Old Town # 176590 16

[David Dannenberg]

I am looking for information about the Old Town canoe with the serial number above. From photos looks like it may be red cedar planking, white cedar ribs. The owner measured it at 14' tip to tip, but the 16 as the last two digits of the serial number makes me think it is a 16'er.

Any information appreciated.

Thanks.

David Dannenberg

 

[Benson Gray]

The Old Town canoe with serial number 176590 is a 16 foot long Otca model with a keel. It was built between July and December, 1966. The original exterior paint color was Dupont green. It was shipped on June 23rd, 1967 to Washington Crossing, Penna. A scan showing this build record can be found by following the link at the attached thumbnail image below.



This scan and several hundred thousand more were created with substantial grants from the Wooden Canoe Heritage Association (WCHA) and others as you probably know well. A description of the project to preserve these records is available at http://www.wcha.org/catalogs/old-town/records/ if you want more details. I hope that you will join or renew your membership to the WCHA so that services like this can continue. See http://www.wcha.org/about-wcha to learn more about the WCHA and http://www.wcha.org/store/membership to renew.

It is also possible that you could have another number or manufacturer if this description doesn't match the canoe. Old Town measured the extreme overall length of a canoe in a straight line but people often just measure from the tips or out around the curve of the gunwale. Feel free to reply if you have any other questions.

Benson

 

[J. David Macel]

Benson,

What does the fact that no information is provided in the build record for planking, gunwales, decks, thwarts, etc. indicate to you?

I noticed other OT build records include that information.

This is a great website/resource and I've really enjoyed spending the last few days digesting many of the forum threads.

Thanks!

 

[J. David Macel]

I am interested in repairing this boat. Based on my research over the last few days, I think it needs outwales, a few new planks, plank patches, a new stem, and a hull (canvas, filler, paint). It would also benefit from new seats and varnish for a more complete restoration vs. just repair.

I've owned a canoe for many years, but it's a Mad River Adventurer (Polyethylene) so I'm a novice with wooden canoes and repair, generally. Luckily I drive near Woodstrip Watercraft Co. every day on my way to and from work, so I will have easy access to material and knowledge.

Since, I don't really have the instincts to spot potential issues with this boat, before I begin any work I was wondering if you thought this was a good beginner project.

Thanks again,
Josh

 

[Benson Gray]

What does the fact that no information is provided in the build record for planking, gunwales, decks, thwarts, etc. indicate to you?

I interpret this to mean that there was nothing unusual or non-standard done with these elements of the construction. Therefore, all of the specifications listed in the catalog from http://www.wcha.org/catalogs/old-town/specifications.jpg will apply here including: red cedar planking, spruce inside gunwales, mahogany outside gunwales, hardwood decks, seats, and thwarts. This looks like a great beginner project and I'm sure that Al can help. Good luck with the restoration,

Benson