Chestnut ID

[ticonderoga]

Today I picked up my first Chestnut and I would like to know the specific model it is if possible. There is a serial number on the stem 36 9720 if that helps at all. It is 15 ft long, 36" wide and 12 1/2" deep. The ribs are between 2 and 2 1/2" wide and the the first cant rib is 4" wide. It has a keel and has never been worked on other than a new coat of paint years ago. The seller called it a Ranger model? It was purchased in Canada in the 40's by his grandparents. Thanks for any info. Joe

 

[patrick corry]

Have a look here, https://woodencanoemuseum.org/catalogs. The several Chestnut Canoe Co. catalogs will have plenty of detail regarding their models.

I am currently restoring what I believe is a Chestnut Ranger, the 15’ iteration of the Chestnut Prospector lineup. Dimensions cited in several catalogs forma Ranger are, 15’ x 35” x 13.5”.

 

[Dan Miller]

The number is consistent with a 1960s Chestnut. The dimensions split the difference between the Ranger and the Bobs Special. These two are easily differentiated by the thickness of the ribs.

 

[ticonderoga]

Thanks for the great info! The outer gunwale has a splice directly in the center of the canoe, so does this help to date it as well? Dan what is the difference in the thickness of the ribs? Thanks Joe

 

[ticonderoga]

The ribs on my canoe are 1/4” thick. Does this help to id the model? Thanks

 

[Benson Gray]

The ribs on my canoe are 1/4” thick. Does this help to id the model?

That sounds like a Bob's Special. The catalog at https://woodencanoemuseum.org/index.php/manufacturer-catalog/chestnut-canoe-company-1964 lists the Bob's Special ribs on page three as '1/4" thick x 2 1/8" wide spaced 1 1/2" apart' while the Ranger ribs on page six are '3/8" thick x 2 3/8" wide spaced 2" apart' from 1964.

Benson

 

[Sdrew22]

Looks like a Bob's special.

 

[ticonderoga]

Thanks for the info but now I’m confused. After measuring it again, My canoe has the dimensions of a prospector: 15’x 35”wide and 131/2 deep, but it has 1/4” ribs, tapered keel and caned seats like a Bob’s. Did chestnut take special orders on things like keels seats etc?

 

[Andre Cloutier]

You've got a Bobs. Dimensions in catalogs are often a guideline, with models varying sometimes greatly. Additionally, special requests happened frequently. I went to look at one the elderly owner ordered almost 3" deeper that stock, and paid accordingly. Boat was mint since in anything resembling a wind it was like a sail, and thus never used. That Bobs' portly shape is unmistakable

 

[ticonderoga]

Thanks for clearing up my confusion! Not that it changes much but I’m glad to know what I have for sure. We all can’t have build sheets available like Old Town!