Old Town, circa 1970, I believe

bnwelch

Curious about Wooden Canoes
Serial number as told to me is 22-8686-20
It has been described to me as a composite shell with wood ribs and framing.
Thanks in advance for any information that can be provided.
Brian
 
Can you supply some pictures of the serial numbers from both ends, the bow deck, and the interior? The information at https://www.wcha.org/forums/index.php?threads/791/ may help if the numbers are hard to read. A canoe built after 1972 should also have a hull identification number on the starboard stern so that may help if you can get it. The Old Town with serial number 228686 is a 16 foot long fiberglass Laker model that sold in 1979 so that doesn't sound like a good match. The 20 on the end indicates that this is a 20 foot long canoe so it would also be good to confirm the extreme overall length in a straight line. Let me know what you find. Thanks,

Benson
 
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Thank you...not sure what I will be able to get from the current owner. Measured at 20', that I know.
Definitely needs some TLC, based on pics (attached)
IMG_20201002_181930823.jpg IMG_20201002_181923259.jpg
 
My guess is that it is actually the Old Town canoe with serial number 223686. This is a 20 foot long Guide model with fiberglass covering (instead of canvas) and a keel. It was built between December, 1978 and June, 1980. The original exterior paint color was green. It shipped on August 5th, 1980 to Jackson, New Jersey. The back side of the record indicates that there was a patch on the inside rail. Scans showing both sides of this build record can be found below.

These scan and several hundred thousand others were created with substantial grants from the Wooden Canoe Heritage Association (WCHA) and others as you probably know well. A description of the project to preserve these records is available at http://www.wcha.org/catalogs/old-town/records/ if you want more details. I hope that you will donate, join or renew your membership to the WCHA so that services like this can continue. See http://www.wcha.org/about-wcha to learn more about the WCHA and http://www.wcha.org/store/membership to join.

It is possible that you could have another number or manufacturer if this description doesn't match your canoe. Feel free to reply here if you have any other questions.

Benson



223686.jpg




223686-b.jpg
 
Thank you so much. I am pretty certain you are on the mark...Curious, I've read that it is a bad idea to retrofit a canvas canoe with fiberglass due to trapped moisture from the interior. As a factory option, is this done differently?
Thanks in advance,
Brian
 
I've read that it is a bad idea to retrofit a canvas canoe with fiberglass due to trapped moisture from the interior. As a factory option, is this done differently?

Yes and no, a factory applied fiberglass job is usually better quality than most home done efforts. However, any fiberglass covered canoe is more difficult to repair. Ones that have not had good care and been left with standing water in the hull for extended periods will usually be in very rough shape, regardless of who originally applied the fiberglass. Your mileage will vary...

Benson
 
Gotcha...just sent a small donation as a symbol of my gratitude...
Thanks again
 
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