Peterborough 4 planker

[balletz]

I have a 4 plank, Peterborough canoe (which I believe to be early...maybe 1890s..) that needs attention. Unfortunately, I do not have the skills or knowledge to do this kind of work and because I have never worked on a wood canoe before, would not do this right even if I did know or had the tools.
This spring, as I uncovered the canoe, I noticed a nice hole about the size of a half dollar in one of the planks. Turns out, the one plank that has bad grain has the hole so I guess it makes sense to have the entire plank replaced.
As I pondered this situation, another thought occured to me which is, should I even be messing about in this vintage boat and run the risk of doing more harm to a classic beauty? So I am looking for advice from the experts that have provided guidance to me in the past so generously. This would make someone a great winter project!
Please advise and regards,
Bill

 

[Kathryn Klos]

Hi Bill,

Your canoe sounds so intriguing that I have to ask if you can post some pictures for us to drool over. You certainly have come to the right place--- there's a lot of expertise in this group--- which you know from past experience! I'm nearly as interested in reading responses to your post as I am to seeing pictures of the subject-canoe.

Kathy

 

[balletz]

Thank you for the reply....I will take some digital photos of the patient and "attempt" to post them....however, I will be the first to admit that I am not very good at posting photos(!) or taking pictures for that matter!

 

[balletz]

Peterborough 4 planker photos

Well, I attempted to post some photos but ran into an error (missing security token) so maybe I am not permitted to upload photos. I will send them to someone that might be able to help.
Bill

 

[Kathryn Klos]

If you can post here, you should be able to upload pictures... I've had problems if my pictures are too big, but can't recall getting a message... the picture simply didn't work. Hope it works to have Peter post for you!

 

[Dick Persson]

Bill,

Here are the new photos of your wide-board rib & batten Peterborough, as per your email.

I mentioned in a posting a couple of years ago in regards to this canoe, that there is only a handful Peterborough "Solid Comfort" or model #464 of this vintage left today. A very rare canoe.

Best for now
Dick Persson
Buckhorn Canoe Company

 

[Dick Persson]

Bill,

Here are the last two pics.

Dick

 

[balletz]

Dick,
Thank you for posting the photos....I am rather limited in my computer abilities so your help is appreciated.
I do remember your comments from the past few years regarding this model which is why I am concerned about its future welfare. I believe it needs a safer home than what I can provide at this time, rather than wait for a barn to magically show up on my 3/4 acre property.
I hope the WCHA can understand my thinking on this.
Bill