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Last summer I won a 1940s - 1950s Peterborough Litelift at the WCHA auction. I was told an older gentleman began the restoration and decided it wasn’t within his skill/ability to finish it properly. I hope I do it justice. If anyone can date it more exactly I would be very appreciative (see stem...

Last winter I read Jerry Dennis' book, "From a Wooden Canoe". In one chapter, Mr. Hitchcock’s paddles were praised and they peaked my interest. I found his email and reached out to him to see if he was still making paddles. I received an email back that day informing me he had a couple left...

I am curious if any member are attending either of these events the second week of July this year at Paul Smiths in NY? I will be there 7/12-15. I imagine Glenn will be there as a new board member of the WCHA and I know Benson is presenting. It would be nice to meet some folks in person...

Earlier today, I picked up this canoe a couple hours away. I bought it on eBay of all places. It is in very good condition for being from 1993. I am planning to “soloize” this for a river tripper. Anyone have any experience with this hull? Anyone paddle it solo from a center seat? Thoughts? I...

This is something I am considering purchasing. The seller says it is 16’ long. I am hoping it is a royalex Explorer, but I have been fooled before. I have a request for info in on Mad River’s help function of their website, but I’m not sure how responsive they are. Any help is appreciated. Bob

I had some leftover tongue and groove cedar boards and cedar siding. I was able to mill the siding down and get some nice 3 1/2” planks. I used some poster board to create a template for the ends to follow the contour behind the seat of my solo 50 Pounder. I plan to fiberglass the planking and...

I picked up this bathtub of a canoe free on Craigslist. An Old Town 12’ Katahdin. Lord and my wife knows I don’t need another canoe, but I just bought a truck full of cedar for future canoe projects and I figured I could fix this up and pass it along to offset the cost. It needs a new seat and a...

After a few wood working projects recently, this sauntered into the shop. I knew it was rough. I had no idea who made it. I knew it had several not so subtle layers of “repair”. The reason I bought it was an easy boat to launch or keep near the water for my 6 year old son and I to fish from...

My eight year old daughter is showing interest in paddling and requested a solo canoe of her own. I obviously would like to encourage this, but I’m not sure what hull would be best. I would like something that she can handle on calm days (with my wife or myself along side) and something she...

I am putting my kit together for a trip next week and I cannot locate my UCO candle lantern. I can find the case and spare candles, but no lantern or reflector. I can remember taking my time packing up camp on our last day on the last trip and everything else was in its place when I got home...

I usually have the top with Thule racks on my truck, but I have been moving a fair amount of stuff this summer (lumber, wood working equipment, etc.) and have enjoyed having it off. It feels more like a truck. I needed a simple rack for the trip next week up to Paul Smith’s WCHA assembly and a...

I had posted looking for advice on how to approach this fiberglass 16.5’ Wenonah Echo a while back and started messing around with reshaping the hull this evening. I drilled out the rivets on the gunnels after marking the thwart locations and taped some battens to the outside. I was happily...

Anybody have any idea what this is other than a big project? 12-13’ long. 36” wide in the middle. There have been several unconventional “repairs” over the years.

I just got back from a trip to the Adirondacks with one of my usual tripping companions. Not a wilderness trip, but we didn’t have more than a few days and needed somewhere with cell service. We launched in Northwest Bay Brook (free parking) and traveled down Northwest Bay and to the islands in...

I am curious of everyone’s gear packing methods and how is it stored. Do folks lay things out on the floor? Have pre-packed bags? Closets? Basement? Shed? I have a dedicated all things outdoors space (1/2 garage attic) where gear is semi organized and I pack on a table. If i am concerned about...

I am considering putting a sliding front seat in my TW Special rebuild and would like some input. I have zero experience with these. The thought of adjusting trim on the fly sounds great in theory, but how well do these: 1) hold up over time- a concern is durability and the thought of a seat...

Last March I picked up this well used Kevlar TW Special from Paddlin Hal (great guy- was a pleasure to meet him). I don't expect it to win any best in show awards, but I would like to get it in usable shape for a couple trips later this year. I have done a fair amount of fiberglass work over...

What fishing tackle do you like to bring? I realize this can change depending on type of water and fish, but what are your favorites? I am primarily a fly fisherman and typically carry a 10’ 7 wt rod with a floating and sinking line and an assortment of leaders/tippet and flys including...

Are there any books that profoundly affected your canoe tripping lifestyle or outdoor world in general? I am rereading a book that I originally read in high school and many times since. It planted a seed that at the time I was unaware of. After college I moved to Chicago to begin my career...

I picked up an older #3 online in pretty good shape other than some of the leather. Has anyone found a good source for similar to original rivets? I realize I can send this to Duluth for repair, but I’ve seen on other forums where this can cost a fair amount. Bob