Umiak?

[DaveKunz]

In looking for old canoes, I came across a relatively modern boat today that resembles an Umiak to me -- photos attached. It was essentially a canoe-shaped open wooden frame consisting of wood spars, two seats and several dividers made of marine plywood, covered by some sort of plastic-covered canvas -- probably something like oilcloth. The covering also formed an open deck bow to stern. The bow and stern fittings were metal, and the stern had what looked like a rudder mount. There were no oarlocks, so I think it was intended to be paddled, perhaps like a kayak.

The owner told me she thought it had been manufactured someplace in Arizona or New Mexico - don't know how reliable that info was. I suspect it's actually considered a 2-person kayak, not an umiak, but the framework with oilskin cover suggested the latter. I looked for but didn't find any reference to a manufacturer or a serial number.

I'd like to find out what it is, where it was manufactured, and what it looked like new. It wasn't something I was interested in, but it doesn't look like too big a project to replce the weathered parts and replace the torn parts of the outer skin. She's be happy to give it away to anyone who'd like it for a winter project. I told her I'd inquire about it from WCHA folks and let her know.

Interested?

Thanks!

 

[Dan Miller]

It's a rigid Folbot, likely the "Big Glider" model, and probably from any time from the 1960s to 1980s. Rough shape...

This site has some history and catalog pages: http://home.comcast.net/~jrburch_h/folbot/Identify/identify.html

I grew up with the 17' folding version of one of these - we had a lot of fun with it!

 

[DaveKunz]

Thanks, Dan -
I'm sure you're right - certainly a Flobot, and the photos of the Big Glider look pretty similar to the remains I found today. I looked through the Flobot forums, and found the name of a guy who's restored one here in Rochester. I'll pass along your info to the current owner, and maybe assist her in locatiing the guy here in town - maybe he'd be interested in a winter project!
Looks like a fun little craft, but my time for the next few months will be devoted to restoring a 1914 Old Town Ideal - 33959-17. Wish me luck!
Best!

 

[Paul Scheuer]

Folbot - absolutely. That metal stem cap is standard, at least for the rigid (non-folding) Folbot types. I rescued a partially completed 15-ft "Sporty" rigid model kit in the eighties. It has turned out to be my primary solo craft.

Parts and materials were available from a Folbot office somewhere in the southeast. They may still be operating. Search FOLBOT (not Flobot).