Gunwales Replaced and Gel Coat Repair on Canoe Yankee's Journey and Fine Coffee. At narrow end, it is necessary to offset the first two screws so that they do not conflict with one another. Due to the length of these gunwales, they must ship via freight carrier on a tractor trailer. As far as that nasty ass crack in the hull I'd throw some Dynel mixed with G-Flex and resin mix to seal it up after cleaning it up best you can. One way to gain a sense of how your canoe will lean and how far it can lean before tipping is to stay close to shore and brace your paddles against the bottom. need to be marked on the hull before removal. For best results use screws for wood gunwalesOR rivets for synthetic vinylrails. You will use the S hooks to hold the ends of the gunwales close to the hull as you begin to clamp them at the middle. A thicker layer of wood absorbs the destructive energy. The damaged wood is splintered and rough- not a clean break or broken all the way through. These new gunwales are made from the highest quality materials and are designed to fit all Old Town Canoe models. Use this link for all other Wooden Canoe Parts. Canoe gunwales are treated and oiled to reduce water damage. If you have a foam cored Mad River Canoe and are unsure of its construction, contact Mad River customer service with your serial number and well help identify your canoes construction. Then a new set of gunwales are clamped in place over the top of the hulls edge. It is an option to use non-kerfed gunwales intended for Royalex hulls on a composite hull if your dealer has such gunwales in stock. The easiest way to tell the size of your hardware is to look at the bolt heads. As a result, synthetic gunwales tend to concentrate this force at a specific point. Repeat for gunwale on opposite side of hull. With 303 it is not necessary, not to mention the fact that wax will not stick to polyethylene hulls and is not compatible with the vinyl skin on Royalex. Once you're comfortable in the canoe, test paddle by aiming at a landmark and seeing how successful you are in keeping the bow of the canoe on target. If re-rail requires removal of existing gunwales follow steps below: 1. It may be necessary to poke rivet stem through hull to dislodge rivet. Mad River Canoe recommends oiling wooden gunwales twice a year, and even more if you store your canoe outside. $13.99. The PO had removed the center thwart which, based on my research, was under the center seat, and lowered all three seats using drilled dowel hangers. A Phillips head screwdriver and a 3/8 wrench will be required. You should also have a spare paddle with you every time you head out in case a paddle is broken or lost. you can restore the blonde finish . If you are short-splicing the repair, leave these intact and clamp the remaining deck/gunwale ends assembly to the hull. The shipping charge is assumed to be over $300 for 1 to 4 rails. Lower the gunwales onto hull and allow end of deck to fit over stem of canoe. Remove the gunwales. If you are short-splicing with original decks: With center of inwale secured, check to see that one end of the inwale fits snugly against the existing inwale attached to deck. The gunwales should be treated periodically with . The process is not difficult, but it does require a bit of patience and attention to detail. Mad River Canoe stocks decks for current canoe models and those that have been discontinued for 3 years or less. Place rivet gun over shank of rivet and pull trigger. For example, until 1998-99, Mad Rivers' used hardware to mount seats, yokes, etc. I did not provide. Repeat for opposite end of canoe. File the top edge of any rough spots. After reviewing your manual, store it in a safe location at home. Inwales are non-kerfed; outwales should have kerf. We had a stupid accident yesterday- the front tie down rope was not tied and went under the tire of the truck. In the late 1990s Mad River switched from hardware to 3/16. Warranty Claim; . Repeat procedure for opposite end. It's an easy way to maintain the integrity of your canoesome canoe experts call the gunwales the bones of your canoe, because they reinforce the shape of the whole boat. 10-24 (3/16") x 1 3/4" Machine Screw each, Machine Screw each 10-24 (3/16") x 5" Machine Screw each, $ .50 $ .10, 5407 State Route 15A , P.O. From the beginning, Mad River Canoe explored new designs and experimented with new materials. REI return policy. At the other end of the life cycle, wood is also quite green, so disposal issues are unlikely. Halpc, let us know how you decide to proceed, and when you do, photos please. Do I need to try to find some kerfed gunwale splints or is it worth it trying to fix it with glex first? They can be merely ornamental or can be used to tie in gear or be used to set the canoe up as a hunting blind. I suspect you will find the need to apply an external patch. They are . Wood gunwales feel more like home to the touch than synthetic ones. Wooden Gunnels for Mad River 16' $70.00. Working towards one end of canoe, drive screws at each marked location, pressing down on top