Old Town Square Stern Paddling Canoe

[woodworker]

I am in need of help on a 1946 Old Town 18' square stern paddling canoe that I will be restoring. Does anyone know of a museum, private collection, or another WCHA member that I can visit to take measurements and pictures? In order to restore my canoe, I need more information.
The canoe is missing all the seats, the back half of the keelson and outer gunwales are missing, middle seat center post and knees are missing.
I live in southern NH, west of Manchester, NH
Thank you for any leads that would help me get this canoe back to it's original condition.

Tom

 

[pklonowski]

Given your location, I'd start looking here: https://www.woodencanoe.org/builders-suppliers, our Builders & Suppliers Directory. There's a drop down selection box, where you can specify New England.

Also, look here: https://www.woodencanoe.org/chapters for the listing of local chapters.

There are several very knowledgeable people in New England... you're in good hands!

 

[woodworker]

Thank you for the info. I have looked at the pictures and gone through past posts. There is one post that said the transom was made out of ash 1.1 thickness. If that is correct please let me know.
Also the last 5 feet of the keelson was removed. There appears to be an old 45 degree cut where rhe keelson ended.(see picture)
Should this be a long splice or replace the whole keelson?
Just a note, the transom is now white oak 1 3/4 thick put on with fiberglass.
.

 

[David Satter]

Tom, I have a 1938 18footer in my shop now. The transom on this is oak and 1 1/4 thick. she's upside down now but I'll flip her and bring her in the paint room next week. If you need a couple of photos I can take some. I think there may be a lot of different designs of seats that went into those. Benson may know better.

 

[woodworker]

David thank you for your help. 1 1/4" thick transom makes sense. Do you think Ash would be ok or should I use white oak? I have both in stock.
If you don't mind I have a few more questions.
1) thickness of the seats .
2)width of all 3 seats
3)size of the support blocks that hold up the seats (screwed to the ribs)
4)if I could get pictures of
Transom brace to keelsom , the rabbit where planking meets Transom, the braces on top of the middle seat .
I know that is alot to ask but any info is appreciated.

Tom

 

[David Satter]

White oak would be my first choice but ash would work fine. I'll be flipping it over in a couple of days. Will be easier to answer those questions without me crawling under it while it's on these low saw horses.

 

[woodworker]

David
Thank again for your help. I will use white oak.
Tom