The creation of the aluminum canoe after World War II is certainly important in the history of canoeing – a major shift in the material and construction of canoes, widely popular because of their durability and low maintenance.
That does not mean, however, that they are at present, generally considered collectible. They are still readily available, being frequently advertised in Craigs List and in local newspaper classified ads in the north country, usually at quite reasonable prices. I regularly see them around in Maine and elsewhere, sometimes even in Brooklyn (NY); some are battered and worn, but many are in surprisingly good shape.
Brownstone Brooklyn canoe
The Adirondack Museum has one example in its collection, not on display, because the Museum tries to have examples of all boats used in the Adirondacks. The particular example collected is unusual because of its paint job, designed to be read when the canoe was car-topped:
The other end had the lettering right side up.
I don’t think that an ordinary example of an aluminum canoe would excite very many collectors, and I would think that number 327 out of a run of thousands (tens of thousands?) would not be considered very special (if that is what the number signifies).
Just my 2 cents and I could be wrong, but I say let the scouts use it.
