I have a dear friend named Norma. Norma is close to 90 years old and has been very active all her life. Still is. Years ago I saw this beautiful canoe hanging in her garage and I commented on how beautiful I thought it was. That's about as far as that conversation went as we were busy doing other stuff. I never forgot that canoe and Norma never forgot our conversation about it, even though it has never been brought up since. Anyway, Norma called me the other day and asked me if I wanted that canoe. I was over the moon about it. I went and got it today. It's about 16 1/2' long. It needs some work, but is overall in good shape. It is my new winter project. The problem is, I have no idea how to go about it. I'm also wondering if anyone on here recognizes a canoe like this. Norma said it was once canvas, but she and her husband re-did it in fiberglass. Anyone have any idea what kind of canoe it is? Norma said it is older than I am, so it is 40+ years old. She said it was once a resort canoe. So, I need advice on how to restore it and what kind of canoe it is.

Oh, so I have named this beauty "Norma". :)

Wow! That's a classic. Good luck in the restoration.

Nice looking puppy, also.

Just a bit of rotting here.

The stern of Norma. A little rotting way at the end and a cracked deck.

She's had some work done. Some patching to the fiberglass and some keel work.

The ribs look pretty good.

Normas stern

Norma's mid-section

Her bow. The seat had a canvas cover. Maybe I'll do a cane seat. The rear seat is missing.

quote OBX2Kayak: "Wow! That's a classic. Good luck in the restoration.


Nice looking puppy, also."

Thank you. I'm going to need all the luck I can get. I have no idea what I'm doing.

Someone posted a paddle thread today. How on earth do I choose a paddle worthy enough to propel Norma?

quote Goldenbadger: "Someone posted a paddle thread today. How on earth do I choose a paddle worthy enough to propel Norma?"

Search the antique shops. You need a paddle with character to match the canoe.

I've done some internet searching and I'm wondering if this is an old Thompson Hiawatha. Is anyone familiar with them?

You might find more answers by posting your pics on the canadian canoe site. They have a forum for canoe types. go to myccr.com. Best. Jerry G

There are also classic wood canoe sites where you will find more expertise on how to restore. My hunch is that this will not come cheap. You are likely looking at $1000 up. Jerry G

quote Moonpath: "There are also classic wood canoe sites where you will find more expertise on how to restore. My hunch is that this will not come cheap. You are likely looking at $1000 up. Jerry G"

Dang! I was afraid someone would say that.

Well it will be a great winter project for you if you have the time and the room to do it in.

I have the room, but that means the car sits outside. Oh, well. My garage has in-floor heat, so I can easily work out there. However, when I remove the fiberglass I would think I should do it in a well ventilated area. Inside the garage might be bad. Maybe I can try to get that done this fall before it gets too cold to work outside.

This would be a great place to ask questions about your canoe:

Wooden Canoe Heritage Association

Oh, just looked there- you already have.

we need to see a profile view. my guess is that it is a thompson. i restored a canoe that was in far worse condition than your canoe and it cost me less than $300. your biggest problem will be getting the fiberglass off.

quote jwartman59: "we need to see a profile view. my guess is that it is a thompson. i restored a canoe that was in far worse condition than your canoe and it cost me less than $300. your biggest problem will be getting the fiberglass off."

I've done some more digging and found that it is a Shell Lake Deluxe Guide. Apparently the Thompson canoes and the Shell Lake canoes were very similar. Shell Lakes had carry thwarts, which this one does. It also has a serial number tag! It is number 116 60. I have emailed the Washburn County Historical Museum. Apparently they have the record book from the Shell Lake Boat Company. It has all the serial numbers and records of each boat. :)

quote Goldenbadger: "

quote jwartman59: "we need to see a profile view. my guess is that it is a thompson. i restored a canoe that was in far worse condition than your canoe and it cost me less than $300. your biggest problem will be getting the fiberglass off."

