Mad River Canoe 16' Explorer Gunwhale Replacement and Refurbishing

In this video I replace the dry rotted factory ash gunwhales on this 1988 canoe that I recently purchased used. I sourced vinyl gunwhales with aluminum angle support inside from mad river canoe. While doing this I also show the reweaving of the failedcaned seats. I refinish the existing wood as well as fabricate a thwart (brace) for additional stability.

[@robertlai5686]

Where did you get the vinyl gunwales?

[@TigerRagFishingTeam]

Purchased them from local Mad River Canoe dealer. They can get you either original ash gunwales or the vinyl with stainless angle insert. Many dealers will have them in stock, mine had them at another store and transferred them to my town store. They had the bow and Stern decks as well.

[@IanSizzler]

Thanks for this video. I just picked up a 16' mad river made of royalex as well. I think it's from the 90s.... interior is grey, outside sand. Needs new gunwhales and now I know how to do it! I was pretty dead set on wood because it's so unique but your finished boat looks very sturdy so I may just go plastic.... Thanks again.

[@TigerRagFishingTeam]

Sorry the video is so long but hopefully there's enough detail in there to help you out. I can't really speak on if the ash gunwhales will be as sturdy and flex less then the vinyl gunwhales because my ash gunnels were dry rotted when I bought the canoe. I just know after installing the final gunwhales it really shored the boat up! And I agree the the wooden ash gunwhales really look nice and should be easy enough to do following similar guidance or just looking at what you've got and repeating it. Good luck with your rebuild! Mine is still doing great!