How long does a birchbark canoe last?
2. Can they really be paddled like any other canoe? 3. Is special care required? 4. What do I do if something breaks? 5. Do these canoes leak? 6. Can an old canoe be restored? 7. Will they rot? 8. What should I look for in buying a birchbark canoe? 9. Are used canoes for sale? 1. How long does a birchbark canoe last? Answer: With proper care they can last a lifetime. If they are exposed to extreme weather they will break down more quickly. Hot sun will bleach the bark. A new canoe will be yellow or orange in color. In time it will fade to a tan color. Eventually it will become white like the outside bark on the tree. Canoes in museums which are stored under flourencent lights will fade just as if they were in the sun. Extreme dry conditions can dry the bark. 2. Can they really be paddled like any other canoe? Answer: Of course. Native, traders and explorers used them the way we use cars. 3. Is special care required? Answer: The better you care for your canoe the younger it will look an
