Gunwales Replaced and Gel Coat Repair on Canoe

6 hour install and 1 hour finish sanding to replace wood gunwales on a Bell Magic Solo.
NORTHWEST CANOE, Minnesota - northwestcanoe.com/

[@jamesadowney]

Here's a guy 10 years from now with a cedar strip needing gunwale and deckplate replacement. and finding this video very helpful. Thanks!

[@chrisfalx3251]

I’m the guy 10 years later thank u for this video exactly what was needed

[@dgaydos]

I'm definitely one of those one guys! Thanks a heap for the great vid! My Kevlar Wenonah Sundowner is now 32 years old and it's high time for gunwale replacement!

[@paulrobinson2168]

Still the best video on KZbin for fitting gunnels…straightforward explanation no distracting music. No speeded up time lapse nonsense. Calm explanation. Thanks, I rescued an old forgotten canoe shell…excellent 👍👍👍

[@richardlewis4871]

It seems there are more folks out there who needed just this video than originally thought based on the comments. Restoring a 30 y/o Mad River Kevlar 16'. Great Information which most certainly saved a challenging job becoming an unnecessary tragedy. Thank you!

[@mikelundrigan2285]

Found your video in my research to replace my wooden gunnels on my 16 foot MEC Kevlar canoe..it sure will help! Thanks a lot!

[@mattgibson6426]

Cool video. Thanks for editing the finish sanding out! Lol I've a Kevlar prospector 17, a polyglass 16 and a cedar strip and glass ribless 17, each in need of a little love and restoration. Your video will help. So thanks for taking the time. That Bell is beautiful! What engineering and design! Congrats. Now, off to the woodshop to finish sand the yoke I just carved and test fit and start on the seats and thwart for the Novacraft Kevlar prospector I just picked up. Cheers.

[@00squid00]

Thanks YP! I'm apparently in that niche group who found this video interesting/helpful. Much appreciated.

[@caseysimpson1806]

Just subscribed. I have a Mad River Malecite, fiberglass. Purchased in 1993 and it needs some love. It is worthy of such a project. Your video has inspired me to start this project. Thank you

[@kieranmatheson2857]

I just used this video! Thanks to your help, I now have a set of shiny new gunwales - many thanks from Australia :)

[@m1c1gough]

Sweet. Never apologize for the randomness of your vids. The common theme of "DIY" is sufficient. I am always amazed how skills build onto each other.

[@jamesbrawn6593]

Thank you so much for this comprehensive and detailed video. My wife and I are attempting to rejuventate her childhood canoe. The gunwales are completely rotted away so your video is just the thing we were looking for to help give direction.

[@edmcgee3512]

Thanks for the video. The part about cutting the angles at the end of the gunwales was brilliant!

[@cmoor1388]

Never think people don't want your vids, because you never know when inspiration will strike. From this, it gave me a way to finish off the stitch and glue pulk I have been thinking about building for a year or so, this popped into my head the other day and I watched it again and now I have the body of it built, fiberglass goes on tonight, and "gunwales" for the sled will go on this weekend after paint. It will be ready for trips this winter.

[@GaryESims]

Thanks Yankee. I replaced my gunwels on my canoe. Your video was what I needed to help me be sucessful. The instruction was easy to follow. Can't wait to get on the river this weekend. Thanks again.

[@JackManiacky]

Thanks so much. Excellent video. I'm putting a set on a one off kevlar canoe in a couple hours and this video is putting me at ease. Dennis and his company Northwest Canoe are also outstanding. Can't recommend them enough.

[@vwoodrow9407]

Thank you! I am finishing a canvas and wood canoe I bought for $20 at a yard sale last spring. I've never done any woodworking so it's been a challenge and fun. This is tricky and I needed help so I'm glad I found your video.

[@usmarine51519563]

Excellent job ! wood working since i was a teen. You have it in you. Fair Winds and Following Seas

[@phoenixxsimon]

here 7 years later, almost to the day! Cheers

[@hotttt28]

thanks to you ,another navarro canoe shall live to paddle again !

[@zegkeworks]

I just picked up a 16ft fiberglass canoe and it needs a new wood gunwales and this was very insightful to what I’ll need to do!

[@o.n.d.adventures4968]

Still a useful video. I just bought an old canoe which needed this.

[@Daynaleo1]

Excellent vid. The wax tip is one I learned years ago from an old German master carpenter. I have used a block of paraffin for all screws I put in hardwood for the last thirty five years. Great tip. And you are spot on about soap corroding metal.

[@iangallant6563]

It was 9 years before i needed it.

