Rebuilding an old fiberglass canoe. The canoe had been used pretty hard and had hull damage (the fiberglass repair went well). In the areas of the hull damage, the gunnels were significantly bent. I found some nice vinyl replacement gunnels and they seem to have installed nicely. This leaves me with seats, decks, thwarts, and handles to figure out.
Thwarts/Handles:
Granted, the Ash would look nice; but, I am wanting something more durable for the thwarts and handles. Any idea if there is an aluminum alternative?
Decks:
Considering that I have no idea who made this canoe I have no idea who to order replacement decks from (not to mention the canoe is from the '80s). Any ideas on what I could use for decks? I guess if I go with Ash handles and thwarts then ash decks could be fitted and look nice.
Seats:
This is the one that throws me most. Looking for advice. Part of me likes the newer plastic seats (love the low maintenance). Part of me wants solid wood to allow me to affix a more comfortable padded rotating boat seat when needed (plan on using this for fishing mainly).
Thwarts/Handles:
Granted, the Ash would look nice; but, I am wanting something more durable for the thwarts and handles. Any idea if there is an aluminum alternative?
Decks:
Considering that I have no idea who made this canoe I have no idea who to order replacement decks from (not to mention the canoe is from the '80s). Any ideas on what I could use for decks? I guess if I go with Ash handles and thwarts then ash decks could be fitted and look nice.
Seats:
This is the one that throws me most. Looking for advice. Part of me likes the newer plastic seats (love the low maintenance). Part of me wants solid wood to allow me to affix a more comfortable padded rotating boat seat when needed (plan on using this for fishing mainly).