Indian Canoe

[daddylos]

Looking for some information on a handmade Indian canoe. Birch Bark outer skin about 14 1/2 feet long. We found these numbers on the side.
48W00004F585
Would appreciate any help we can get in identifying it. Thanks Carlos

 

[Benson Gray]

This looks like a modern hull identification number from 1985 as described at http://www.boatsafe.com/nauticalknowhow/hin.htm and the first three characters are the manufacturer identification code. These three character codes can be identified by searching at http://www.uscgboating.org/recalls/mic1.aspx?sort=mic but 48W is not listed. Can you attach a picture of this number?

Benson

 

[Dave Osborn]

They look like they are Hafeman Canoes. Bill Hafeman built many of them in Big Fork, MN. His grandson-in-law, Ray Boesell operates the business now.

 

[Benson Gray]

They look like they are Hafeman Canoes.

Good eye Dave. My guess is that the first three characters are actually HBW. See http://www.uscgboating.org/recalls/mic_detail.aspx?id=HBW for more information.

Benson

 

[beaver]

I agree with Dave...I have repaired canoes just like these ~~

They look like they are Hafeman Canoes. Bill Hafeman built many of them in Big Fork, MN. His grandson-in-law, Ray Boesell operates the business now.