[@koasushi7469]

Nice craftsmanship. And I appreciate your fearless (and inspirational) approach to DIY. You're a great role model. Thanks for sharing this project YP!

[@welder1357]

DIY ONLY Here ! I make a living fighting fires and doing maintenance jobs on the side. I just invested secretly(she would kill me!) in a mad river canoe with no wood left on it. It is my first boat project. I thought it was a hopeless cause until this video. Wish I had time to share the before pics. Really Thanks

[@OpaKnows]

This is proving very timely for me. I have my wife's stepmother's mom who has given us a canoe, which needs some attention, to put it mildly. Seeing as the gunwales are already provided (store-bought), this video has shown me just how relatively easy some of the work will be. ("There, that wasn't so hard, was it???") Thanks for posting this.

[@stevedenny5473]

Many thanks for the video. I just finished the gunwales on a bell starfire that was my fathers canoe for many years.

[@Woday44]

Thanks a ton for this!! Cut some 18' strips of Ash on my sawmill last year, and getting ready to go at this. A few of your tips have saved me a couple curse words already. Also thinking a drink holder in the nose !!

[@Yankeeprepper]

Wade McNeice I learned something from this vid too! I almost did not bother taking the time to make a vid on this, like lots of little odd projects I do. But I remember thinking somebody might find this helpful......and doing so helped me realize there are a lot of people like me trying to fix this stuff up or maintain it rather than trashing it or paying someone else to do it. The big pay off for me, is that I get more people coming to my channel with similar interests and lives!

[@mountaingoat1100]

Thanks so much for this video. I just made the jump & purchased a bell kevlar morningstar canoe off ebay, got to pick it up Monday. I'm a little nervious being I will have to replace gunnels & decks. But I got it a lot cheaper than $3200. I'm feel very lucky to even find this bell in atlanta. Ive fixed a lot of stuff for my self, so I should be able to do this. It'll be my 1st attempt also. After watching your video, I'm now more confident with careful attention to accuracy, I can actually pull this off too. Thanks again!

[@GaryESims]

Thanks for this video. just picked up a canoe with bad gunwels. I have equipment to make my own gunwels. your instructions are what I needed to make the project happen.

[@jimmurphy5739]

Excellent vid! This detailed explanation/exploration will help me with replacing riveted aluminum gunwals on our second hand fiberglass canoe. Thanks!

[@jasonkaufman8276]

This is a great video, I just picked up an old canoe and it needs the gunwales replaced, I'm gonna give it a shot now!

[@jeffmoore7543]

Definitely appreciate this video. Most of the gunwale videos online are for cedar strip canoes so it's nice to see one for a composite boat.

[@LifeinTwinFalls]

Needed to watch something while I had dinner out on the farm.This was the perfect length and I learned something as well. Thanks for sharing.

[@alfredoutside-thehighspeed6540]

Thank you for the detailed video. I’m diy and making all the replacement trim. Was curious about reusing the holes myself as many videos say to use new holes but not why. I’m considering sealing the old holes with epoxy since I need some for a few touch ups elsewhere.

[@schmoo52]

Excellent video, just what I was looking for before starting the same project on my canoe.

[@stevenmueller2327]

Many thanks! About to replace the gunwales on my Seda Kevlar Scout which are so rotted, they've broken apart. This video is a HUGE help.

[@jimdekker8018]

Thanks for the video. I'm doing a 16' Faber (canvas/Cedar plank) canoe right now and these tips help.

[@karenstjean985]

thank you so much I have been putting off replacing my gunwales and deck plate . My kevlar Mad RIver Canoe is just like what you have . WHew Now I am more confident that I can do this .

[@1980tag]

Thank you for the video, I am getting ready to replace my gunwale from the same company and insetting my deck also.

[@northpole9311]

I'm going to be putting gunwales on this winter thanks for videoing your job .....

[@edteneyck6312]

Starting this project on a Stowe Canoe I picked up this weekend!

[@lomoDaniel]

Great video. I dig your DIY themes.

[@Gmac4116]

Thanks for this, about to start replacement of gunwales on my canoe now that I have milled up all the ash strips.

