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    And so it begins... (Bell Merlin II Repairs)

    Had the Prospector out yesterday with my bother, it was really nice. He's only been in a canoe a few times in his life and we had a nice time on the river. He's also been game to help me with my little project. :cool: Well, three coats of epoxy later, I think the floor is done. I will sand it...
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    And so it begins... (Bell Merlin II Repairs)

    Last night was like Christmas when I got home from work: the handles arrived from Ed's, the polypro nylon webbing arrived from Amazon, and last but not least - the seat and new seat hangers arrived from gumpus! Thank you!!! :D I have a plan for those that will require a bit more time to...
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    And so it begins... (Bell Merlin II Repairs)

    I was hoping to get it out this weekend, but.... That first coat of varnish on the thwarts and seat drops didn't dry fully in 24 hours. I think I am more accustomed to wood that really absorb versus the walnut which really didn't. So - second coat tonight. If it dries by tomorrow those will go...
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    And so it begins... (Bell Merlin II Repairs)

    Well, the first coat of varnish is on the thwarts and seat drops... pictures after a few more coats... I checked out the handles on Eds Canoe, while the color might match, the shape isn't what I was after. I might try to stain the new ones this winter so they are closer to matching if the color...
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    And so it begins... (Bell Merlin II Repairs)

    Thank you all for the ideas on the handles. I didn't see a black walnut option with the handles from Eds. Since the regular ones are on order and in the mail, I'll use those for now and we'll see how it looks when it is back together. If I don't end up liking it, I can pull the handles this...
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    And so it begins... (Bell Merlin II Repairs)

    The new handles are on the way from Ed's and should arrive on Friday, just in time to re-install next weekend. I had planned on re-installing the way that they came off the boat. Until I know a little more about these things, I will assume the manufactures know what they are doing. If it doesn't...
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    Hello from Northern California

    Welcome! Sorry - a bit farther North (Portland, Oregon) Cheers - Kathy
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    And so it begins... (Bell Merlin II Repairs)

    Finally took the picture of the serial number: Make that 14 years old, well, at least it cant drive yet. I was going to try and start sanding the thwarts this evening, but not sure I'll get to it. Hip deep in carpet cleaning and preparing for a family invasion. My brother and his family are...
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    And so it begins... (Bell Merlin II Repairs)

    I know, I often work in the garage barefoot in the summer. Since I clean it, I get the benefit. That being said, then the drill comes out and metal/wood shavings start to fly, the shoes come out too. Crocs: yep, I own a pair of those too but don't wear them in the garage. Sort of a necessity...
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    And so it begins... (Bell Merlin II Repairs)

    I decided on a product called Flitz Metal, Plastic and Fiberglass Polish" (Liquid) Here are a few before and after shots: So far, I am very please with that. Will re-work it again to see if I can get more the damage to come off, but still a significant improvement.
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    And so it begins... (Bell Merlin II Repairs)

    Well, I pulled the handles, thwarts and the seat last night after a few stops on the way home from work (Home Depot and West Marine). Here is a picture of handles (they are in pretty close to the same condition), I'm not sure they are salvageable with large chucks of wood missing? Also...
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    What are you reading?

    Voyage of a Summer Sun, by Robin Cody
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    Thoughts on a Bell Merlin ii (not that I'm looking for another canoe...)

    Agreed, it is lightweight, pretty, and fast and I'm happy. :D The scuffed area feels just like I described it, fuzzy and slightly rough. I don't usually paddle barefoot so it isn't really an issue for me. My concern is water seeping into the fabric and causing problems. I know this is a...
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    Thoughts on a Bell Merlin ii (not that I'm looking for another canoe...)

    Thanks Steve in Idaho! :cool: I am looking forward to spending a little more time in it before the winter. It will be stored inside and I can work on it in the garage so making it a winter project works out well for me. So shortened to-do list will be addressing dry woodwork, sooner than...
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    Thoughts on a Bell Merlin ii (not that I'm looking for another canoe...)

    This is a picture of the wear area on under the seat: That looks like exposed fibers to me - or maybe I don't understand what I am looking at? (see post 21 for ability to zoom). I don't mind a 'process' to getting the boat back to it's original condition, that's part of the fun of buying an...
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    Thoughts on a Bell Merlin ii (not that I'm looking for another canoe...)

    Has anyone tried "3M 20122 All Purpose Fiberglass Resin"? It says it is waterproof and can be used on nearly anything including fiberglass, all paints and gel coat.
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    Thoughts on a Bell Merlin ii (not that I'm looking for another canoe...)

    I'll try to weigh it tonight when I get home from work, I'm curious too. After I remove the handles and thwarts and sanding them a bit, should I treat them with the lotion a few of you have mentioned and then top off with the urethane or should I just sand and use the urethane? I have no...
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    Thoughts on a Bell Merlin ii (not that I'm looking for another canoe...)

    ROFLMAO :rolleyes: Why do I get the feeling around here, that might actually be a compliment? As far as what I don't have - SUP's - I'm to lazy to use those. If I want to SUP, I take my canoe and stand up and paddle it around. I've done it a few times and enjoyed the experience. I need to...
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    Thoughts on a Bell Merlin ii (not that I'm looking for another canoe...)

    Regarding the aluminum gunwales, it was stored resting in metal racks that had rusted and weren't all that smooth. There are significant scratches and discoloration all around. The scratches go to the metal in several places as well. I haven't had the chance to try cleaning this off yet, but...
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