I would not say that prices have tanked. I think they have finally settled to about where they should be. For quite a few years there were a small handful of collectors who were trying to check boxes and fill storage sheds, barns and trailers. They were buying pretty much anything that was quasi decent and stockpiling. That done, they either stopped or became more selective. The prices that they were paying did affect the overall market and many less knowledgeable buyers went along for the ride. There were a handful of sellers who used Ebay and CL to unload canoes for much more than they were worth. Less familiar sellers would look at Ebay or WCHA classifieds asking prices to value their own boats, often coming to very silly conclusions. I recall several B grade Rushton's that were listed for years waiting for a sucker to come along and buy them.
With the current cost of restoration, the challenge of storage and the scarcity of some of these boats, it seems as though things have mostly settled back down.
That's not to say that some canoes won't continue to sell for "crazy" money. Some will, just not to me, or Chris, or Dan's".
That said, that price for that canoe was not crazy money. It was a very good buy.
