Just got my first wooden canoe and would love some expert opinions.

[morse1322]

Hello all,

I purchased a canoe with the intention of using it at the local lake. However, I'm not sure i can use it for that purpose in its current condition. Or if it will float. Its been hanging on a wall for 40 years.

Hoping the experts on this forum can help guide me and help answer a few questions.

1. I cannot find the manufacturer or serial number anywhere. I've looked in all the recommended places. I was told that this was an antique and was not meant to be used in its current condition . Can anyone help identify who made this canoe or when it might have been made?

2. Can this be refurbished into working order, or would it make more sense to purchase a new (wooden) canoe instead?

Excited to have my first wooden canoe, every one I've had up to this point has been fiberglass. Ready to get this in the water.

Thanks for having me on the forum.

 

[Benson Gray]

Welcome and congratulations, These photographs are very low resolution so it isn't obvious who made it. A close up of the bow deck could help. Canoe decks often have unique shapes as shown in the first link below. The second link may help you find a serial number if it has one. Most canoes can be restored to working order. A quick water test will usually indicate if additional work may be required. The third link below has a list of restorers who may be able to help with a project like this. Good luck and please keep up posted on your progress,

Benson

Decks | Wooden Canoe Museum

woodencanoemuseum.org

How do I find a serial number on an old wooden canoe or boat?

Many old wooden canoes and boats have a serial number on both inside stems and a decal or tag with the manufacturer's logo on the bow deck. The number is usually stamped on the top of the lower part of the stems. The inside stems are the long curved pieces of wood that form the ends of the...

forums.wcha.org

BuildersSuppliers

Whether you're looking to have a canoe restored, or to find the products or information to restore it yourself, you'll find what you need in our Builders and Suppliers listing.

www.woodencanoe.org

 

[Worth Gretter]

Hi morse1322,
a couple of questions:
1) what are the dimensions of this canoe?
2) are there holes in the canvas or is it detached at the outwales?
3) are the ribs loose - they seem wildly different in spacing?
And yes, better pix would be great!
And Benson says try it on the water but I think he is being too nice. My opinion is no way.

Not trying to discourage you in any way! Canoe restoration is a lot of fun, and the folks on this site will support you every step of the way.
-Worth

 

[John Sand]

Unless it's in a building of gigantic dimensions, that appears to be a miniature.

 

[Dave Osborn]

The ribs look as if they have been tapered and wedged under the inwales….ala a birch bark canoe.

 

[MGC]

Good eye Dave. The canoe is almost certainly a birchbark. If you blow up the size of the images it becomes quasi obvious.

 

[Dave Osborn]

I would love to see more and better photos.
It doesn’t appear to be a commercially made canoe to me. Could be painted bark or a bark style canoe covered in canvas, which was a practice at one time.
It may not be what you’d want to use as a fishing canoe on your lake.