The Canoe Shop
Journal
Stories, repair tips, maintenance advice, and paddling knowledge from the workbench at Johnny’s Boat Shop.
Johnny’s Boat Shop Guarantee
Johnny’s Boat Shop proudly stands behind every repair with our “We Stand Behind Our Work, Guarantee.” With more than 30 years of canoe, kayak, and paddleboard repair experience, we combine expert craftsmanship, attention to detail, and honest service to keep boats strong, reliable, and ready for the water. If something isn’t right with our work, we’ll make it right.
Stand Up Paddle Board (SUP) Repairs
Even small cracks or dings in a fiberglass stand up paddle board can allow water inside and cause major structural damage over time. Johnny’s Boat Shop provides professional SUP repairs in Muskoka for cracks, punctures, and composite damage, helping restore strength, performance, and durability before small problems become expensive repairs.
Trim Replacement & Gunwale Repair
Wood trim and gunwales are a critical part of your canoe’s strength and safety. Johnny’s Boat Shop provides professional canoe trim replacement, gunwale repair, and wood maintenance services in Muskoka to help prevent rot, structural damage, and portaging failures while keeping your canoe looking beautiful and performing properly.
Kevlar Skid Plates for Your Canoe or Kayak
Kevlar skid plates help protect your canoe or kayak from rocky shorelines, sandy landings, and everyday paddling wear. Whether added to a brand new canoe or installed as part of a repair, skid plates are a cost-effective way to extend the life of fiberglass, Kevlar, carbon fibre, and Royalex boats. Learn how Johnny’s Boat Shop professionally installs lightweight, colour-matched skid plates in Muskoka.
Canoe Seat Replacement
A worn-out canoe seat can make even a short paddle uncomfortable. Johnny’s Boat Shop replaces and installs canoe seats including cane, webbed, boot lace, wood slat, cherry, and ash seats for canoes of all types. Whether you need a quick repair, a full replacement, or an upgraded wooden canoe seat, professional installation is available in Huntsville and Muskoka.
Canoe Thwart & Yoke Replacement
A worn or rotting canoe yoke can make portaging uncomfortable and unsafe. Johnny’s Boat Shop provides professional canoe thwart and yoke replacement services in Muskoka, including traditional ash yokes, dished portage yokes, replacement thwarts, hardware, and installation. Keep your canoe balanced, comfortable, and ready for the trail with expert canoe repairs and upgrades.
Hull Repairs for Your Canoe or Kayak
Hull damage on a canoe or kayak can range from small gelcoat cracks to soft spots and structural laminate damage. Johnny’s Boat Shop repairs fiberglass, Kevlar, carbon fibre, plastic, and composite canoes and kayaks using professional repair techniques designed to restore strength, durability, and performance. Free repair assessments and quotes are available in Muskoka.
Should I put skid plates on my new canoe?
Kevlar skid plates help protect your canoe or kayak from damage caused by rocky and sandy landings. Whether installed on a brand new canoe for added protection or used to repair worn bow and stern damage, skid plates can extend the life of your boat for many more paddling seasons. Johnny’s Boat Shop offers professional skid plate installation and colour-matched canoe repairs in Muskoka.
What to do about a crack in your canoe
Discovered a crack in your canoe or kayak? Learn when gelcoat damage needs repair and how small cracks can lead to larger structural problems if left untreated. Johnny’s Boat Shop explains the difference between invisible gelcoat repairs and durable outfitter-style repairs for Kevlar, fiberglass, carbon fibre, and clear gelcoat canoes. Get expert advice and free canoe repair estimates in Muskoka.
Putting your canoe away for the winter
Proper winter canoe storage helps protect your investment and keeps your canoe ready for the next paddling season. In this guide, Johnny’s Boat Shop shares expert canoe winterization tips, including cleaning, hull inspection, wood trim maintenance, aluminum gunwale checks, UV protection, and proper indoor canoe storage methods. Learn how to prevent cold cracking, rot, and weather damage during the Muskoka winter. Looking for professional canoe storage or maintenance packages in Muskoka? Contact Johnny’s Boat Shop today.