We finally put our Meramec in the water on Saturday. Some leakage but not nearly as much as expected considering the condition of the canvas. It handled beautifully on an open lake and was quite stable despite the seats (remuddled at some point) being quite high. Having lifted and carried it several times now, I would definitely agree with Ken that it feels more lightweight. We haven't measured the ribs and thwarts yet but side by side with our Carleton you can definitely tell they are thinner. As far as the St. Louis Boat and Canoe,we have been by the old building a couple of times in Valley Park, Mo. and have tracked down a guy who knows a guy, who knows a guy in contact with the current owner and are scheduling another trip out there soon. Just FYI for those with interest in Alfred Wickett. We have visited his gravesite in Kirkwood to admire the canoe carved in the granite. His son Laurence who was also in the St. Louis Boat and Canoe company with him is buried beside him. Ours is a 17', we think Meramec model, #381. The outwales and decks appear to be oak but there has been some dark varnish applied at some point. It does have half ribs and is 36" outwale to outwale. It belonged to a doctor here in St. Louis and we purchased it with what appears to be an Old Town sailing rig. Gil is correct about the "Wabash Cannonball" of St. Louis to Michigan, many St. Louisans still have summer places in Charlevoix and Saugatuck along Lake Michigan.
