What is the best glue for repairing shattered wood gunnels?

boatbuster · Post by **boatbuster** » Sun Dec 24, 2006 1:31 am

Running Boxcar Falls on the North Fork of the French Broad today I hit the river left wall with the tip of the bow of my canoe, right at the deck plate. The energy traveled all the way back through the gunnels and shattered them in three places, including tearing out a section of the interior gunnel where the seat thwart is located. I have some regular wood glue but thought you guys might be able to recommend something stronger (epoxy?) On at least two of the spots the gunnel split with the grain of the wood but there is enough intact for me to glue and screw it. Not sure what to do about the 6 inch missing section where the rear thwart formerly attached. Thanks

Post by **sbroam** » Sun Dec 24, 2006 11:59 am

"Gorilla Glue" (urethane) might work, epoxy, too. Best would be to replace the entire gunwale, or "scarf" in new segments. I think anything short of replacement would be pretty weak.

boatbuster · Post by **boatbuster** » Sun Dec 24, 2006 1:23 pm

the hull on this boat is pretty trashed, so new gunnels not a good option
yeah, i know, get a new boat. I have one but am trying to delay the onset of its eventual demise, ie., paddling it!

cheajack · Post by **cheajack** » Sun Dec 24, 2006 2:25 pm

Any of the two part waterproof glues from Woodworker's supply should do it. I've laminated cutting boards from a glue of this type that was made is Sweden and available from woodworker's that lasted forever. The glue is not colorless when mixed and your glue joint will be visible but it will last forever. Get the wood to be glued very dry bedfore applying glue and leave the clamps on longer by 24 hors thatn the directions suggest.

Jack

ezwater · Post by **ezwater** » Mon Dec 25, 2006 8:57 pm

West epoxy is the best if you want to invest about $60 for the cans, and the pumps. But that waterproof (probably Resorcinol) glue referred to in the previous post will work.

I prefer West epoxy because it is thin for good penetration, but can be thickened if you need to fill gaps.

ChrisKelly · Post by **ChrisKelly** » Tue Dec 26, 2006 6:12 pm

my friend Jim cut out and replaced an section of badly broken gunnel. You get a much cleaner fit and glue job. It worked well.

Louie · Post by **Louie** » Wed Dec 27, 2006 1:55 am

how much you want for it?

C-Forum

What is the best glue for repairing shattered wood gunnels?

What is the best glue for repairing shattered wood gunnels?

thanks, sbroam. could you explain how to 'scarf' in gunnel?

On one recent repair

I take the boat on consignment.