[@wpwigginshfx]

Great Video. Obviously more than 1 person in 5 years is interested in changing gunwales. Brother in-law was going to throw out his Evergreen Mable which is a wonderful canoe as the gunwales broke from all the snow this year. Have my work cut out as in addition to the gunwales, I have two pretty big cracks and one small one in the fiberglass (watch your videos on that too). Never done this before, but not much to lose and all to gain. Having difficulty in getting 17' gunwales as Evergreen Canoe Co is no longer. Found a specialty hardwood supplier that has some Ash, have to do a couple of scarf joints (and rabbits) as they only have 8', 10' and 16'. Looking at blowing my mind with all this new knowledge I'll acquire. Thanks again from "excited but nervous". Cheers

[@Yankeeprepper]

Bill Wiggins Thanks Bill and good luck with your projects. I love canoes and keeping them in good shape is half the fun. I never thought this vid would get much attention and almost did not bother recording the work, but I truly thought to myself maybe one guy out there might find it useful......it always helps me to "SEE" something done.

[@scottkendrick4544]

Found a good trail pacer 18' hull for $100. Not near the quality of yours, but solid enough for my sons first canoe. I am going to attempt retrimming. This video makes it seem possible. Thanks.

[@alberthughes925]

I used to work for bell..i probably built that canoe. worked there from January 2000 to july 2003.

[@thetopicala]

I have got a kevlar wenonah with same kind of wooden gunwales. Thank you very much for this video.

[@mhowgrad]

Thanks for the techniques and inspiration.

[@McXyu]

Thank you! Saved some time for me.

[@siltorr1]

you're pretty smart. love watching your videos

[@kbbacon]

You did a very nice job!!

[@kalledimming6298]

I am the one guy you talk about. Thank you!!! Very helpful video!

[@leemarylohman3852]

Well done. I'm in that niche as well. Good tips.

[@kristerwillgren9813]

Thanks for video. I replaced on a Northwind and a Merlin before I saw this. All went well, except the ends, that don't compare to your work. Now I have to redo the Merlin, after it was crushed by a tree. The gunwales I got are a tiny bit narrower than the original.

[@davidangelagredano]

Thank you for your efforts

[@BobACNJ]

Nicely done!

[@cliffdiver100]

Hey man this was a really good video ......thanks

[@WOWSTWOA]

Thank you !!! Inspirational !! Inspirational !!!

[@B._Smith]

Thanks for this info. Looks great.

[@peterjohnparker9168]

Great vid, thanks, I’m just about to start the same project.

[@iamoraal]

Just had a 17' canoe with rotten gunwales given to me. He was gonna put it out on the side of the road. Niche or not, this is what I was looking for. Thanks!

[@davemaumill5667]

Awesome, can't get these pre-cut gunnels here though. I was trying to find the best wood our local wood supply is Bunning equal to your Walmart I assume. Yes I was going deck plate. My original gunnel is rotten so I have removed it. I originally was thinking cedar due to its looks and its light. I was going to use Tasmanian Oak or Meranti. I like your technique looks much more refined. I was going to use the old holes also, glad I got your tip. I will also use candle instead of spit from now on.

[@TexasTopwaterllc]

I'm gunna attempt this thanks for the info 👍

[@viewsandreviews180]

This was very helpful. I've starting a project for a grandchild (no not a bell magic). She likes to go canoeing with her dad and I've started making her a canoe of her own so she can race him. If you have any suggestions about how to keep the weight down I'd like to know what your thoughts.

[@ristin59]

As always great information!

[@lanceprime]

Awesome thanks. I have a 12 ft fibreglass row boat that this method will work for too.

[@uglycouzin]

I'm that guy attempting this. Thanks for your help.

[@RallySash]

Pretty cool. Thanks for the vid

[@tomchristensen2914]

I picked up a 17'canoe for 20 bucks. needs new gunwales. wasn't sure where to start but this gives great information. wish I could see actual pieces so I can see how to cut ash for inside gunwales.. if you have any other advice I would greatly appreciate it

[@Hangar402]

Been looking for good videos on how to do this need to replace all the wood on mine not sure what wood i need or where to find it though

[@CascadeGriz]

More for my toolbox... thanks!

[@scottb.innovations4386]

Nice Job I'm looking at a Navarro Loon 16 with gunnels are gone. nothing left. Im trying to decide if it's worth getting the canoe in the first place 50.00 bucks

[@caige1224534]

i prefer the diy videos may never need them but if i ever do ya know it is nice to have a place for refrence

[@blackspruceroutes]

Thank you for the straight forward information!! First time i see the " diamond shape apex" thingy!! That will be helpful. Just picked up an old Scott Prospector 15 in Kevlar. Live the shape but hate all the aluminum gunwhales and seats... Ok rot resistant, but makes for a much noisier and colder experience. I have some nice 17' black cherry wood...;-) One thing you didn't mention is the need to steam bend your gunwales?? And the need to maintain the hull shape once youve removed the old gunwales? Maybe not as critical with a kevlar layup? I'm used to working with cedar canvas boats....

