Three Canoes and a Rowboat

Eric’s step-dad Bruce restores old wooden boats — for a living and for pleasure. So we got a tour of his latest projects out in his workshop. You never know what he’s currently working on in the shop, but this week it is three canoes and a rowboat.

Sometimes he gets total basket cases of a project, like this green canoe. Other times, it’s more simple repairs or minor changes because his client just wants to take the boat out on the lake for some fishing.

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The green canoe above is a wooden 1936 Old Town canoe with gunnels to fit the curve of the bow. Picture on right is the same canoe but with a new deck.

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This 1922 Kennebec canoe on left is pictured without the canvas and outer gunnels. He’s been inserting new planking on top where they all rotted out. The “basket case” of a canoe (right top) is a 1905 Old Town made for Abercrombie & Fitch. The medallion represents a special order from Old Town for Abercrombie & Fitch who they had a contract with.

Other image is Mr. Basketmaker checking out his meticulous craftsmanship on the inside of the canoe. I would think that basketmaking and boatmaking have many similarities in terms of attention to detail and high skill.

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Above image is a row boat made by the E.M. White Canoe Co. in the 1930’s.

Thought you would enjoy work from another craftsman. I love seeing what other people do for a living — especially unique professions such as a wooden boat restorer. And having him as my father-in-law is a bonus! I enjoy being surrounded by creative people.

 

 

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3 Replies to “Three Canoes and a Rowboat”

  1. Wow, that is awesome. I also enjoy watching craftsmen do their thing, and wish that I had half of their talent!

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