Racine Wis Seneca model

[chris pearson]

So, I went to help identifying a collection of canoes. Unfortunately the man that owned them recently passed away. Long story short, I am buying the Racine Seneca model. I have seen other posts regarding the rivets holding the outwale to the inwale and everything in between. I didn’t look at this real close however, and now I’m curious. This canoe looks to be all original but I’ve been “duped” before. I was thinking that ALL of the fasteners were rivets on the gunwales but not so on this boat. Only every so often is there evidence of this. Paul Miller posted showing the same on his canoe. Can someone post some photos showing this is the case? Doesn’t seem to be any in the deck areas either. Also, this canoe has more recurve in the stems and no short deck hiding underneath the long decks. So this surely points to Racine Boat Company Racine Wis. Also, I’m confused that no caning holes are evident on the seats. Either the webbing is covering it up or not original? Although they are of the same patina as the rest of the boat. Thoughts? The last photo I expanded showing either a rivet, or evidence of one.

 

[Dave Osborn]

There may not be rivets if someone recanvassed it.

Rivet removal from 2918 Racine Wis. Seneca with spontoons. I loved the sponsons on this one.

 

[MGC]

Chris,
The Racine is a very cool canoe and in really nice shape. That's a great score.
Did you happen to record a serial number for the Rushton?
Mike

 

[chris pearson]

Hi Mike, didn’t find a serial number on the “Rushton” I think it may be a St Lawrence. I think the Racine may be all original. Can’t figure out the seats though. I will be going back there to look closer at some things.

 

[chris pearson]

Dave, what a beautiful job you did restoring that one!

 

[John Sand]

Are copper rivets considered unsatisfactory in canoes, or just challenging to remove?
In larger boats rivets are first class construction.

 

[MGC]

I think you will find the holes under the webbing. I once bought a Rushton that had the dime store lawn chair webbing..the holes were under it. Just poke through with an awl to find out.
Yes, possible slbc or ??? The absence of sns is probably a clue.

 

[Dave Osborn]

John,
IMHO copper rivets are not unsatisfactory. It’s something you just deal with. They are not as convenient as screws.
I replaced the rivets with new rivets on the canoe that I posted above because I wanted to be as original as possible. I think they look kinda cool.