I have a 1988 Mad River Slipper that needs new wood, the ends are rotted out. I called Northwest canoe to get a price of replacing them and they want more money than it cost new to put on. I know they have the strips, either in full length or kit, how complicated are they to put on?

Is there another resource available or someone that makes them? I am in Mankato MN. Thanks for the help. Brian

They are not complicated to put on after you have seen it done. I know that ain't much help.

I suggest getting one of the many books on strip construction. The books will generally show you what needs to be done. You can down load a free copy of "Notes on the art of building the strip canoe" on NW's web page. A real nice book is "canoecraft" by Ted Moores.

Generally you will need quite a few clamps to get the job done.

One thing in your favor......... you do have a pattern of the gunnels sitting on the canoe. They will make life a bit easier. You will get a good idea of how to install new gunnels when you take the old ones off........ just hope that they ain't glued on. If they are glued, then the project starts to become more time consuming.

I wish I lived near you GSP, I would be happy to rip them for you on the router/tablesaw if you bought the stock from a lumberyard. Wouldn't be too hard to do, but I cant help you 500 miles away.

If your looking for the wood, contact Sherer Bros. Lumber in MPLS. They have a yard in North MPLS. They sell clear mahogany in lengths to 20'. Nothing is cheap. Long clear lumber is pricey.

Stewart River Boatworks near Two Harbors has clear ash gunwale stock too.

If your a handy person and have some tools, it's not hard to do. If that stuff scares you, have a boat builder do it for you. It is a skilled process.

Tom

Found a resource for clear wood, plus Menards has some great clear oak pieces. May have found a cabinent maker for routering and ripping. Not really worried about installing them after taking one apart and looking at articles. Used to build furniture and rebuild antiques. I was quoted a price of $750+ for installing and supplies from a well-known shop. That kind of money would go to a new kevlar.

Found a cabinent company in Mankato that will make the strips and decks in my choice of wood. Total cost with all hardware, tax and refinishing less than $150, including buying clamps.

quote GSP: "Found a cabinent company in Mankato that will make the strips and decks in my choice of wood. Total cost with all hardware, tax and refinishing less than $150, including buying clamps."

That's more like it. If it turns out nice, give the guy an extra $20. He's not gonna make any money at that price. He must be hungry.

Tom

excellent!