BWCA Restored Bell Merlin Boundary Waters Items For Sale or Wanted
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Bowelsh
  
11/26/2017 09:56AM   (Thread Older Than 3 Years)
Hi All,
I’m new to this forum. I’ve browsed and read a lot and have gotten a wealth of good information from the expertise that hangs out here. Thanks for that.

I’m in the process of restoring a 1986 Bell Merlin. It was in tough shape when I got it. The Kevlar is in excellent shape but the gunnels were rotted badly and the gel coat had a lot of spider cracking. I sanded all the gel coat off (Ugh btw) and sprayed on a new gel coat. I’m in the process of wet sanding and will polish it soon and finish with new gunnels, thwarts and a custom seat. This canoe will literally be better than new.

So here’s what I’m wondering: If I end up wanting to sell this canoe, is anyone here interested in taking a look and how much would a boat like this be worth? Thanks all.

Bob

 
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kona
distinguished member (273)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
11/26/2017 08:57PM  
Last year I listed my very good condition gel coated wood trim 1988 Wabash Valley Merlin (pre-dates the Bell Canoe, maybe yours is from the 1990s?). It received a lot of interest and sold very fast, as do most kevlar solos listed under $1k in the Twin Cities. If you want to maximize your $$, wait for spring and a buyer who knows and wants that hull. GLWS.

If you want more info, just send a pm.
 
Bowelsh
  
11/27/2017 06:21AM  
Hi Kona, thanks for the info. Yes I’m sure about the hull. I researched the HIN and it was made by Wabash which Bell built canoes under as I understand. Anyway, I would like to discuss with you more but forgive my inexperience with this forum, but how do I PM you? Thanks again.

Bowelsh
 
11/27/2017 10:52AM  
you have quiet the paint setup. do you ever do work for others?
 
kona
distinguished member (273)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
11/27/2017 02:45PM  
Ah, I see the WVC Hull ID! I was thrown off by the Bell Canoes sticker, which came after WVC, when Bell started in MN sometime around 1990?!? Check out my photo album for some pics of my old WVC Merlin, which had WVC stickers, not Bell.

I'll send you an email.

Very cool project, by the way!
 
Bowelsh
  
11/27/2017 04:08PM  
I have not done any work for others as I’ve been trying to learn all the ins and outs of working with resins. There’s a lot to learn and I’m finally reaching a level of comfort and confidence. I might consider jwartman58, whatcha got?
 
11/27/2017 04:54PM  
quote Bowelsh: "I have not done any work for others as I’ve been trying to learn all the ins and outs of working with resins. There’s a lot to learn and I’m finally reaching a level of comfort and confidence. I might consider jwartman58, whatcha got?"
Recanvasing and repairs on 1941 Peterborough canoe. I know from experience that getting a smooth final coat of oil paint is really a challenge



Lots of sanding to do yet
 
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