true, and getting this paddleboard back into the water again.
“BOATFIX.CA repaired some damage and cracks on my paddleboard. BOATFIX.CA did a great job on the repair - in addition to being meticulous and timely, they were courteous and professional. Highly recommended. - D, 2020”
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INSPIRATION
