Andrew W
Curious about Wooden Canoes
I picked up a 1926 Old Town OCTA AA (87236-17) last September, and am planning to start working on it soon. This will be my first project, and with all the excitement also comes some worry due to the poor condition.
I'll be posting updates in this thread.
As for the history of the canoe; it was found abandoned in a New Jersey canal in the early 80s, restored in '82, was in the process of being restored in the late 90s, then hung in a barn for close to 20 years where it landed in my hands. Below are some pictures of the condition I got it in. I've got a lot of work ahead!
Remarkably, the caned seats are in near perfect condition with the diamond head bolts. The biggest challenge I'm expecting is the fact that all of the ribs on both ends are split at the stem. The outwales were missing and will be need to be made from scratch. So far I've counted 22 ribs that will need to be replaced (until I remove some planking and find more), though some may be able to be patched as I've seen others on here do.
I'll be posting updates in this thread.
As for the history of the canoe; it was found abandoned in a New Jersey canal in the early 80s, restored in '82, was in the process of being restored in the late 90s, then hung in a barn for close to 20 years where it landed in my hands. Below are some pictures of the condition I got it in. I've got a lot of work ahead!
Remarkably, the caned seats are in near perfect condition with the diamond head bolts. The biggest challenge I'm expecting is the fact that all of the ribs on both ends are split at the stem. The outwales were missing and will be need to be made from scratch. So far I've counted 22 ribs that will need to be replaced (until I remove some planking and find more), though some may be able to be patched as I've seen others on here do.