I've done some more digging and found that it is a Shell Lake Deluxe Guide. Apparently the Thompson canoes and the Shell Lake canoes were very similar. Shell Lakes had carry thwarts, which this one does. It also has a serial number tag! It is number 116 60. I have emailed the Washburn County Historical Museum. Apparently they have the record book from the Shell Lake Boat Company. It has all the serial numbers and records of each boat. :)
"

Not really a profile image, but the closest I have to a profile image right now.

quote jwartman59: "we need to see a profile view. my guess is that it is a thompson. i restored a canoe that was in far worse condition than your canoe and it cost me less than $300. your biggest problem will be getting the fiberglass off."

I'm excited to hear you have restored a canoe before. I will need LOTS of advice as I try to do this. I have priced having it restored professionally and I was told the upper end of $2500-$3500. Ugh! I can't afford that. At the same time, I have zero wood working experience and none of the right tools for the job. I do have a heat gun that I can use for fiberglass removal, so that's a start.

Hey, great story GB. Don't get overwhelmed by potential cost estimates and such. Just take it one step at a time and don't get in a hurry. Whatever it costs it's not as if you'll have to write one big check. Take a deep breath (but not while you're removing the fiberglass) and enjoy the journey. You're obviously the kind of guy who appreciates it. I'll look forward to your progress reports. Good luck!

quote DeuceCoop: "Hey, great story GB. Don't get overwhelmed by potential cost estimates and such. Just take it one step at a time and don't get in a hurry. Whatever it costs it's not as if you'll have to write one big check. Take a deep breath (but not while you're removing the fiberglass) and enjoy the journey. You're obviously the kind of guy who appreciates it. I'll look forward to your progress reports. Good luck!"

Gal, DeuceCoop, not guy. :) I think I'll start on fiberglass removal after I return from the BW in Sept. Then I might take a restoration class to do the rest.

quote DeuceCoop: "Hey, great story GB. Don't get overwhelmed by potential cost estimates and such. Just take it one step at a time and don't get in a hurry. Whatever it costs it's not as if you'll have to write one big check. Take a deep breath (but not while you're removing the fiberglass) and enjoy the journey. You're obviously the kind of guy who appreciates it. I'll look forward to your progress reports. Good luck!"

Gal, DeuceCoop, not guy. :) I think I'll start on fiberglass removal after I return from the BW in Sept. Then I might take a restoration class to do the rest.

quote Goldenbadger: "

quote DeuceCoop: "Hey, great story GB. Don't get overwhelmed by potential cost estimates and such. Just take it one step at a time and don't get in a hurry. Whatever it costs it's not as if you'll have to write one big check. Take a deep breath (but not while you're removing the fiberglass) and enjoy the journey. You're obviously the kind of guy who appreciates it. I'll look forward to your progress reports. Good luck!"

Gal, DeuceCoop, not guy. :) I think I'll start on fiberglass removal after I return from the BW in Sept. Then I might take a restoration class to do the rest. "

Oopsie. Sorry bout that. Stupid gender preconceptions! Glad to see the moose has arrived.

Wow - how cool is that? Great for you, nice tribute to your neighbor, too! I am fascinated that you found the history of the canoe. That is way cool! I'm looking forward to seeing it when you finish. I have no experience at all but wish you great success!

quote DeuceCoop: "

quote Goldenbadger: "

quote DeuceCoop: "Hey, great story GB. Don't get overwhelmed by potential cost estimates and such. Just take it one step at a time and don't get in a hurry. Whatever it costs it's not as if you'll have to write one big check. Take a deep breath (but not while you're removing the fiberglass) and enjoy the journey. You're obviously the kind of guy who appreciates it. I'll look forward to your progress reports. Good luck!"

Gal, DeuceCoop, not guy. :) I think I'll start on fiberglass removal after I return from the BW in Sept. Then I might take a restoration class to do the rest. "

Oopsie. Sorry bout that. Stupid gender preconceptions! Glad to see the moose has arrived."

