Old Town Sport Boat, Wood & Canvas, Antique, Restored Wooden Classic

Nearly 50 years ago, the Old Town Canoe Company in the Maine town of the same name began construction of this 12 foot Sport Boat. The building began on May 18, 1967, and lasted until July 5. The original customer was the Cranford Boat & Canoe Company of Cranford, NJ. Specifications are as follows: Length, 12 ft. Width, 48" at the widest point.

Stern width, 43". Bow height, 23". Depth, 17". Approximate weight, 98 lbs. Although in basically sound condition, this boat needed some work.

One plank was broken, two ribs severely cracked, the canvas was in tatters, and the outer gunwales were in sad shape. To keep the boat as original as possible the ribs were carefully removed from the boat, repaired with waterproof glue and reinstalled. The full length plank was replaced with a new one, and the mahogany outer gunwales replaced with exact copies of the originals, steamed and bent into place. One seat, cracked in the middle, was also removed, glued and put back in. The canvas has been replaced with new #10 weight canvas.

All hardware on the boat was intact with the exception of the stem band, which was copied and replaced with new brass. The rest of the hardware has been reinstalled on the boat without disturbing the patina. New domestically manufactured silicon bronze slotted wood screws were used to secure the new outer gunwales, and all the slots align. Every tack has been inspected, then tightened or replaced as needed. The interior of the boat is finished in a rich matte finish varnish with UV protection that was sourced from Jamestown, Rhode Island.

The paint is from a company in New Bedford, Massachusetts that in 1846 started producing paints for the New Bedford whaling fleet. 170 years later, they have provided a semi-gloss white marine paint for this restoration. The result is a boat that is ready for another 50 years of use. The overall impression is one of quiet elegance. The boat has accumulated scars over the years, but instead of detracting, they give character.

The boat wears its age gracefully. Oh, and be prepared for people to pay your boat a great deal of attention. . .it seems to just make people smile and approach you! Because the boat is so light, only about 98 lbs., a trailer is not required. Two people can easily load the boat on most vehicles that have a roof rack.

Storage isn't a problem either, as it can be hung from the ceiling like a canoe or kayak, freeing up valuable space. Two rowing stations and the ability to mount up to an eight HP outboard give some options as to how to move the little boat through the water. Although oars appear in one of the pictures, they are not included because they are too short. The correct length for this boat would be 7 ft., or 7'6" if you prefer to overlap your hands. What a perfect little boat this is to spend a lazy afternoon fishing from, or to go explore that quiet little pond, or to be used as a tender for a larger, classic wooden yacht!

Pickup in Westbrook, CT is available. Delivery in the Northeast is possible. Please contact me to discuss this option that is available after full payment has been made. If you prefer to have a trailer for the boat, one is available at reasonable additional cost. Connecticut residents, 6.35% state sales tax must be added