Build sheet request for OT #154488

Just took delivery of my grandfather's OTCA and would love to see if the build sheet is available for it. It's kind of pretty clean with original canvas and varnish both needing replaced, tips coming apart, no broken ribs but one split... the only damage from abuse appears to be very recent so I think from shipping or loading for shipping. Pictures forthcoming! Thanks for any info

 

Well you're right, that doesn't describe this canoe. Interesting. It's a 17' sailing OTCA as far as I know. I'll measure and check for an additional serial number. It's also green and I doubt my grandfather would have bought red if he wanted green p.s. yes I did join and donate Thanks!

 

On one end it looks clearly like 154488, but looking at the serial number on the other end, either of the 8's could be 3's.
See last two pics here: http://www.markmalmberg.com/canoe

Also I may not have mentioned there is the number 17 confirming the 17' length (which I forgot to measure

 

I think it's like one of those priceless double-stamped coins A different serial number on each end. Could be someone grabbed 8's thinking they were 3's, or vice versa.

 

Thats a great photo of you and your brother. That along with it being your grandfathers makes it all worth while!!!

 

That's the one! I was observing that all the sail rigging appears to be home-made. But the seat looks somewhat original (not that I've seen another!) but could have been added as well. Thanks so much!

 

Considering I've seen the same canoe in great shape, locally, for a third of what I'll have in this one, I'm holding dearly to that sentiment

 

Thanks - yes I definitely believe this, and it's why I'm getting into this. I'm teetering on the edge of doing this build myself; my father built his own sailboats (starting when he was 12!) and built one in the 50's that we all sailed for many many years, a 17' centerboard boat, glassed 1/4" plywood. A friend still has that boat. I believe he probably made the sailing gear for this canoe; he made his own sails as well.

 

If you do it yourself, you're in the right place. It looks like you have a proper place to do the work. I find it rewarding to restore things like this. Plus if you know how to fix it then you'll be able to take care of it when it's done.

 

That's a beautiful canoe. I love the special-order patterns especially the one on yours, gorgeous.

 

Wow, I'd seen a small subset of those choices - thanks

 

Someone sure had fun doing those designs, and they are so directly tied to the Deco period (presumably these designs were created in maybe the late 20's).

I guess there's no law against it if I wanted to paint mine based on one of these or my own interpretation thereof. I talked to one builder who uses laser-cut vinyl but I think I'd paint mine. The downside being maintaining the artwork...

 

Any idea how many of any of those were actually executed?

 

There surely is no law against painting design of your choice on your canoe, whether one of the classic designs on the Old Town chart, or a variation on one of those designs, or a completely original design. Your avatar shows that your own family did a little design work. I think part of the fun of having a canoe is showing it off by adding a bit of visual flair --

Two triangle designs, along side the Old Town design number 4 which inspired them:


Some other designs seen on the lawn at various WCHA summer assemblies -- simple, complex, pictorial, whimsical, and traditional:



These are only a small sample of the decorative schemes that some WCHA members have on their canoes. Some are replicas or restorations of the original design on the canoe; many are new and unique designs painted when the canoe was restored.

So if you decide to decorate yur canoe, you should certainly feel free to use any design that inspires you.

 

Put it that way and it's kind of hard to resist

 

p.s. Spent an hour or more last night looking at this website with which I'm sure you're familiar, https://www.firstpeople.us/FP-Html-Pictures/canoe-pictures-1.html - so many beautiful photos of indigenous canoes of various types even including some truly glorious sailing boats.