First Project, ID help appreciated!

[Jason H]

Hi all - I have recently acquired a 16 foot canoe purportedly built and purchased in Ontario in the 1940s. Unfortunately at this point I can’t find any numbers, markings, or hints of a decal, so I can only make guesses - I would very much appreciate any thoughts and potential IDs!

It looks to me like it was originally a thwarts-only canoe; the seat and the middle thwart are definitely more recent additions. Lots of work ahead!

Thanks!

 

[Andre Cloutier]

that was advertised for a while, it would have been thwarts only for sure, it would have had 3. It’s an earlier Canadian built with the squared ribs vs half round it appears. Some of the gun whales are misshapen near the front it seams. Post some pics of the decks if you can, looks like someone used filler or epoxy near the rails. Lots of stripping varnish ahead!

 

[Jason H]

Thanks Andre! You’re dead correct on the gunwales - the replacement middle thwart is too wide and has pushed them apart. The good news is that it isn’t epoxy on the decks and rails.

I’ll post more photos when I have a chance, thanks again!

 

[Jason H]

Stripping has begun, and while the caked on resin is a pain to remove, it isn‘t impossible! Still no signs of markings, but it is early days yet. With the middle (oversized) thwart removed, the gunwales have moved back to a somewhat more natural shape - I’ve added a bit of tension with a rope to try and hold the form.

 

[Jason H]

Making progress on the hull - a few more photos, in the hopes that they might help ID the canoe’s maker! No signs of a stamp or mark yet, interior stripping is up next.

 

[Todd F]

Jason, looking good. Look forward to your progress