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Build sheet request for OT #154488

Discussion in 'Wood and Canvas' started by mmmalmberg, Nov 18, 2019.

  1. mmmalmberg

    mmmalmberg Enthusiastic about Wooden Canoes

    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:)
     
    mmmalmberg, Nov 18, 2019
    #1
  2. Benson Gray

    Benson Gray Canoe History Enthusiast Staff Member

    Congratulations, the Old Town canoe with serial number 154488 is an 18 foot long, AA (or top) grade, HW (Heavy Water) model with red western cedar planking, open mahogany gunwales, half ribs, a keel, a floor rack, and a bang plate along the full length of the keel. It was built between June, 1950 and May, 1951. The original exterior paint was fire red. It shipped on May 21st, 1951 to New Rochelle, New York. A scan showing this build record can be found by following the link at the attached thumbnail image below.

    154488.jpg

    This scan and several hundred thousand more were created with substantial grants from the Wooden Canoe Heritage Association (WCHA) and others. A description of the project to preserve these records is available at http://www.wcha.org/catalogs/old-town/records/ if you want more details. I hope that you will donate, join or renew your membership to the WCHA so that services like this can continue. See http://www.wcha.org/about-wcha to learn more about the WCHA and http://www.wcha.org/store/membership to join.

    It is also possible that you could have another number or manufacturer if this description doesn't match your canoe. Canoes with a family connection are always extra special. Feel free to reply here if you have any other questions.

    Benson
     
    Benson Gray, Nov 18, 2019
    #2
  3. OP
    OP
    mmmalmberg

    mmmalmberg Enthusiastic about Wooden Canoes

    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!
     
    mmmalmberg, Nov 18, 2019
    #3
  4. OP
    OP
    mmmalmberg

    mmmalmberg Enthusiastic about Wooden Canoes

    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:)
     
    mmmalmberg, Nov 19, 2019
    #4
  5. OP
    OP
    mmmalmberg

    mmmalmberg Enthusiastic about Wooden Canoes

    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.
     
    mmmalmberg, Nov 19, 2019
    #5
  6. chris pearson

    chris pearson Michigan Canoe Nut

    Thats a great photo of you and your brother. That along with it being your grandfathers makes it all worth while!!!
     
    chris pearson, Nov 20, 2019
    #6
    mmmalmberg likes this.
  7. Benson Gray

    Benson Gray Canoe History Enthusiast Staff Member

    This is a better match. The Old Town canoe with serial number 154433 is a 17 foot long, CS (Common Sense or middle) grade, Otca model with open spruce gunwales, a keel, and outside stems. It was built between June, 1950 and September, 1951. The original exterior paint color was dark green. It shipped on April 24th, 1952 to Sharon, Pennsylvania. The sail rig is not mentioned but those were commonly added later. A scan showing this build record can be found by following the link at the attached thumbnail image below.

    154433.jpg

    Good luck with the restoration,

    Benson
     
    Last edited: Nov 20, 2019
    Benson Gray, Nov 20, 2019
    #7
  8. OP
    OP
    mmmalmberg

    mmmalmberg Enthusiastic about Wooden Canoes

    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!
     
    mmmalmberg, Nov 20, 2019
    #8
  9. OP
    OP
    mmmalmberg

    mmmalmberg Enthusiastic about Wooden Canoes

    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:)
     
    mmmalmberg, Nov 20, 2019
    #9
  10. Benson Gray

    Benson Gray Canoe History Enthusiast Staff Member

    The information at https://www.wcha.org/forums/index.php?threads/57/ may help if value is a concern. Dave Osborn's quote from there may apply in this situation. "Your canoe, properly restored and cared for, would serve as a really cool canoe to use and pass on for generations...that is priceless." I also have an Otca that belonged to my grandfather as shown in my avatar with have much more into it than it is worth. Some things are valued in other ways,

    Benson
     
    Benson Gray, Nov 20, 2019
    #10
  11. OP
    OP
    mmmalmberg

    mmmalmberg Enthusiastic about Wooden Canoes

    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.
     
    mmmalmberg, Nov 20, 2019
    #11
    Benson Gray likes this.
  12. monkitoucher

    monkitoucher Canoe Curious

    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.
     
    monkitoucher, Nov 21, 2019
    #12
    mmmalmberg likes this.

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