No problem. I do it all the time. It's easy to do when we have names like Goldenbadger or DeuceCoop. I would only assume that you are a man, but I may be wrong. It doesn't offend me in the least. And yes, the moose has landed! :)

quote Hawbakers: "Wow - how cool is that? Great for you, nice tribute to your neighbor, too! I am fascinated that you found the history of the canoe. That is way cool! I'm looking forward to seeing it when you finish. I have no experience at all but wish you great success!"

Finishing it may be a looong time out. I'm thinking about removing the fiberglass myself, then taking a canvas canoe restoration class at North House School in Grand Marais to do the rest of the restoration. I'll need to save up the $$ to do that as well as find the time. But I will certainly keep everyone posted on the progress. I plan on starting the fiberglass removal when I return from my upcoming BW trip.

Well take your time in doing it and do it well. That's what my Dad would say if I was doing a project like restoring a canoe like that. Just be patient, it will all come together in time and look fantastic when you are done with it.

I just heard back from the Washburn County Historical Society. They were able to look up the canoe by the serial number in their records. They have the record book from the Shell Lake Boat Company. It was sold by the Shell Lake Boat Company on June 6, 1942 to the Higby Company in Cedar Falls, IA for $57.60. I wonder what $57.60 in 1942 equates to now? A pretty penny, I'm sure.

quote Goldenbadger: "I just heard back from the Washburn County Historical Society. They were able to look up the canoe by the serial number in their records. They have the record book from the Shell Lake Boat Company. It was sold by the Shell Lake Boat Company on June 6, 1942 to the Higby Company in Cedar Falls, IA for $57.60. I wonder what $57.60 in 1942 equates to now? A pretty penny, I'm sure.
"

Not sure if you googled Higby Co in Cedar Falls but it is still in business. It's a hardware store.

quote OldFingers57: "

quote Goldenbadger: "I just heard back from the Washburn County Historical Society. They were able to look up the canoe by the serial number in their records. They have the record book from the Shell Lake Boat Company. It was sold by the Shell Lake Boat Company on June 6, 1942 to the Higby Company in Cedar Falls, IA for $57.60. I wonder what $57.60 in 1942 equates to now? A pretty penny, I'm sure.
"

Not sure if you googled Higby Co in Cedar Falls but it is still in business. It's a hardware store. "

I did google it! :) It's pretty cool that they're still there. Are you from there?

No, I live down in the Quad Cities.

Golden,

I figure it usually costs me about $500 to restore a canoe.
Once you get the resin hot enough the glass can be pulled off. Then the work starts as you remove the remaining resin, scraper, pick, sandpaper, etc.
Most of the wood parts can be bought if you don't have(or know somebody) with wood machining capability.

Get the Selmok/Thurlow blue canoe book, and read it 2-3 times before starting on yours.

And ask plenty of questions over on the WCHA site.

A Shell Lake is a good canoe to learn/practice on and they are a good cabin canoe.

BTW - yes, they have similar features, the consensus is that Shell Lake copied Thompson, except the build quality is lower; lower grades of wood, larger section sizes, etc.

"Apparently the Thompson canoes and the Shell Lake canoes were very similar."

Dan

quote DanL: "Golden,


I figure it usually costs me about $500 to restore a canoe.
Once you get the resin hot enough the glass can be pulled off. Then the work starts as you remove the remaining resin, scraper, pick, sandpaper, etc.
Most of the wood parts can be bought if you don't have(or know somebody) with wood machining capability.


Get the Selmok/Thurlow blue canoe book, and read it 2-3 times before starting on yours.


And ask plenty of questions over on the WCHA site.


A Shell Lake is a good canoe to learn/practice on and they are a good cabin canoe.

BTW - yes, they have similar features, the consensus is that Shell Lake copied Thompson, except the build quality is lower; lower grades of wood, larger section sizes, etc.

"Apparently the Thompson canoes and the Shell Lake canoes were very similar."

