Duck boat ID

[Paul Miller]

Hi all you duck boat buys,

I know there are some in WI.

Attached are pictures of a very nice duck boat I have acquired but not sure who built it.

The boat is 14' 5" long, 36 wide and about 12" deep. The cockpit is only 7' and 27" wide with a combing 5" tall.

It looks like a Thompson but the cockpit is only 7' and a 14' Thompson should have an 8' cockpit.

The boat is constructed like a Thompson row boat in strips. The deck is sold wood and was never canvased.

The boat has a very distinctive floor board connected with rope on the bottom.

Any thoughts would be appreciated,

Paul

 

[Paul Miller]

The boat has an unusual bracket for something on the deck on either side.

BTW the boat in the background is the Aqua-Aircar that Peter and I have restored, originally built by a guy in WI. 1947.

It was recently displayed in Chicago for the Tall Ship Show at Navy Pier.

Paul

 

[shelldrake]

I have no idea on the maker Paul, but I'll bet if you posted these photos on the duckboats.net forum, someone over there will know.

I think the brackets are some sort of folding oarlock arrangement.

Good luck,

Matt

 

[Dave Osborn]

Paul,
I forwarded the link to a duck boat guy that I know. I will let you know his opinion.
Dave

 

[Paul Miller]

Thanks Dave!

 

[Dave Osborn]

Paul,
My buddy Brian is a duck boat guy. He is an expert in waterfowling memorabilia and history.
Here is his reply to me.....

"I don't know...The Thompsons that I have seen had wider "Bottom Boards" that were made up of more than one piece. I have seen oarlocks on skiffs by the Lewis Boat Co out of Oshkosh WI that were like those on this boat but that is not to say the boat was by that company. Best guess is that it is just a nice skiff by a talented individual maker...smaller cockpit for the length compared to that seen on most commercial boats....commercial skiffs usually had a tag or number stamped on the stem....very nice old skiff! - has an Oshkosh/Butte Des Morts look to it..."

Sorry I can't help more...
Brian

 

[Paul Miller]

Thanks Dave,

I'll have to see if I can get a better look at the stem.

I do think the bracket on the deck is original, the pins squeeze together to release two pins on either side. Never have seen anything like it.

The boat is in original condition including the paint.

Thanks again,

Paul

 

[bluedcanoed]

It's a beauty! Nice condition too.