Pre 1903 Racine Lapstrake solo canoe (possibly an Indian Paddler)

[KJ Wallo]

From the ID plate I've deduced the canoe was manufactured in Racine, Wisconsion and since this plant burned down in 1903 the canoe must predate then. According to the very limited information online a "solo canoe" of this length (15 ft) known as the "Indian Paddle" was made by Racine pre 1903. I'm seeking any and all information on this canoe including if someone can confirm the name. So far I've learned that I have a very rare canoe which is exciting. At the same time, because it is so rare I've had almost no luck finding it's current market value. Help in that area would be much appreciated.

Thanks and happy paddling

 

[Dan Miller]

You are correct in your identification. It was one of a pair that was sold at WCHA Assembly in the early 2000s. Attached are catalog pages from 1904 and 1905 (after the move to Muskegon) that show this model.

 

[MGC]

It is an interesting canoe.
Its relative "rarity" does not interfere with a valuation. It is worth whatever price is offered that you choose to accept.
More of a challenge for you is to determine a reasonable asking price. In one vane, you could underprice and possibly leave money on the table and on the other, you could ask too much and drive away interest. A good tactic can be to list what you believe is a reasonable price, but entertain offers.
Current auction and known sale prices are a better guide to follow than listed asking prices. Over-valuations are fairly common.
In the current market, interesting canoes still command decent prices.

 

[KJ Wallo]

Thanks for the images Dan. I’m sure my dad (also Ken Wallo) was the one who purchased this boat in early 2000s assembly as both he and my mother were active in WCHA for many years. Unfortunately I can’t put my hands on my dad’s files that would show how much he paid. Would you have any memory or ability to find that out? At this point even knowing the boats worth 20 years ago would be a starting point.

Perhaps someone could help me out with the value of a similar lapstske solo canoe had it been built new. For instance a lapstrske Wee Lassie - knowing that a vintage canoe such as the Racine would be worth somewhat more given its heritage.

 

[MGC]

Generally using replacement cost as a guide for setting a sell price will get you way off in the weeds. Case in point, you might pay 4 or 5 K for a newly built canoe (or guide boat), but unless there is historical significance, a current selling price will be less than half of that and even as low as one third, depending upon construction type, condition and builder. Strip built boats as a rule (guide or canoe) do not carry very much value forward. I mention that for obvious reason.
But, in this particular case, modern construction comparisons might actually offer somewhat of a starting point. There are builders of lapstrake canoes who list here in the builder/suppliers guide. Take a look at Kevin Martins website as one point of reference. There are others.

 

[Dan Miller]

I don't recall what these canoes sold for back then. The two builders I can think of building Wee Lassie type canoes on a regular basis are charging around $6K.

 

[KJ Wallo]

I used a lapstrake Wee Lassie as an example because my dad built one, but I intend to hold onto it. I believe it was one of his last builds and probably inspired by his purchase of the Racine Indian Paddler which I assume was not bought for everyday use.

In figuring out fair market value for the Racine Dan and MGC would it be safe to assume a price north of 6k?

Thanks

 

[KJ Wallo]

MGC - When you say that strip built canoes and guided boats don’t carry their value forward that is helpful as I also have a strip built guide boat (purchased) and a Sunnyside Cruiser (my dads first build in early 90s) which I could use help pricing, but since they are not all wood construction I figured I’d ask about them in the strip built forum.

Does the loss in value hold true for an all wood constructed Wee Lassie built 15 years ago as I posted above? I’m not looking to sell it but knowing its value would be nice.

Thanks

 

[KJ Wallo]

Kevin Martin sells a custom built Nesmuck Lapstrake solo canoe (decking extra) for $4200. Very similar in length to the Wee Lassie and the Racine. Given the age, solid condition and heritage of the Racine I’m thinking that $5200 would be reasonable asking price. Thoughts?

I am not looking to milk every last dollar out of it but rather find it a good home and gain back some garage space.

 

[MGC]

I'll shoot you a pm... I'm not the best person to ask. There are others who cruise through this forum who are more likely to give you a good answer. You should be able to get some idea of what people think it's worth based upon the offered you have received. I would presume there have been some? Usually the low ballers get in early hoping to score before the seller gets too familiar with the market.

 

[Benson Gray]

It is always a challenge to value something that may be unique. The first link below was written for wood and canvas canoes but most of the principles will apply to your canoe. A similar William English canoe at https://wcha.org/classified-archive/William-English.html listed for $3200 in 2023.

There are many rare canoes so the demand side of the equation is typically the issue. I don't know of anyone who is looking for a Racine so it may take a while to find a buyer.

A donation may be an option if you can use a tax deduction. The WCHA will usually take a canoe like this to sell. A museum like the Wisconsin Canoe Heritage Museum at the second link below is another option. They don't currently have a Racine in their collection. Good luck,

Benson

Thread 'How much is my old wooden canoe worth?'

Nov 14, 2004

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 canoe that is documentable will go on the high end, one that is particularly rare will bring more, up to $3000 for a wood canvas canoe, and as high as $5000 for an all-wood canoe. These high end canoes must be in showroom condition and you must have evidence or documentation of their age and...

• Benson Gray
• Replies: 5
• Forum: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• 

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