Merrimack Osprey

Fawkesfire

New Member
I just picked up an old canoe at a garage sale.
It's a Merrimack Osprey. Serial number MCK13072M73J
it has two brass colored plates embedded in the deck that say
Merrimack
Canoes
by L.H. BEACH
I know he was the original founder/builder but would love to have the serial number decyphered
for me. I emailed Merrimack and haven't received a reply.
Thanks!
 
What you posted appears to be a Coast guard HIN number. See http://www.boatsafe.com/nauticalknowhow/hin.htm for more information about the formats of these HINs over the years. You should be able to determine the year.

It's possible that the Merrimack Company doesn't keep track of their serial numbers, even if there is a serial number on the canoe. Someone else here may have more information-- but the number you posted doesn't appear to be a serial number.

Kathy
 
Thanks Kathy!! From the website you gave me I discovered that the canoe was built in May 1973.
Is there a canoe 'Blue Book' that will tell me what a canoe like this is worth in $$'s. Trying to decide whether to hire
someone to bring it back to excellent condition or sell it. It's in pretty good shape for it's age and I was told by the previous owner that it is seaworthy.---- Ginger Whidbey island, WA
 
There is one from 1998 listed at http://www.ebay.com/itm/230661305613 for $1,400 as a comparison. It typically isn't worth spending much on a restoration if your intent is to sell it as Kathy mentioned. You may find that the demand for these is quite limited. Good luck,

Benson
 
Several years ago there was a 1974 in ADK forum for $800 and presently there is a newer one in the Paddling classifieds.
For some reason folks tend to ask fairly high prices for these...not sure why or if they actually sell.

I know someone locally that has one for sale (quite nice if you like this sort of boat) for $900.
 
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