[@inthewoodswithbigfoot3941]

Hey Brother! I have an Old Town Guide 147 composite and have started replacing the plastic molded seats and thought about replacing the plastic gunwales with wood. Would that be a problem in your opinion? Thanks for the info Sir!

[@tfknauss]

Interesting and great knowledge to experience. I do have a long term question, if you are required to drill new holes each time to replace the Guns, eventually would you have to plug the holes to do a replacement? or not be able to replace them at all? Thanks again, enjoy being out in it.

[@charn1960]

cracking Job nice way to spend an afternoon you can't beat doing it yourself,All ways have a go yourself and 9 times out of 10 you will surprise yourself

[@stevenchaprnka4327]

Taking on a similar project myself currently. Did you fill the old hull holes with anything before installing the new gunwales? This video is extremely helpful, thanks.

[@joecffv1]

thanks i will be trying it

[@yaTh6v6s]

This exactly what I need to know to fix my boat. You didn't mention what kind of wood you used and how long your boat is. Nice job.

[@zzzombiez]

Very NAaaiiiiice. 'Learned some things for my sea kayak project, thank you, Brother. 'Did some DIY today on a humble rental property today. I'm not the best DIY'er, but I whipped out the duckbill locking pliers and straightened out some dented up tin and fastened it down like it should've been done in the first place with some nice metal screws (all real men buy more screws than bullets per month ...wink!) - 'felt nice to make something good as new and not cast around town for a part. - Mike

[@tuffgong83]

What two products are you using to fix your scratches? You're calling both steps "gel coat". I have an old gel coated canoe that Im about to fix up

[@WanderingBeast]

turned out great, but how is this going to help me in the SHTF? ;) btw I had my first cup Yemen Mocha today, loved it.thanks

[@godelrt]

Great diy video! Where did you get the wood? I'm having hard time finding 17' long piece of ash... Thanks, Raf

[@YankeePrepper1]

Northwest Canoe Minneapolis MN.

[@cockercane]

I may not need to replace gunwales, but this information may cross over to other projects. I appreciate information nonetheless.

[@PeteBarkley]

Thanks!

[@richarddavis3808]

Hello, I'm the guy who 5 years later who is doing gunwales on his own! I have a Mad River Canoe Winooski that's over 30 years old. If it's wood it needs to be replaced. Wish me luck.

[@acurt1970]

thanks nice job

[@sidney3610]

Thank you for the video! I'm planning fixing my canoe's gunwales but I can't figure out how to make the inside gunwales. Do you have any tips for making the gunwales (inside and outside) or where can I find how to do it? Many thanks in advance!

[@Yankeeprepper]

You could easily find Trim pieces made for houses at your local Home Depot or Menards that would work just fine. You my have to sand them down to what shape you want them to be, but it's a cheap solution.

[@sidney3610]

***** Thanks for your reaction. Alright! I will take a look at my local stores for that. But if I'm correct I saw that your shape covers also the edges of the canoe right?

[@hotttt28]

awesome

[@TINMAN]

Nice,thanks

[@visualkickz]

You were exactly right. Here I am 5 years later looking for information on exactly this task for a very old mad river canoe. Thank you!

[@barron975]

Thanks..will have to do within next couple years..your info +++.

[@jeffkatzer]

Yikes! There might be two of us guys. I just watched your video and I gonna use many of your tips and the information to repair my 40 year old canoe. But first I'm head down that fiberglass repair rabbit hole.... get ready KZbin>>>>>

[@Yankeeprepper]

Check out my fiberglass canoe repair I did this year - Fiberglass Canoe Restore - Part 1 Glad to know there are more out there brother!

[@jeffkatzer]

Perfect timing, will do.

[@tempjohn1111]

The common theme in your videos is "competence", so it doesn't matter that the subjects cover a broad spectrum. Definition of COMPETENCE -- 1) a sufficiency of means for the necessities and conveniences of life ("provided his family with a comfortable competence" - Rex Ingamells) via Merriam-Webster

[@justadutchman5169]

👍👊

[@BorealSelfReliance]

Looks nice! I've been practicing my eyeball skills, I finally got a call from NASA to eyeball the Mars rover, I hear you lost your job eyeballing the space shuttle? (now that they got rid of the shuttles) maybe the Russians can contract you to eyeball their rockets for a while, until you can get a job eyeballing the Orion spacecraft.

[@danbarrett6113]

great video, I am a woodworker and my neighbor asked if I could replace his gunwales on his fathers canoe.

[@CGrahamWorks]

6 years heheh