Old Town Dinghy 164191

[DougM]

I would appreciate getting build information on dinghy 164191.

Thanks,

Doug

 

[Benson Gray]

Welcome, the Old Town with serial number 164191 is a 9 foot long, AA (or top) grade, Dinghy model with half ribs, a keel, and outside stems. It was built between October, 1955 and February, 1956. The original exterior paint color was white. It shipped on March 8th, 1956 to Boston, Mass. A scan of this build record can be found below.

This scan and several hundred thousand more were created with substantial grants from the Wooden Canoe Heritage Association (WCHA) and others. 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 donate, join or renew your membership to the WCHA so that services like this can continue. See https://www.woodencanoe.org/about to learn more about the WCHA and https://www.woodencanoe.org/shop to donate or join.

It is also possible that you could have another number or manufacturer if this description doesn't match. Let me know if you have other questions or if there is anything else that I can do to help. Thanks,

Benson

 

[DougM]

Benson,

Thank you for the information! With the dinghy purchase came what I believe to be the original style Rowlocks with unattached safety chains. Can you possibly refer me to reference pictures showing how the safety chains are attached to the Rowlocks and the dinghy?

Thanks again for any further assistance!

Doug

 

[Benson Gray]

This depends on the type of rowlocks and safety chains you have. Can you provide some pictures? Thanks,

Benson

 

[DougM]

See pic below. I’m told by others to open the end link of the chain and attach to the hole in the rowlock. The “T” end is fastened to the gunwale (or below) with some kind of clamp or braces screwed into the gunwale. I see no evidence (screw holes) on the dinghy that the chains were ever attached in this fashion.

Thanks again,

Doug

 

[Benson Gray]

Those chains are used with a different type of oarlock. The page at the link below shows the "Oarlocks" and "Oar sockets" which use "Safety Chains" like that. The "Rowlocks" like yours can use any sort of small twine or chain to secure them. See page four in the document at https://wcha.org/classified-archive/Northwoods-Kingfisher-15-2012-6-24-21.pdf for an example of how your chains could be used.

Benson

Marine Hardware, Oarlocks, Leathers and Accessories

Since 1858, Shaw & Tenney has quietly made a name for itself as the leading maker of wooden oars, paddles, spars and boat hooks in the country.

www.shawandtenney.com

 

[DougM]

Here is another approach suggested by Neil Gutekunst at Shaw & Tenney:

 

[Dave Osborn]

I put a little brass eye screw in a rib below the row lock and a brass clip on the chain.

 

[DougM]

Dave,

I like your approach!

Doug