of gunwale at each position to make sure it is fully seated on hull. Composite (fiberglass or Kevlar hulls) differ in thickness from Royalex If you are unsure of model or material, bring your boat to the dealer, they can usually identify the model and material. My last option would be to try to epoxy the breaks back together. As you paddle your canoe, the wood gunwales will continually flex and this will breakdown the varnish layer over time, allowing water to penetrate underneath the topcoat and deteriorate the gunwale from within. If youre in need of a mad river canoe gunwale replacement, youre in luck. The new gunwales also need to treated with a fresh coat of oil. If possible, pick a warm day and protected, calm shallow waters to get to know your canoe. Currently, our decks are made of beech, a native American hardwood with excellent stability and durability and just as importantly, a wood that is well-managed and replenished. This is the perfect opportunity to ensure longevity with your new gunwales and the only opportunity you will have to thoroughly treat the surface of the gunwale that will be against the hull once installed. Once the gunwales are in place on the hull the new or original decks are fitted into place and secured with 2 screws. If I get in the drivers seat and there are no bow lines visible, thats a clue. Serial numbers are located on the right side of the stern of the hull just below the gunwale. Mark original rivet or screw locations on hull below gunwale. Insert 1 screws in first two locations and secure. And never again. At a command, have both paddlers paddle forward on one side of the hull, turning the canoe away from the paddles. Most gunwales come with all the necessary hardware and instructions. After fastening the rivets or backing out screws, the gunwales can be removed. Most of the changes have been made to respond to sustainability of wood species. The wood in this canoe has the ability to lend it a classic and refined appearance that synthetic materials cannot compete with. Kenco Outfitters 34in Caned Canoe Seat for Mad River Canoes Clear Finish $44.95. If there is a slight gap, mix some sawdust from sanding the rails into the glue and proceed to glue as described. Please check our FAQ page if this is your first visit. It's good to know into which category your boat falls so you can anticipate its' tendency. **Waterproof wood glue is needed if you pursue the short splicing repair process that preserves original wood decks by trimming new gunwales short of decks. My only reservation is the how does oil mix with G-Flex? C-Forum has a great deal of information on replacing vinyl gunwales. Mark and trim the new inwale 3 short of end of deck at each end. Mad River Canoe stocks decks for current canoe models and those that have been discontinued for more than three years. This will help seal the exposed wood inside the gunwale. Heres a quick overview of what you need to do: 1. Draw a line bisecting a screw location at a 30-degree angle across the old rail. Nor does wax provide much benefit on a composite hull. I see what I believe to be broken fibers of what looks like fiberglass roving peeking out from under the cracked gel coat. It is critical that the gunwales be fully seated on the hull, especially in the area where the sides of the hull begin to transition to the rise at the ends. We have 17 gunwales in stock. The rails, seats, yokes, carry handles and thwarts on your Mad River Canoe are native Vermont straight-grained ash, chosen for its resiliency, strength and aesthetic appearance. Slotted rails do cost more than solid rails. Timeless and Rugged. If youre not comfortable doing the installation yourself, many canoe dealerships will be happy to do it for you. Fiberglass is a strong and lightweight option that is easy to work with, but it may be more expensive than other options. Gunwales for Canoes (supplied full length for all designs) $240.00 Title Quantity 4 piece gunwale set - inners ( 3/4" x 7/8" x length) and outers (5/8" x 7/8" x length). There are a few different places you can buy replacement gunwales. Folks who have tackled those kinds of gunwale splits and cracks, would you recommend epoxying the wales left in place, or removing them before gluing back together? Complete instructions can be found HERE. Cut off about 12 of wire and bend into an S shape with each bottom curve of S large enough to fit around the gunwale to be used as an outwale. And nobody ties my roof rack lines but me. Rails can be ordered from an authorized Mad River dealer. A canoe made of maple or oak would be a good tough gunwale system, but it would probably add 10% to 15% to the weight of the canoe and wouldnt flex well if the canoe was wrapped around it. and transfer from hull to top of gunwales with pencil. Add to Wish List. Start with lengths of painter of 12' to 15' and tie the painters to the grab loops securely. Depending on model of canoe and date of manufacture, decks may be glued to gunwales or released when screws are removed. This assumes a pick-up at TopKayaker in New Hampshire. With