Canoe question

Steve Sanford

Well-known member
All~


A couple of years ago I decided that I finally had enough canoes. A have roughly a dozen - with all but 2 serving dedicated purposes. The "other 2" are my typical project canoe: minor repairs followed by replacing all or most of the aluminum with wood (usually Mahogany).


However, my impulses got the better of me recently when I "picked up" 2 new vessels with 4 or 5 days.....


The first was just what I like - a 'glass hull with traditional wooden trim, thwarts, yoke et cetera.


JackieCanu - bow quarter on Element.JPG



She's just 13'10 - with a 36-inch beam and flat, stiff floors. She is mostly for my daughter, my grandson - and my wife!



JackieCanu - Oma mit Paddles.JPG



The buff-colored hull - which no doubt inspired the moniker - will be covered thoroughly with a more traditional hue. More important, though, is the "afterthought" flotation. It will get replaced with air chambers and inspection plates before next Spring. The wood work needs just some careful sanding and some new varnish.



JackieCanu - Thwarts and Yoke.JPG



And, the "screwed-on-top" plywood decks will be replaced with proper fitted, flush, solid-wood alternatives.



JackieCanu - Foredeck.JPG



I bought the second canoe from the same source - a nice woman who clears out "estates" - and asks fair prices, at least for the canoes she has come across. This tin canoe was in virtually new condition.


AlumaCraft on Element - bow quarter oblique.JPG



I have not measured her - but she seems to be a Quetico 17 - although she was billed as a 16-footer. I have not yet weighed her - but she's not the Lightweight version - nor tried to find the manufacturing date.



AlumaCraft - ID Plate QT-17  QUETICO.JPG



It'll be a great "family canoe" up on Lake Champlain.


AlumaCraft Quetico 17 - blurred numbers.JPG



So - here's the question: Is this nicely-made accessory 1) a seat, 2) a "table" for enjoying meals, cutting bait, tying on lures, or 3) other?


AlumaCraft - Seat or Table.JPG



In any event, I feel ready for the Pursuit of Fowl coming soon hereabout....


Kheelmere.JPG



All the best,


SJS


 
Steve,

Nice looking canoes. My guess is a seat for a child to sit while the parents paddled. A third person in a canoe usually has no place to sit.

I thought the aluminum canoe would be a Grumman like the NJ Pine Barren canoe operators used to rent.

Rick
 
Or maybe a seat for operating a bracket-mounted outboard motor.
When running a motor on mine, I sit on my shooting box, which I place right about where that seat is.
Any evidence of a bracket having been clamped across the gunwales?
 
Indeed!

One could by a 17-foot Grumman around here just about any time - usually for about $300.

This hull looks very similar - but I've not yet paddled her.

All the best,

SJS
 
Gordon~


I think you may be right. Canoes do not need registration in New York unless they are motorized - even a trolling motor.


There is a bit of chafe on one thwart - maybe from a clamped on motor mount?


All the best,


SJS
 


A very well made "utility table" for many uses. Have seen other versions, they provide a somewhat stable and flat work area.


my 2 cents
 
Simplicity at its finest. Many a fond memory of jump shooting woodies & blacks from my canoes over the years. I myself am in need (or so I think) of a 13' aluminum canoe at the moment just for its light weight. Presently have a 15' Gruman Aluminum that paddles beautifully and a 15' Ghenooe for when motor and a bit more speed is needed. I myself have bought and sold way to many thru the years. Find myself using the little boats a lot during season leaving the bigger boat blinds at home unless i,ve got company.
 
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