How to Repair Canoe Gunnels

Gunnels, or gunwales, on a canoe serve as part of the skeleton of the boat, keeping it in shape for use in all types of water. Over time, they can become damaged, whether from hitting hard objects during a float or when transporting the canoe from place to place. In most cases it is better to simply replace the wood than try to repair it in pieces. Gunwale replacement kits are available at canoe dealers and online. For wooden canoes, ash is a typical wood used in gunwale replacement.

Things You'll Need

  • Crowbar or claw hammer
  • Measuring tape
  • Pencil
  • Notebook
  • Scouring pad
  • Soap
  • Water
  • Screws, 1 1/2-inch
  • Screws, 2-inch
  • Cordless drill or screwdriver
  • 2 hand-screw clamps, 10-inch
  • Sanding block or electric sander
  • Fine-tooth saw
  • Penetrating oil
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Instructions

    • 1

      Identify which gunwale needs to be repaired. If you only need to do one side, this will save you time and effort. Place the canoe on a flat spot, out of the water. Carefully remove the old gunwale with a crowbar or claw hammer. Note where the seats and other components are located on the canoe. Measure from the front of the canoe to the leading edge of the front seat and write down the measurement so you know where the seat is located when you reattach it. Repeat this from the back for the rear seat. Measure and write down where other components, such as the yoke, are located. Clean the area where the old gunwales were located with some soap and water and a scouring pad.

    • 2

      Put two spring clamps on either end of the boat. Take one of the new inner gunwale pieces and hold it along the length of the inside of the canoe. Stand in the middle and pull it to the inner edge of the boat, leaving the two ends to butt up against the clamps on the ends. Secure the inner gunwale to the hull with 1 1/2-inch screws in five places spaced evenly along the inside gunwale. The ends of the new, inner gunwale will extend beyond the length of the boat. Trim these ends with a fine-tooth saw to be about 1 inch short of the front and back of the canoe.

    • 3

      Remove the clamps and use them to attach the outer gunwale to the outside of the canoe. Starting in the middle of the boat, use a 1 1/2-inch screw to attach the outer gunwale to the outside of the boat. It should screw through to the inner gunwale.

    • 4

      Continue attaching the outer gunwale to the boat and inner gunwale with screws, moving down one side of the boat. The screws should be 5 to 6 inches apart. On each end of the canoe, secure the gunwales with a longer, 2-inch screw. Trim the outer gunwale piece on the front and back with a fine-tooth saw. Repeat these same steps if you are replacing the gunwale on both sides of the canoe.

    • 5

      Reinstall the seats and sand the ends of the new gunwale. Apply a penetrating oil to the raw wood to protect against rot and sun damage.