12' American Fiber-Lite canoe

[Huron Angler]

I bought a used small fiberglass canoe for $100 that is really lightweight(hence the name) and I'm curious if I should add some fiber to reinforce the integrity of the vessel(seems a little bit too lightweight).

I'm also curious if canoe questions are received warmly on this site, haven't seen any mention of them. They float and you can fish from them so I feel like it shouldn't be an issue.

Anyway, has anyone done this? Anyone that's done fiberglass repair on a smaller boat that has advice may have ideas? I'd like to strengthen it a bit without adding too much weight since I want to be able to hike this thing out to no man's land portaging with my 3-year-old son in order to fish some isolated water.

It's about 40lbs now. I will ad pictures tonight.

Thanks

 

[Ned L]

Re: 12' American Fiber-Lite canoe

I would have to ask, reinforce it for what? Is it so thin that you are concerned a stick might poke through it? If not then there is really no need and you will only be adding weight. I have three kayaks that are wood framed & canvas covered, there is nothing between me & the water except for a layer of painted cotton canvas (one of them is over 30yrs old). When the canoe is in the water the stress on any one spot is really very low, except as I said unless you hit a stick, rock, branch etc. and I wouldn't think that it is so thin as to be a problem with that (unless you are on a rocky white water river).
Certainly canoes are welcome here, and fiberglass work is the same regardless of boat size, so the people here can help you out. - If you are ever in need of specific canoe help I would also recommend the WCHA (Wood Canoe Heritage Association) - lots of good help there.

 

[Bondo]

Re: 12' American Fiber-Lite canoe

Ayuh,... I Agree with Ned,...
40lbs. is about Right for a 12' glass Canoe....

If it ain't Broke,... Go Fishin'...

 

[Huron Angler]

Re: 12' American Fiber-Lite canoe

I will be testing her out as soon as the freezing rain subsides here in Siberia/Michigan. I will probably not do a whole lot to it, just not used to having a canoe this lightweight. All I've used are aluminum which I love.

Being so light I can't wait to go hiking/fishing and carry this little vessel with me wherever an isolated lake/floodwaters exists. Right now with the rain it's pretty much anywhere.

Thanks for the replies.