Thank you, Dan. I apologize for taking so long to reply. I have been in the BW for the past week. That's pretty much what I have learned from my research as well - that the Shell Lakes are kind of a knock off. Either way, it's beautiful. :) I'm thinking I will take the restoration class offered in Grand Marais. But I'll look at the book you mentioned as well.


Dan"

Somehow I inserted my comment right into your quote. What I said was: Thank you, Dan. I apologize for taking so long to reply. I have been in the BW for the past week. That's pretty much what I have learned from my research as well - that the Shell Lakes are kind of a knock off. Either way, it's beautiful. :) I'm thinking I will take the restoration class offered in Grand Marais. But I'll look at the book you mentioned as well.

quote Goldenbadger: "

quote DanL: "Golden,



I figure it usually costs me about $500 to restore a canoe.
Once you get the resin hot enough the glass can be pulled off. Then the work starts as you remove the remaining resin, scraper, pick, sandpaper, etc.
Most of the wood parts can be bought if you don't have(or know somebody) with wood machining capability.



Get the Selmok/Thurlow blue canoe book, and read it 2-3 times before starting on yours.



And ask plenty of questions over on the WCHA site.



A Shell Lake is a good canoe to learn/practice on and they are a good cabin canoe.


BTW - yes, they have similar features, the consensus is that Shell Lake copied Thompson, except the build quality is lower; lower grades of wood, larger section sizes, etc.

"Apparently the Thompson canoes and the Shell Lake canoes were very similar."


Thank you, Dan. I apologize for taking so long to reply. I have been in the BW for the past week. That's pretty much what I have learned from my research as well - that the Shell Lakes are kind of a knock off. Either way, it's beautiful. :) I'm thinking I will take the restoration class offered in Grand Marais. But I'll look at the book you mentioned as well.



Dan"

"

Is this the canoe book you're referring to?

The Wood and Canvas Canoe

super cool - keep us posted!

I have all of the fiberglass removed. I still need to remove some resin. It's tougher where the resin sits over a tack/nail and where it has soaked into the seems between planks. Once I'm that far, I'm not sure what to do next. I'll be ordering the book DanL suggested.

That is the book.

And be sure to ask plenty of questions over on the WCHA site, lots of helpful folks there who have been down that road many times.

Dan

quote DanL: "That is the book.


And be sure to ask plenty of questions over on the WCHA site, lots of helpful folks there who have been down that road many times.


Dan"

What do you think about resin down inside the depressions where the tacks are? Do I need to pick all of that resin out? Or if it is flush with the surface of the planking, will that be ok? Removing that resin is proving difficult with my putty knife. I may be better off using some sort of pick if it indeed needs to be removed completely.

I remove all the small bits of epoxy, and yes, it takes a while and yes, a small pick is often needed.
You don't want to leave any pieces that might break loose and end up under the canvas.

Also, before you are done, you will/should go over all those tacks to be sure they are still tight (they are often loose), ie, reclinch them with an iron on the inside and hit the head on the outside.

Dan

quote DanL: "I remove all the small bits of epoxy, and yes, it takes a while and yes, a small pick is often needed.
You don't want to leave any pieces that might break loose and end up under the canvas.


Also, before you are done, you will/should go over all those tacks to be sure they are still tight (they are often loose), ie, reclinch them with an iron on the inside and hit the head on the outside.


Dan "

Thanks, DanL. I appreciate the advice. I'll do my best to get all of it off. Most of the tacks still seem pretty tight, but there are a few that probably should be reclinched. Thanks!

The original outwales and inwales were mahogany. At the very least, I will have to replace the outwales and probably the inwales. So, does anyone know where I can purchase mahogany gunwales? Most that I have found seem to be ash. And, most don't ship gunwales for obvious reasons. I'm looking for somewhere in WI or MN to purchase them so I can easily drive there to pick them up. If I give the specs to a local lumber yard, do you think they should be able to cut them for me?

