Original 1956 Old Town Octa 16' value

[KurtS]

My father bought this Old Town canoe in 1959. It was a custom order that wasn't picked up - I don't recall if if was for a person or for the dealer's family, but it sat for several years at the dealer before he bought it. AA level with a keel, outside stems, and a floor rack. The canoe is original - original canvas, paint, varnish, etc. The only thing that was done is the one seat was recaned after a mouse decaned it. It was in amazing condtion but my father incorrectly stored it for a few years and the paint cracked and the varnish shrank.
What's the approximate value? Sorry about the pictures, hard to show due to where it is stored.
Thanks!
Kurt

 

[MGC]

Hi Kurt,
You should look this post over to draw your own conclusions. After buying and selling canoes since 1971, my answer is whatever someone is willing to pay.

How much is my old wooden canoe worth?

How much is my old canoe worth? One of the most common questions that gets sent to the WCHA webmasters is "how much is my old canoe worth?" Tim Hewitt's responses over the years have included the following comments: Any wooden or wood/canvas canoe in usable condition is worth $1000 - $1500. A...

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What your canoe has going for it is that it appears to be quite original. That suggests that restoring it should be fairly straight forward and not requiring a lot of carpentry.
It does look like it's due for a canvas. Someone may try to convince you that the crazed paint can be sorted. It cannot. The wood needs to be cleaned, sanded and varnished. If you do these jobs yourself, the material costs are under $600 plus the cost of your time.
If you need to have the work done. expect to pay at least $200 plus per foot, at a minimum.
If you decide to sell it as is, make sure you are not setting a price based upon it's restored value.

 

[KurtS]

Thanks, that was helpful and gave me a starting point.
Unlike antique vehicles were originality is highly valued, condition matters more with boats.
Is the canvas always removed on a repaint or is it just easier that way?

 

[MGC]

Generally, if the paint does not chip or craze or get gouged down to the filler, you can sand it and repaint over the existing finish. It's considered to routine maintenance. However, if the paint starts to craze, as it appears yours has, there is generally no way to save it. Paint that is put on over the cracks will not fill them. Any point with a crack becomes a place where water can intrude. You might try painting it to see what happens...but my experience has been that it will need a canvas.
Cosmetically you may also be disappointed to see that each crack will look like it's been highlighted.
Varnish also is part of routine maintenance and should be done every now and then.
In your shoes, I would sell it as is. It will a very nice project for someone.
Mike

 

[Benson Gray]

Unlike antique vehicles were originality is highly valued,

The originality of sacrificial elements like tires on antique vehicles tend to be less highly valued. Canvas is considered a sacrificial element on most antique canoes. Good luck with the sale,

Benson

 

[KurtS]

Thanks to both of you for your help!

 

[KurtS]

The canoe will be sold at auction on Oct 14th. It's in northwest Pennsylvania, between Meadville and Franklin.

Public Auction Sale: ABSOLUTE REAL ESTATE & CONTENTS AUCTION - Utica, PA

Public Auction: "ABSOLUTE REAL ESTATE & CONTENTS AUCTION" by NICOLLS & AUCTIONS. Auction will be held on Sat Oct 14 @ 10:00AM at 455 Chestnut Grove Rd. in Utica, PA 16362. See photos and more auction details on AuctionZip.com Now.

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