New Gunwales: Customer Success Story

Mad River Canoe Malecite sits on a grassy lawn, awaiting some much-needed upgrades.

Scott bought a Mad River Canoe Malecite about six years ago. He did the right thing, treating the gunwales every fall with Watco oil, but storing the canoe outdoors one foot off the ground took its toll. Moisture, especially snow, caused the gunwales to rot. 

Scott decided to do the repairs himself, with some guidance from Umiak staff.

We had the gunwales in stock. The deck plates are unique to different years of Mad River Canoes, but the serial number gave us the info we needed to give him the correct replacements.

Scott says, “My canoe took its maiden voyage today with the new gunwales and decks… here are some pictures of the process. Bonus points if you can identify the body of water. (Steve got it right). What a satisfying experience to do the repair myself."

Installing new gunwales on the canoe, with clamps in place to secure the wooden rails.

“Trimming the gunwales was every bit as tedious as you warned, clamping them into place over and over and over to check length and angles. I think I pre-drilled my screw holes slightly off on the starboard side, resulting in a tiny gap at the stern and an overshot at the bow. Also, the foremost and aftmost screws didn’t quite curve the gunwale ends into each other. I filled the gaps with two-part epoxy and then sanded the heck out of it.

“The seats were narrower than the natural curve of the hull (which explains why they were very hard to remove), and when I reinstalled them, the outer gunwales cracked a bit longitudinally. It seems like it didn’t compromise their strength, but I’ll fill the cracks with more epoxy when I put the boat away for the winter, and I’ll keep an eye on it next year.”

Malecite is ready to embark on its next adventure.

We’re always happy to hear successful stories like Scott’s, as they inspire others to take on their own boat projects with confidence. If you’re considering a boat repair or upgrade, don’t hesitate to reach out. Our team is here to support you whether you need high-quality materials or expert advice. We’re committed to helping you achieve professional results!

A joyful day on the lake, paddling the Malecite canoe with new gunwales under a clear blue sky, surrounded by stunning autumn foliage and cherished family moments.