I haven't kept the updates going as I said I would. But I have finished the restoration! Many pictures coming up soon. I had a LOT of help from Alex Comb at Stewart River Boatworks in Knife River, up the shore from Duluth. The restoration took considerable $ and many, many hours. But I am so happy with the results. As with anything done by a first-timer, there are some errors that most people will probably not notice. But I can live with them.

Oops. Double post.

Removing fiberglass with a heat gun and putty knife.


Repairing planks, inwales, ribs, and stems.


A skeleton of the boat she once was.


Ready for canvas


A canvas hammock.


Coated in filler and outwales installed. Alex writing up my bill for the week.


A few coats of primer and lots of sanding. Stem bands installed.

Sand and varnish and sand and varnish and sand and varnish!


Sand and paint and sand and paint and sand and paint!


I hand caned the seats myself.


The maiden voyage! She's not 100% done, but she's ready to paddle!


Brass stem bands installed.


And the finishing touch. She's now 100% done!

I thought my photo descriptions were going to show up with the photos, but they didn't. Anyway, you can see the progression of my project. If you want to know details of the pics, I can try to add them. This was a labor of love and now that it's done, I'm finding myself in need of another project.

I figured it out. Now the descriptions are there.

She looks great. I'm going to read this thread later when I have time.

Cool, good for you for following through and getting it done.

Oh my gosh! She looks beautiful! That looks like it was quite complicated to restore. Good for you for sticking to it and getting the job this far.
Does the canvas get painted or varnished?
Never mind. Just saw the final pictures. I'm very impressed!

Norma looks great

quote cowdoc: "Norma looks great"

She does. Would it be bad form to ask how much Norma weighs?

Is her namesake still alive? Has she seen the "new" Norma? What was her reaction?

She is just gorgeous! Well done! I hope you are feeling a great sense of accomplishment and pride in this work - you deserve to!

quote mr.barley: "

quote cowdoc: "Norma looks great"

She does. Would it be bad form to ask how much Norma weighs?"

She's not bashful. I haven't officially weighed her. But in trying to put her on top of my car with my husband's help, I swear she must weigh a good 600 lbs. in reality, I would guess about 100 lbs.

quote Unas10: "Is her namesake still alive? Has she seen the "new" Norma? What was her reaction?"

Sadly, her namesake passed away a couple months ago, before I had it completed. She never got to see it finished. I really was hoping to get her out on the water in it. She would have loved that. She was an amazing lady.

Shoot! Double post again! Stupid phone!

quote Unas10: "Is her namesake still alive? Has she seen the "new" Norma? What was her reaction?"

Sadly, her namesake passed away a couple months ago, before I had it completed. She never got to see it finished. I really was hoping to get her out on the water in it. She would have loved that. She was an amazing lady.

For some reason I can't post a link. The darn button just isn't works big for me. So if someone else is able to, please do so. Here is a link to her obit. Even not knowing her, this is well worth reading. She loved the outdoors, including the BWCA. http://m.lacrossetribune.com/lifestyles/announcements/obituaries/obituary-norma-j-butler-lubbs/article_0e3c0dea-8f98-5f5c-a436-a85f06123f91.html

i'll bet norma weighs in closer to 85 lbs unless you really went to town with the filler. i'm rebuilding a 1950s era 18' chestnut prospector, the canoe was trashed but little rot. i just finished the second coat of filler, hopefully that will be the last coat, the stuff weighs a ton. the original recipes for filler called for about ten pounds of lead for a boat the size of the prospector, you can't buy lead so we now use silica. i've got ten pounds of the stuff on my canoe right now, hopefully i'll be sanding off about four pounds of it. i'm hoping my canoe will come in at less than 90 pounds. time to start doing pushups. beautiful boat by the way.

link

Good work on the boat. I wish Norma could have gone for a paddle.

What a beautiful job! You deserve heaps of kudos for your effort and perseverance!

Now that I'm on my computer rather than my phone, it let me add the link. It's worth a read. She reminds me somewhat of Dorothy Molter. I hope that when I'm pushing 90, I'm part Norma, part Dorothy.
Norma's Obit