Replacing Gunwales (Rails, Gunnels) On A Canoe

EQUIPMENT NEEDED TO REPLACE CANOE GUNWALES:

• Rivet gun
• Drill Bit size #11 or 3/16
• Rubber mallet
• Small block of wood

HOW TO REPLACE GUNWALES ON A CANOE:

Step 1: The existing rails must first be removed by “drilling out” the rivets which now hold the rail in place. To “drill out” a rivet, put the drill bit in the center of the rivet head and apply pressure as you drill. If you do not apply pressure, the spinning drill bit will cause the rivet to heat up; therefore melting the plastic rail and the rivet will start spinning. If this happens, a pair of pliers or vise grips my be used to pull the rivet out. CAUTION: DO NOT place your free hand on the inside of the gunwale near where the rivet is being drilled. A normal length drill bit will come through the inside of the rail.

Step 2: Use a small block of wood, place it under the rail, either outside under the rim or inside under the rail itself. Pound the rail up off the canoe, hitting the wood block NOT the gunwale. Start at one end and work your way down to the other end.

Step 3: Using tape or washable markers, mark directly under each hole where the old rivets were. Make the mark 1 ½” down from the edge of the canoe to be sure these marks can till be seen once the new rails are in place.

Step 4: This step is easier if done by two people. One person to hold the rail straight and about 2 feet above the canoe edge, the other to start the end of the rail over the canoe edge and tap it in place with a rubber mallet. Once the rail is tapped down as far as it can go, the rails can be re-drilled and re-riveted. Caution should be used not to drill through the inner most part of the gunwale.

Step 5: DO NOT USE THE SAME HOLES WHEN REPLACING RAIL. New holes should be drilled at least 2” from existing holes. Existing holes have probably become enlarged by riveting and drilling the old rivets out.