Unknown Make and Model, Good Condition

[mbagrianski]

Hi all,

I'm very grateful that such a resource as this forum exists! I recently acquired a cedarstrip canoe (my first!) and would be grateful for any insight on its history, or even what it is.

What I know:
- It's in decent condition, though appears to have suffered damage at some point to the bow and stern. Was recently repaired in a rudimentary fashion. There are no manufacturer markings on the body of any kind, other than the serial number.
- Was located in Peterborough, Ontario at the time of pickup. Likely from the Ontario area.
- According to the previous owner, it's made by the Canadian Canoe Company in 1946 (I have no hard evidence for either).
- The serial number is 46 51021, see picture. Based on my research, that number ought to align with a Canadian Canoe Company model #46, "Tourist" cruising canoe, which measures 17'x35"x13". However, my canoe measures approximately 15.5'x36"x14"!
- The serial number does not match the standards of the Chestnut Canoe Company, though it looks very similar to a 16' Prospector.
- Neither does the number match anything I could find of the Peterborough Canoe Company, though again, I very likely may have missed it.

Any insight would be greatly appreciated!

Misha

*edited as canoe was in fact not recanvassed as far as I know. Only gunnels and trim were updated (stained) in recent memory

 

[Dave Osborn]

It does look like a Canadian build, but not sure which company.
I’m assuming that you have yet to lay eyes on it. When you see it, be sure to verify that the hull covering is canvas. Hard to tell, but it looks like fiberglass to me.

 

[mbagrianski]

Hey Dave, thanks for the response. The canoe is indeed in my possession right now. The hull is canvas, double coated with marine paint. The bow and stern have a layer or two of fiberglass applied overtop in a strip, I suppose for extra durability. The gunnels were stained recently I believe, but along with the seats and inner ribs/paneling, are original. I've attached some extra photos here.

-M

 

[Dan Miller]

There are some Chestnuts out there with similar serial numbers. Ken Solway posited that the first two digits were the year reversed, but I don't know if there is any truth to that.

 

[Dave Osborn]

Yep, the bow/stern photo made me think of glass.
So, is it a paddler or a restoration project?

 

[mbagrianski]

Dave, at the moment I am planning to paddle it around this summer as it's in decent shape, and following this season decide if it needs any major work or just some touch ups. I may hand it over to a professional if there's something serious that needs fixing. It seems to be in good condition but I've yet to put it in the water.

Dan, thanks for the feedback! This one looks a lot like a 16' Chestnut Prospector, but the ribs seem to be a little thinner and more closely spaced based on photos I could find online. I'll add that the ribs are 1-1/2" thick and are separated by 1-3/4" on my canoe.

I went out and measured the canoe again. It's closer to a 34" beam and 12-13" depth. Could be up to 16' extreme length. Could this be a Chestnut Pal? The Pal is supposed to measure 16'x34"x12", and has 1-1/2" ribs spaces 1-1/2". However, my canoe has no keel, and the serial number doesn't quite align either.

-M

 

[Dan Miller]

The Pal forms were modified to 36" beam in the 1960s.