We began recanvassing and rebuilding canoes in the early 1950s and, upon acquiring some excellent molds in 1968, started making our own canoes. Since then, we have built over 500, some going to our own 50-canoe fleet, the remainder being sold to both individuals and other summer camps. Most experienced canoeists agree that a well-shaped 16-foot canoe provides the best combination of glide, stability, lightness and load-carrying ability. Our canoes’ width is 35 inches at the gunwales but, because of a pronounced tumblehome, is 37 inches wide, 6 inches below the gunwale. This, along with a slight rocker from bow to stem, makes it an excellent canoe for solo paddling.
All wood is either cedar or white ash, which we handpick at local lumber mills. Eastern white cedar is used because it is more robust and more malleable then western cedar. White ash’s characteristics of strength, flexibility, and lightness are well suited to the resiliency and ‘durability required in a quality canoe. Metal fastenings are brass and coated stell, except where stainless steel is needed for maximum strength.
Besides being the most pleasant canoe to paddle, a cedar-canvas canoe can be rebuilt for less than half the price of a new canoe. The end result of our service is a completely rebuilt canoe, one that is structurally as strong as the original. Since 1970, we have built and rebuilt more than 500 canoes. We replace or repair every piece that is cracked, broken or rotten with top-grade eastern white cedar or white ash. We use brass canoe tacks, rust-proof staples and brass or stainless steel screws. Any canoe which closely retains its original shape is worth rebuilding, provided it does not have a large number of broken or cracked ribs. Eight ribs are usually the limit when repairing a cedar canoe.
Canoe Repair Prices*
| Canvas Replacement | Includes removal of old canvas, installing new canvas, filler, and remounting original gunwales | $565.00 |
| Paint | Two coats of high-grade outdoor enamel | $99.00 |
| Varnish Interior | One coat of verathane; no sanding | $69.00 |
| Ribs | White cedar | each $45.00 |
| Planking | White cedar | per linear ft. $7.00 |
| Gunwale | Outer – White ash | each $65.00 |
| Gunwale | Inner – White ash | each $110.00 |
| Stemband | Outer – Brass | each $50.00 |
| Stemband | Inner – White ash | average $97.00 |
| Seat | Bow or Stern – White ash slat (caned seats optional) | each $94.00 |
| Deck | Bow or Stern – White ash | each $34.00 |
| Thwart | White ash | each $40.00 |
| Keel | White ash | $97.00 |
| Modified Deck | White ash | each $50.00 |
Canoe Prices*
| 16 foot – Without keel | $3,800.00 |
| 16 foot – With keel | $3,900.00 |
| 14 foot – Without keel | $3,600.00 |
| 14 foot – With keel | $3,700.00 |
If you’re interested or need more information, please contact us by e-mail at info@nominingue.com or by phone at (819) 278-3383.
