Does Anyone Know Who Made This Canoe

[John Gibbens]

Back in 1977, the attached canoe was given to me. It was in serious
> condition - end down in the ground, stems rotted, and was very
> black. I started with a sander one night, and found beautiful wood
> underneath. I made new stems and gunwales from yellow ash. I used it
> for 9 years, then gave it to someone who then let it sit out in the
> rains of Oregon.
>
> I managed to get it back, and have again put new stems and gunwales
> of red oak, and refinished the hull. The deck pieces are mahogany,
> as is the hull. The hull is 4 inch wide pieces of mahogany veneer,
> and run oposite to each other - inside/outside.
>
> There were no markings anywhere to tell me who might have made it
> and when. Perhaps you might be of help in this effort. I realize
> that there were many makers of canoes years ago, and this is like
> looking for a needle in the hay, but....
>
> Attached are some pictures that might help.

 

[Dave Osborn]

It looks to be of "cold molded" plywood construction. I have heard of only two builders that made canoes that way. Haskell was one, and there have been some recent postings on them. The other builder is Max Andersson.
Paul Miller has a Max A. ....he'll probably chime in. I once had a Haskell. Where it wasn't patched with sheet metal, the veneer was strikingly figured. Check out these two builders in the "Research and History" link on the WCHA home page.
Cheers!
Dave

 

[Paul Miller]

This canoe does not look like a Haskell and is not a Max Andersson.

I think I have a brochure from a Plycraft canoe company that also made cold molded canoes. I'll have to look for it.

Sears sold a cold molded canoe built out of the country,(maybe Sweden) back in the 60's. I have a picture of one on my home computer along with most of my other pictures. I did find one of my Max pics, these are the guys I bought it from.

I'll get some more pics that show the interior better.

Your lucky the thing didn't delaminate.


Paul

 

[Paul Miller]

Plycraft of Canada

I just found a picture of a Plycraft canoe.

You will notice the "plank" is molded on the diaginal inside and out.

Your canoe could be a Plycraft.

Paul

 

[John Gibbens]

Thank you.

Thank you for the help. I found the same picture late last night, and it looks very similar to my canoe. My canoe is 17'6" x 37" and weighs 80 lbs.

John

 

[Denis M. Kallery]

John,
WCHA member Steve Wingard who is now living in Montana has two Plycraft. He is trying to sell them. He has an add in the WOODEN CANOE. I'm sure it was in the last issue's classified . I'm also sure he would be glad to talk to you. His contact info is, I'm sure, in the add. Boy sure am sure aren't I.
Denis