Chestnut Identification Issues

[Jordan Fournier]

Hi Everyone,

I am new to the site and have not had a lot of time in looking around so this may have been covered somewhere else! Here is my issue.

I bought a Chestnut canoe which I was told was purchased in 1967. At some point someone did some pretty shitty repairs. I picked it up for almost nothing. I would like to restore it back to original. But the first thing I would like to do is identify what model it is. I have taken some measurements and pictures to help with this.

Overall Length: 14'
Beam at Midship: 32 1/4" inside to inside inwales
Beam at front of rear seat is 17"
Beam at rear of Front seat is 25"
Depth at Midship: 12 1/2"
Rib thickness: 3/8" x 1 7/8"
Rib spacing: 1 3/4"
Seats are done in rawhide and appear original as in bad shape (dried out)
At some point someone fiber glassed it! (that is going to be a pain)
Has heart shaped decks but I do not think they are original (gut feeling as they are flat underneath)
Does have a Chestnut decal on the front deck!

 

[Andre Cloutier]

Looks like somebody put a Chestnut sticker on a Huron built canoe, that wasnt built in Fredericton.

 

[Jordan Fournier]

Thanks Andre,

Now that I look at the details for the Hurons, I would say you are correct which means, I got screwed because I thought I was getting a Chestnut! That sucks but hey I got another winter project! The decks are the giveaway so now I know what direction to look for more details! Thanks Again!

 

[Dan Miller]

Don't despair too much, Jordan. Huron-built canoes can look rough, but many of them have turned out to be very good paddlers.

 

[Murat V]

Do any of the experts here have an explanation for the two shallow notches on the centre thwart? Maybe for a tumpline lashing?

 

[Andre Cloutier]

what Dan said, i've put a few back together and they paddle just fine. they are good honest boats rather than a few i can think of that enjoy an undeserved reputation (made in Canada btw)

 

[Jordan Fournier]

We will find out how good they are and I am when I get done with it! Hopefully it turns out better than I expect it too...lol