a pencil, mark outside of the hull at rear edge of the deck on both sides. Again, this is a relatively easy process. Railed canoes can weigh as little as 5 pounds less than wood gunwaled canoes. Expect prices to raise. In this case gunwales removed from the hull for easier alignment/clamping? Looking at the photos of the gunwale damage, both inwale and outwale, some splintered lengthwise, some shattered cross section and at least one broken at a seat hanger, Im with Larry and Cruiser; if you have the woodworking skills and access to long hardwood planks Id rip and route replacement gunwales. The process of replacing vinyl gunwale begins with marking where it was originally installed, such as seats, yoke, thwart, and carry handles. Jim Henry, Mad River Canoe company founder, designed and built the first Malecite right around 1971. Id patch with S-glass, covered with release treated peel ply, both inside and out. Depending on hull shape, canoes will paddle differently as well as sit differently in the water.. Due to repeated use and/or vibration during transportation, the hardware can loosen over time and may require occasional adjustment. Do not lay the painters in the bottom of your canoe or put gear on top of them, making them difficult to retrieve. Cut outwales at a slight angle with point of junction of outwales forming the point of the V. The aramid fibers are stronger than their bond to the resin so they don't usually break, just pull away. $0.65 . Mad River Canoe dealer and arrange to have the problem inspected. If they are glued, you will need to order replacement decks as well as new gunwales. Most of the more complex steps occur at the ends of the canoe, from fitting the inwales (inside gunwales) to the stem of the boat and the decks. The first thing you should do after completing the purchase of your canoe is to remove the poly bag containing the owners manual from the seat. You may prefer to make a complete changeover even if some of the original hardware is usable. Mad River Gunwales Replacement gunwales with Mad River profile. Align the outside rails along the outside edge of the hull. 8060212: 19 foot Wood Non-Kerfed, Inwale or Outwale for Royalex up to 18.5': $138.59 It is best to cut conservatively and hand shape with file or sandpaper to achieve best results. WoodenBoat Publications sponsors the WoodenBoat Forum. To replace the entire Gunwales on a Mad River Canoe could cost over $900 to purchase four gunwales + shipping charges to TopKayaker, and a $45.00 Handling Charge. S fiberglass could also be used for an interior patch of that area. The boat is kind of a rescue project and far from pristine. One layer of such cloth fully wetted out with the weave of the fabric filled with epoxy is very nearly transparent. You may also want to check in with your insurance provider to see how your canoe is covered under your homeowner's policy and if the coverage is adequate to protect your new purchase. Assemble the marked, grain matched, joints with the included adhesive, screws and instructions and you're back to the original length of eighteen . Nonetheless, a little TLC will go a long way in ensuring your canoe is capable of delivering all the performance its' capable of. Install the new gunwale, screwing or bolting it into place. There are 80 screws that must be refastened to a 16-foot canoe. Dip brush into Gunwale Guard and apply to gunwales from end to end. If you could find a new set at a reasonable price ? Drill or unscrew fasteners securing the decks to the canoe. Aluminum gunwales are much lighter than wood gunwales and will not rot. However, many canoes remain in the field with cane webbing material on the seats. If your canoe has walnut or dark stained gunwales and seats you will want to use the dark finish. All of the hardware in your new Mad River Canoe is made of stainless steel and is not Canoes are measured straight down the keel line. You can also find them online, but be sure to do your research to make sure youre getting a good quality product. There are videos on YouTube that walk you through it. Set rail in place in hull and clamp to make sure both inwales are level. We would have to check on current prices. Lay new gunwales on top of old and determine which fits best on each side of canoe and label them as such. Be conservative at first, lean a little then relax and let the hull return to upright position. Sold in pairs and includes black rivets. Carefully drill vertical holes through gunwales. If fit is good, cover ends of new inwale and ends of existing end pieces with glue. If your canoe has the square gunwales, you will need to plan to replace the decks as well as the gunwales. Loose bow lines are a hazard. New gunwales are then placed over the top of the edge of the hull and clamped in place. Treat underside of decks with Gunwale Guard and allow to dry before commencing installation. Older Mad River Canoe gunwale rivets can be removed by using a 13/64 drill bit. Drill until flange of rivet head separates from rivet stem. The natural silver color of aluminum can be