Stem pieces

This is the bow end with more planks removed.  The stem on this end is cut off about where the curve starts.  I'm planning on keeping the splayed end of the stem and splicing on a new curved piece.  Not sure if I need to pull this out. I like this picture, it looks like the bones of a whale.

The stem on the stern was loose because the nails had rusted away, so it was easy to pull it out once the planking nails were pried out.  This one needs to have the curved section replaced too.  I picked up a piece of clear white ash I can use to make the stem pieces.  I think the stems were originally made from cedar, but something a bit harder seems like a good idea.  Ash is also supposed to be a good wood to steam bend. 

Planking holes and patches

I've pulled off the small patches of planking that were added lat time the canoe was recovered. Between the new holes and the patches, there are a lot of holes in the planking.  Looking carefully at the inside of the planks, there are also many spots that are fairly rotten. I've mapped out the planking plan and marked the bad spots and broken planks.  If I replace planks in longer pieces so the number of joints is kept to a reasonable number, I'm afraid I might as well replace all the planking.  There are really very few places the planking looks good from the inside.