Well, I made a major step forward the other day when we glassed my first cedar strip canoe. There are definitely some things I’d do differently. Overall, it went okay and I’m happy enough with the results. Most issues can be resolved with sanding and maybe another coat off epoxy.

Then there’s the stems. One problem led to another and it ain’t pretty. This canoe is built using the Minnesota method so the stems are formed by overlapping strips trimmed at each end. First, I got a little off in trimming the alternating strips. Then when we added epoxy to the fiberglass fabric we lost control and ended up with a sloppy mess which has now hardened. What if any options do I have for fixing this? For instance, can I grind the fiberglass on the stems and reapply fabric and epoxy?

The good news is It's fixable ! You just didn't finish the ends properly. The good thing about fresh epoxy ? after you are done, and apply varnish ? You won't see the edges of overlapped cloth !

Yes, grind down the ends of the strips, to the joint, where the strips meet.

This should leave you with about a 1/4" wide, blunt edge.

Round this. Then lay two bias strips over, and glass.

I know this sounds daunting. But you will never know you had a problem.

I'll post a few pics.

The Minnesota Method is a good one ! Your next canoe will be better !

Jim

Trying to share a link, but it doesn't seem to work.

The pic I wanted to share is from my Photobucket account.

Anyway the pic shows two Bias cut fiberglass strips about to be glassed on to a stem.
The two strips, one about 4" wide, the second about 2.5" wide. I wet out the first, then lay the second on top of the wet epoxy and wet it also.
Don't worry about the edges. As you will feather them with a scraper, after the epoxy has cured. When done you won't know they are there.

Here is a link to one of my builds, that I think you will find helpful.
It's long .

Nokomis

Jim

Thanks Jim! I’m on my way again. One of the reasons I didn’t attempt this project 20 years ago was not having access to an expert for questions like this.

Wish we lived closer !
I'd stop by and help !

You are doing fine !

Jim

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I’m asking this with the best intentions- honestly not trying to be a jackhole...I know I certainly don’t Log on to be interrogated by a bunch of know-it-alls!!! Lol.

but what happened with the ends of the boat? It looks like they’re all cut to different lengths- is that just the camera under the fiberglass/ epoxy glass that makes it look like that?

Grizzleyman

When building, the strip ends over lap. In this case, the builder didn't trim them back, to the end of the joint.

1JimD: " The good news is It's fixable ! You just didn't finish the ends properly. The good thing about fresh epoxy ? after you are done, and apply varnish ? You won't see the edges of overlapped cloth !


Yes, grind down the ends of the strips, to the joint, where the strips meet.


This should leave you with about a 1/4" wide, blunt edge.


Round this. Then lay two bias strips over, and glass.


I know this sounds daunting. But you will never know you had a problem.


I'll post a few pics.

Jim, I see staple holes in the strips at the bow in 2 places. One line is probably in the vicinity of your stem mold and the other looks to be where an internal stem would be. Do you have an internal stem in that canoe?


The Minnesota Method is a good one ! Your next canoe will be better !


Jim"