revealed by abrading the powder coating. What Type Of Tree Is Best For A Dugout Canoe. Remove all screws securing gunwales to canoe. Instructions are in the manual. Maintenance will most likely necessitate an hourly commitment of 12 to 20 minutes per month, or less frequently if necessary. Rather than special order parts from Mad River it would be best to check with your local source of specialty woods, like a lumber yard for fine wood workers, including boat builders. Holding the rail in place over stem of canoe, trace contour of stem of canoe onto rail so that rail will conform to hull shape. I dont need help. . Has anyone tried infusing gflex into a break like this rather then splicing in a new piece of gunwale? Canoes will glide differently; some will carry their way for a good ways while others will drop speed very quickly. Complete instructions can be found HERE. If either approach, epoxying the breaks or scarfing in new wood, is best done with the gunwales (seats, thwarts, deck plates) removed you are already part way along a path to installing new gunwales. Gunwale FAQs; Gelcoat FAQs; Composite FAQs; Royalex FAQs; Warranty. 8060405 Freedom Solo Next step is to repeat the maneuver but have the paddlers on opposite sides, with the paddler with blade on the outside driving forward while the other paddler on the inside, back paddles. Finally, if you are ordering replacement parts, please review our Shipping Notice. Confirm that gunwales are firmly seated against top of canoe hull. Whether doing it yourself or letting our professionals do the work, replacing wood gunwales with aluminum can save you money. Leave other rail intact. Patching the gel coated outside with glass and epoxy, not so much. Air dried wood is easier to bend than hardwood wood because it is air dried. without closer examination it's hard to say if the fibres are damaged the white could just be stress marks in the resin, you'd need to look closely for "fuzzed" or parted strands, if the strands are intact you could just sand down to the material and recoat it for a cosmetic repair. It is advisable, to periodically check all screws and nuts for tightness. 8060228: 17 foot Wood Gunwale, Kerfed Outwale for Compositeup to 16.5': $137.59 The outwales and the inwales are sometimes the same, sometimes different, mostly square or rectangular in cross section. Nuts would be placed on both sides, countersunk, and plugged in. Mad River Canoe does not recommend waxing your hull. When you reach the deck, drive self-tapping screws at marks where deck overlaps gunwale. Team member Grant headed over to our. 303 is the recommended treatment for all Mad River Canoe hull materials. clamped in place over the top of the hulls edge. Cut new gunwales to measurement made in step 3. Oiling Wooden Gunwales - Tips from Mad River Canoe > We were the first to introduce Kevlar to . If your canoe has a sliding seat, you may need the help of a 3rd party to help you adjust seat positioning to achieve proper trim. Trim off the ends of the outwales, leaving about extension beyond end of hull. Youll want these parts for cutting and drilling new canoe parts later. Tighten screws to secure gunwales. Hook an S hook over hull at each end and put the ends of the outwale in the bottom curve. If additional information is required, contact your Authorized Mad River Canoe Dealer or call Mad River Customer Service @ 888/ 525-2925. Note which are outwales and which are inwales and mark accordingly with pencil on gunwale (marker will bleed into wood causing discoloration). The availablegunwales are for modern Mad River canoes made in the 21st century, assumed to come as Kerf or Non-kerf and Slotted. Locate the marks defining seat locations, yoke/thwart, carry handles, etc. If using hardware insert bolts through rail and reinstall components. Wood components that will benefit from Gunwale Guard: gunwales, decks, seat trusses, carry handles, and sliding seat runners and footbrace in Expedition models. A Genuine Canoe Building & Paddle SportRepair Shop. Composite hulls require 1 1/4" #8 screws to secure gunwales to hull and 2 #8 screws to secure deck to gunwales. Measure gunwales to confirm they are of sufficient length to cover length of hull. A common technique is to coil them into a bundle and wedge the bundle between the deck and carry handle at each end of your canoe. Check to make sure aluminum inserts are in place inside vinyl gunwale and ends are flush. Mark placement of seats, thwarts, and yokes on side of canoe hull with marker. If you have an older model canoe and the decks are glued to the gunwales, you may want to consider the short-splicing process that allows you to utilize those existing decks. In a way you are lucky. Place orders for replacement gunwales through your authorized Mad River dealer. The instructions that follow are written for the installation of kerfed gunwales but most of the steps are consistent for either gunwale style. Some seem to be more solidly planted than others. Mad River Canoe recommends that upon receiving your canoe, you apply another coat yourself.