The paddling season is coming to an end. Before the snow arrives, take an hour to store your canoe properly. A canoe stored correctly is ready to go as soon as the ice melts. A canoe forgotten under the snow may come back warped, stained or damaged.
1. Empty and clean it
Remove everything on board: cushions, ropes, dry bags. Rinse the hull with fresh water and scrub with a mild soap to remove sand, algae and mud. Avoid abrasive cleaners or solvents, which dull the gelcoat finish.
2. Let it dry completely
Trapped moisture is enemy number one over the winter. Let the canoe dry upside down for a full day before storing it, especially if you cover it with a tarp afterwards.
3. Inspect the hull
This is the best time to spot deep scratches and gelcoat chips, especially at the ends and under the hull. Small touch-ups are easy with our gelcoat paint with hardener, available in our canoe colours. For bigger damage, go to a repair centre or write to us for advice.
4. Take care of the wood
Seats, thwarts, portage yoke and ash handles appreciate some attention once a year. Lightly sand grey or rough areas, then apply an exterior wood oil. Check the screws and the straps of woven seats while you are at it. A part too worn? All our canoe replacement parts are available online.
5. Store it upside down, well supported
The best position: upside down, hull up, resting on two supports placed about a quarter of the length from each end, ideally under the thwarts. Avoid:
- leaving it directly on the ground, on grass or on concrete;
- storing it on its side for months, which can warp the hull;
- hanging it by the handles or the ends, which are not made to carry the full weight.
6. Out of the sun and snow
A garage, shed or shelter is ideal. If your canoe stays outside, cover it with a breathable tarp stretched above the canoe without resting directly on the hull, so air can circulate. Clear the snow after big storms: the weight of wet snow can warp a hull. A canoe stored outside should also be shielded from the sun, which fades colours over time.
7. Watch out for rodents
Mice love seat straps and cushions. Leave no food on board and store cushions and life jackets indoors.
Meanwhile, winter begins
Canoe stored? Time to bring out the sled. Our Labrador utility sleds, made in Canada, are built for ice fishing, hunting and trips behind the snowmobile. Our guide Choosing an ice fishing sled compares all six models.
For all our care tips, see our owner's manual.