Old Town Double Ender #8353?

[Brad Fisher]

I just picked up this 16 foot double ender. Owner says it's an Old Town. Stern Stem serial number reads 835??. Maybe 8353?. Then a space, then "16." It has the OT diamond thwart bolts. I'd appreciate anybody who might be able to look this boat up for me.

Thanks!

Brad

 

[Benson Gray]

Welcome and congratulations, there are several Old Town double ended boats in the 8353x range including number 83532 which shipped to Troy, Penna. I sent a copy of this build record to a member of the WCHA from the Virginia Institute of Marine Science in 2009. My guess is that you have the Old Town with serial number 83537 based on your picture of the serial number. This is a 16 foot long double end boat model in CS (Common Sense or the middle) grade with red Western cedar planking, open spruce gunwales, birch decks, birch thwarts, birch seats, a keel, outside stems, and a floor rack. It was built between February and March, 1924. The original exterior paint color was dark green. It was shipped on March 29th, 1924 to New York City. Scans showing both of these build records can be found by following the links at the attached thumbnail images below.



These scans 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 http://www.wcha.org/about-wcha to learn more about the WCHA and http://www.wcha.org/store/membership to join.

It is also possible that they could have another number or manufacturer if this description doesn't match your boat. Some paint stripper and a good look at both ends might help identify the correct number. Some of the tricks at http://www.wcha.org/forums/index.php?threads/791/ may also be helpful. Feel free to reply here if you have any other questions.

Benson

 

[Brad Fisher]

Thanks! Those WCHA dues were well spent. I'll check the other end for a serial number and/or try the tricks you recommend to make it readable. You'll notice that the inside is painted Cherokee red. Do you that's original, or was it varnish on clear wood?

 

[Benson Gray]

You'll notice that the inside is painted Cherokee red. Do you that's original, or was it varnish on clear wood?

It is most likely to have left the factory with varnish on clear wood. Good luck with the restoration,

Benson

 

[Brad Fisher]

I took another look and found the other serial number. It's definitely 83532. Thanks again!