Strip Cedar Canoe: A Winter Project
I have always enjoyed the classic beauty and feel of wooden boats on the water. The looks are elegant, the feel of riding in one is as wonderful an experience one can have on the water. Unfortunately the practicality of guiding out of a wooden boat where I frequent just doesn’t make a lot of sense for me. I have had the pleasure of rowing two beautiful wooden boats built by a friend and summer resident at the Big Eddy Campground Pete Boucher. I must say, I have enjoyed every second of those experiences.
Pete at the oars in his Rapid Robert
Recently while enjoying a beer at a friends house he showed me a 19 foot strip cedar canoe he had hoped to restore, but can’t find time for amidst other projects. I asked if he wanted to part with it and within an hour I had it loaded on the truck heading for home. I am pleased to add a wooden boat to the collection and I have dubbed it “The Beast” for obvious reasons.
The new ride at home
This will be an ongoing restoration project I hope to complete by Spring Fishing Season 2011, and I will be posting updates as I make progress. If anyone has any advice or experience in strip cedar canoe restoration I am all ears.
Some photos of the canoe:
dirty boat
busted gunnels and decks
damaged fiberglass
the beast
Since these photos were taken the entire canoe has been scrubbed down good and is airing out in the garage…
Maine Fishing Season: Does it have to end?
Only if you want it to.
Before you know it you’ll be tired of pushing snow around, tying flies, and anxiously awaiting the warming rays of spring sunshine. There are some great extended season waters still open here in Maine and fishing well. Enjoy it as long as you can.