I took three day trips on my recent trip to Ak. On the second trip I took my OT Tripper and realized that the stock plastic molded seat was too low for my preference. I didn't like those seats anyway, the bow seat had a cup holder for heavens sake. I decided to replace them with traditional wood seats and put the stern seat back to where OT originally put it, back about six inches.
On my third day trip, on the drive I stopped to check out the new canoe landing and parking lot on Portage Creek to check it out to see if there was a good spot to stash bicycles or the boat for a future trip to float the creek. When I got out of the truck, there laying on the ground was an old discarded wooden canoe seat. It looked to be in such poor condition that I almost left it there. The cane was shredded, the wood was weathered with tape wrapped around it but it seemed strong so I took it home.
I cleaned it up, oiled it, and replaced the cane. I bought some new varnish and cut it to size. I really wanted to get it installed and try it out, but I needed 4 inch bolts so it didn't happen. I used that extra time and new varnish to clean up and varnish all brightwork and paddles that were suffering from deferred maintenance, and also get some things done around the house. This softened the blow of not getting out on an overnight trip but I was OK with it.
I wish I had taken a "before" picture, but here is one from after.![IMG_9947.jpeg IMG_9947.jpeg](https://www.canoetripping.net/data/attachments/32/32858-0bbbeeafd920dbb3a8466ea8c321f52d.jpg?hash=C7vur9kg27)
On my third day trip, on the drive I stopped to check out the new canoe landing and parking lot on Portage Creek to check it out to see if there was a good spot to stash bicycles or the boat for a future trip to float the creek. When I got out of the truck, there laying on the ground was an old discarded wooden canoe seat. It looked to be in such poor condition that I almost left it there. The cane was shredded, the wood was weathered with tape wrapped around it but it seemed strong so I took it home.
I cleaned it up, oiled it, and replaced the cane. I bought some new varnish and cut it to size. I really wanted to get it installed and try it out, but I needed 4 inch bolts so it didn't happen. I used that extra time and new varnish to clean up and varnish all brightwork and paddles that were suffering from deferred maintenance, and also get some things done around the house. This softened the blow of not getting out on an overnight trip but I was OK with it.
I wish I had taken a "before" picture, but here is one from after.
![IMG_9947.jpeg IMG_9947.jpeg](https://www.canoetripping.net/data/attachments/32/32858-0bbbeeafd920dbb3a8466ea8c321f52d.jpg?hash=C7vur9kg27)