1942 AA Grade Design #45 how rare?
- Thread starter Gregory Messier
- Start date
Congratulations, the short answer is no, and an accurate count would require manually searching through several thousand build records. These are available at the link below if you want to pursue a project like that.
The estimates at https://www.wcha.org/catalogs/old-town/models.html indicate that about 8530 examples of the 18 foot Otca model were made between 1912 and 1970 which is an average of 145 per year. The chart at https://www.wcha.org/catalogs/old-town/records/grades.jpg indicates that about 23% of these were in AA grade. The estimates at https://www.wcha.org/catalogs/old-town/designs/thumbnal.html indicate that about 356 examples of the design number 45 left the factory between 1924 and 1967 which is an average of 12 per year. About 60% of the canoes shipped with no options but the chart at https://www.wcha.org/catalogs/old-town/records/options.jpg shows that the other 40% had floor racks in 35% and half ribs in 10%.
My guess is that a small number of canoes like yours were probably made that year but you aren't likely to ever see another. Nice find,
Benson
Old Town Canoe Company Build Record Archive on USB Drive | WoodenCanoeHeritage
Digital scans of 210,999 Old Town Build records, documenting information for Old Town canoes and boats, as the date built, the woods used, the color it was painted, and to whom it was shipped. TIFF format files are compatible with Mac and PC computers. Essential for researchers and restorers...
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OP
OP
Gregory Messier
Loves Wooden Canoes
Thank you Benson for the analysis. I really do love the canoe but am considering selling it as the 18 is a bit much for the wife and I to get on top of the car. I’m still on the fence about it.
The usual solution to transporting a big canoe is a good trailer. Another option is to bring it inside and make a display piece out of it. Good luck with the decision,
Benson
Benson
Rollin Thurlow
member since 1980
Half ribs combined with a floor rack are quite rare. the half ribs get in the way of way of slats that tie the floor rack together. It requires a bit more planning and a bit different building technique which throws wrench in the manufacturing process.
A lightweight trailer for the boat is a lot easier that lifting the boat overhead.
A lightweight trailer for the boat is a lot easier that lifting the boat overhead.
