I just bought this and the seller thought it was a Pal. 1974 to 1978 based on the logo, 16 feet long, 14 inches deep at the center from plank to top of gunnel. Which means Prospector. But it doesn't look as if it has as much volume or rocker as a Prospector I had years ago. What do you think?
Is this a Prospector or Pal?
- Thread starter oldguy
- Start date
Andre Cloutier
Firestarter. Wicked Firestarter.
Since it looks like it has an Oromocto decal and terribly shaped thwarts, all bets are off. 14" should mean prospector, but i have worked on many Chestnuts and Peterboroughs that were deeper than they should have been. Our elderly neighbour growing up ordered one from the factory. Whats the width? looks more like a prospector.
I visited the Canadian Canoe Museum today and talked to one of the curators. He compared pics of my canoe to Bill Mason's Prospector (on display there, red canoe below) and a Pal they have in storage and decided mine is a Prospector. I went for a solo paddle and it glides silent and pivots on a dime.
Pook
Chestnut Canoe fan
Old Guy!
Just seeing this thread now and i agree with your assessment- that looks like a Prospector Fort model. While your dimensions are a good indication, as Andre notes, Chestnut specifications are more of a rough guideline than an actual certainty. Better yet is to examine the ribs: the ribs in my Prospector are considerably beefier -wider and thicker- than in my Pleasure model Pal. I do note that this specification seems to have changed in the later years- my Pal dates from 60's, my Prospector 1970...
And while comparing your canoe to Bill Mason's is useful keep in mind that they are generations apart in age!
Yup, they are great fun to paddle- enjoy your Prospector.
Bruce
Just seeing this thread now and i agree with your assessment- that looks like a Prospector Fort model. While your dimensions are a good indication, as Andre notes, Chestnut specifications are more of a rough guideline than an actual certainty. Better yet is to examine the ribs: the ribs in my Prospector are considerably beefier -wider and thicker- than in my Pleasure model Pal. I do note that this specification seems to have changed in the later years- my Pal dates from 60's, my Prospector 1970...
And while comparing your canoe to Bill Mason's is useful keep in mind that they are generations apart in age!
Yup, they are great fun to paddle- enjoy your Prospector.
Bruce
Attachments
Thanks! From your pics the ribs on mine are definitely like your Prospector. I was thrown off by the cane seats and screw holes where there was once a keel. But I know both these could have been options added onto the original purchase. Or additions over the past 50 years.
ALCEDO ATTHIS
LOVES Wooden Canoes
lacing is not regular ( because of the holes ) , rawhide dont pass in holes , but around the seat by three way , not two
