8 Reasons Why Spirit of the Wilderness Should Repair your Canoe?

Spirit of the Wilderness, Ely MN has been repairing and reconditioning canoes for customers, other outfitters and our own canoes for over 14 years.  Why use our services?

1. Repairs of all types

• We work on many brands of canoes; Wenonah, Bell, Souris River, Mad River, Old Town and more.
• Repairs include; cuts, tears, scrapes, holes, divots, reconditioning, applying skid plates, installing and/or replacing gunwales, seats, yokes and pads. 
• For the average canoeist, our reconditioning should last 5-8 years. How do we know? We see our previous work when customers return years later to show us their canoes. Our process works and the satisfaction of our customers is great to see.

2. Take time to prep

• We use time proven methods in preparing your canoe and have consulted with each manufacturer for their recommendations and techniques.
• Sanding to the correct level, cleaning with the right solvent, and applying resin coat at the optimum temperature is critical for a lasting performance.

3. Use the correct resin

• Each brand of canoe is made with a specific resin.  We use the resin recommended by the manufacture for your canoe. 
• We carefully apply the resin to get a smooth, consistent coat without major drips.

4. No spar varnish

• We do not use spar varnish...that's for wood! 
• A varnish gives a nice shine to the canoe, temporarily covers scratches, BUT most importantly wears off in a year or so of use. 

5. Allow time for curing

• After the appropriate resin is applied to the canoe, your reconditioned canoe is brought inside overnight to set-up and cure. 
• It is recommended your canoe be kept out of the water for 2-3 days to ensure the resin is completely cured or dry.

6. Final inspection

• After the resin is applied and cures, we inspect your canoe. 
• We look, feel and remove any raised fibers and bumps that would interfere with a smooth glide when paddling.

7. Affordable and timely

• Our quality work is affordable. 
• When you drop off your canoe for reconditioning or repair we provide an estimate of cost and set a time for completion. 
• If we locate or determine additional work is required after you drop off your canoe, we contact you for authorization before anything is done. 

8. Your business is appreciated

• We know you have a choice of who will recondition or repair your canoe. Earning your business every time is a key value for us.
• You want to be proud of your canoe and we can help by doing quality work at an affordable rate.
• Our reputation is important to us. We want you to be able to say..." I chose Spirit of the Wilderness because they do great work, treated me openly and fairly."
• Lastly, you will hear a heartfelt "thank you" every time you choose Spirit of the Wilderness. Your business is appreciated!

This is how we would want to be treated. 

Contact Spirit of the Wilderness Outfitting & Outdoor Store today for all your canoeing and outfitting needs.
Phone: 800-950-2709
Email: info@elycanoetrips.com
Stop in:  2030 E. Sheridan Street Ely, MN 55731