Monday 30 September 2013

Early Chestnut Prospector

The ubiquitous Chestnut Prospector, introduced in late 1922/23, has been associated variously with wild rivers, exploring, large loads and wilderness tripping ever since. Sold also by Peterborough and Canadian Canoe Company throughout their history, as all were merged in 1923 as Canadian Watercraft Ltd, although Chestnut was the originator of the model. After the factory burned in 1921, destroying the forms used from 1905 the factory was rebuilt, and an entirely new line of canoes introduced, among them the Prospector. 
Rockered, beamy and with a large carrying capacity, they were instantly popular, and enduring. 
This example is surely among the earliest. Recently collected, we've not yet measured it nor discovered all the subtleties of its build. It does, however, sport 4 3/4" planking and tapered ribs, as well as very fine arched decks with a nice undercut. At first glance, a nice early example. More to follow.


A nice, promising shot but lacking in details. Hung is always prefereable, as the boat survives and retains its true shape better than if it was on its side or on the ground.


As per usual, the photos we were working off were not the best, but then sellers cant be blamed for not knowing what we want to see before driving hours to look at a boat. Finely done deck, inclulding undercut and a nice crown, all features of nice early Chestnuts



Coming out of the shed after many years storage. Boat had belonged to the owners Grandfather so had been in the family for years. 

Nice upswept strong sheer typical of earlier boats, along with strong stem profile


4 3/4"  planking, along with tapered ribs


Solid rib tops, and spruce gunwales inner and outer. 

Next up: strip the fiberglass from the outside, replace a half dozen broken ribs, chemically strip and refinish.
Stay tuned....

Sunday 22 September 2013

Killbear Paddlers Rendezvous 2013

A long tradition now of some 15+ years, this years weather cooperated with only mild showers early Saturday morning, wrapping up around 730am in time for breakfast. Compared to last years constant downpours, Thursday afternoon to Saturday evening was awesome. Had my customary swim in Georgian Bay - have to do it at least once every year, and now that we`re back on the edge of the GTA this was our only chance this year.
A true rendezvous rather than a rigidly scheduled event with many activities, old friends and some new got together to share designs, boats, and paddle everything from wood canvas canoes, sailing canoes to a 42` 6 man outrigger canoe. Below, a sampling of pictures from my all time favourite place. Clean water, tall trees, and fresh air cant be beat. Enjoy the pictures...
Preparing for the Zombie Apocalypse.

Classics and plastics


Bear and raccoon proof kitchen

Its not camping without the hiss of a gas lantern

Those Georgian Bay sunsets

Striped Maple

6man outrigger canoe




Lava lines


Georgian Bay


Camp - not the kind you portage

Rigging









Friends from Massachusetts





Bacon

Put up a tent and the rain will stop



21' Albatross double OC2





View from the beach




Me and Z

Where every 9 year old should be, far away from video games









John from MA sailing his Old Town





Al coming in from a  sail







My $100 tandem set up for solo



Fishing from the tandem