Old Town serial # search

Hello ! I just brought home a 16 ft old town canoe. Hoping to tackle a restoration on it . Any help with info from the build sheet would be much appreciated .
#173309
Thanks Stephen
 
Welcome and congratulations, the Old Town canoe with serial number 173309 is a 16 foot long, CS (Common Sense or middle) grade, Otca pound model with a keel. It was built between September and November, 1963. The original exterior paint color was dark green. It shipped on May 4th, 1964 to Fairlee, Vermont. A scan of this build record can be found below.

This scan and several hundred thousand more were created with substantial grants from the Wooden Canoe Heritage Association (WCHA) and others. 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



173309.jpg
 
Thanks
That will be helpful. Cool to know a bit of the history . I am new to this organization and will definitely be joining the ranks
Stephen
 
Stephen,

Welcome to the WCHA. There are a couple good books that you will find helpful that are available in the WCHA store: "The Wood & Canvas Canoe: A Complete Guide to its History, Construction, Restoration and Maintenance," by Jerry Stelmok and Rollin Thurlow and "This Old Canoe, How to Restore Your Wood Canvas Canoe," by Mike Elliot (which appears to be out of stock at the moment). The first canoe that I restored I held Jerry & Rollin's book in one hand and tools in the other. Also these forums are very helpful as well. Most every problem encountered on an old canoe has been discussed and advice offered. The 'Search' function is your friend. You might also look for a WCHA chapter local to you to connect with like minded people. Good luck with your project and have fun.

Jim
 
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