Greetings from Golden, BC

[Greenthumbed]

Hello All,
I just thought I’d make an introduction. My name is Chad. I’m a new member to the WCHA as of 2025 and I just registered on these forums today. I am an outdoorsman and canoe fanatic. I have owned a ‘54 Peterborough Huron for about 30 years. It is my most prized possession it has been on many adventures with me most notably 700km of the Yukon River in 1998.
I recently purchased a ‘72 Chestnut Prospector that needed a full restoration which I started this spring. With new stem tops and inwale ends, multiple ribs and several feet of planking later I am happy to say that the canoe now has a new coat of canvas as of this weekend and now ready to move on to filler, paint and varnish!
I must say it has been a very satisfying endeavour. I look forward to having this boat in the water, but must admit that it will be sad when the project is completed.
I should also add that I own a ‘54 Peterborough Lakeside runabout which is a pleasure to look at and fun to have on the water. I wish I had more time for them all

Regards,
Chad Parent

 

[patrick corry]

Welcome and please indulge us with pictures. There are a few Chestnut fans here, myself included. I too have a '56 mahogany runabout, a Barbour Boat Co. Vacationer model & '58 Mercury Mark 55 outboard motor.

 

[Greenthumbed]

 

[patrick corry]

Some say red canoes are faster.... you'll have to let us know! Although this isn't a power boat forum I'll include a pic of my Barbour.

 

[Greenthumbed]

Very nice! Thanks for sharing.
That red Peterborough of mine is fast! It’s a cruiser model with sleek lines. I’m sure the colour helps too.

 

[Pook]

Red canoes- especially Chestnuts are definitely faster!

Welcome to the WCHA- always nice to have another member from north of the 49th Parallel, especially one with such exquisite tastes in canoes...though I must admit that you had me with your 54 foot Peterborough...!
As Patrick noted, there are a number of Chestnut fans here; in addition to the Pal above, I also have a 1970 Prospector and a 1971 Bobs Special...

Again, welcome aboard!
Bruce

 

[Greenthumbed]

Hi Bruce,
That is a beauty of a red canoe.
When I had my Peterborough first restored 30 years ago I was asked what colour I wanted it to be. I told the craftsman I wanted it “Bill Mason Red”. He knew exactly what I was talking about!
I have decided that I will go with the original grey/green Chestnut Prospector colour for this Chestnut of mine when I get to that stage in a week or so from now.

Chad

 

[Gary]

Hi Chad, welcome as well and yes nice to see another fellow Canadian joining. Although my Chum is not red it paddles great. I have a Pal and Prospector yet to be restored and most definitely the prospector will be Bill Mason Red!
I couldn't keep up with Bruce whatever the colour of my canoe.
Gary

 

[Greenthumbed]

Hi Gary,
That is a very nice Chum. A friend of mine has a Chum that is blue. It is time he puts a new canvas on her. I’m hoping that he becomes inspired to do the job now that I’ve endeavoured to restore my Prospector.
The undertaking of a canoe restoration is very intimidating when you think about it as a whole, but if you break it down into each task that needs doing and you don’t put too much time pressure on yourself it is a very enjoyable experience.
Thanks for the welcome, Gary

 

[Pook]

Not sure about that, Gary!
My Prospector is an original Chestnut grey.
Bruce

 

[Greenthumbed]

Yup. That’s a nice colour. That’s my intention for mine too. I just picked up a gallon of that colour the other day.
I see you have cane seats in your prospector. Were those original?

Chad

 

[patrick corry]

Ah.... I see. Now we're showing off our Chestnuts. Here are mine:

early Bobs Special restored in full last year. Characterized by quite thin, tapered ribs; full length inwales (subtly tapered at the decks) and full length outwales unlike the mid-century Chestnuts when apparently quality began to decline. Currently for sale in the WCHA classifieds.

And, my Chestnut Chum. My first Chestnut and required only canvas, paint, and varnish to refurbish. Painted my version of Chestnut Gray.

 

[Gary]

Haha since this whole thing has gone sideways anyway, (which is fine by me) is the paddle figured maple? Beautiful by the way, canoes and paddle.
Gary

 

[patrick corry]

Thank you Gary. Yes, the paddle is figured Maple. I documented much of the paddle fabrication and coloring here:

Too cold to paint, so...

Too cold to paint my w/c project, so I'll make the first paddle with the new (1952 vintage- same as me) bandsaw added to the shop. I'm making a curly Maple, single board paddle. My own grip and blade design. I usually use another paddle as a starting point and then alter to suit my curiosity...

www.canoetripping.net