1939 OT Sea Model Seat Backs?

DavidK · May 12, 2022

I have a 1939 Old Town Sea Model. I want to install steering and run a period correct outboard. The catalog offers optional seat backs. I'd want them to fold down so I can start the motor and get forward. The seat support knees would be in the way of that happening gracefully. I wonder how that was done originally?

Also, in the boat, the knees are at the back edge of the two forward seats and in the middle of the aft seat. Is that original?

Benson Gray · May 12, 2022

The page at http://www.wcha.org/forums/index.php?threads/11143/ shows several catalog pages from this period which may give you an idea. I believe that the knee placement on your boat was standard for one that was made to have back rests. Look for wear marks or screw holes from where they were mounted. The 1939 catalog page attached below shows that they were in the middle of the seat if back rests were not installed. The pictures at https://www.facebook.com/508358369268635/posts/1711536795617447/ show one from 1955 with back rests but these may have been modified. Chris at http://www.androscogginboatworks.com/ may be able to provide more details. Good luck,

Benson

DavidK · May 12, 2022

Thanks for your response, Benson. I don't have a facebook account so I can't see the image of the 1955 model you refer to. Are you able to post that here?

I don't see wear marks or screw holes showing a different placement for the knees. This boat is serial number 125577. Would the build sheet have mentioned seat backs if they were there originally?

I found this image on the web showing a 1959 model. I suppose the crossbar could replace the knees?

Benson Gray · May 12, 2022

DavidK said:
I don't see wear marks or screw holes showing a different placement for the knees.

My guess is that the knees were never moved. My question was if there are any signs from the seat backs which are missing. The build record for this boat is available at https://www.wcha.org/forums/index.php?threads/18178/ but no seat backs are mentioned. The picture you found is similar to the ones below from Facebook. It is also likely that the way seat backs were made in the late 1930s may have changed by the 1950s. Let me know if there is anything else that I can do to help,

Benson