Saturday, 24 February 2018

Chestnut Playmate14'

A sunny day in between all the rain, hard to believe its February since its 63 degrees. Perfect day for a road trip to pickup up a nice little 14 footer in original canvas and finish.

 A stop at the outlet mall keeps everyone happy


14 footer from the 50s-60s, with small ribs and oak rails, decks and thwart
 
Remnants of original decal and painter ring


Oak decks, inner and outer rails, and steel screws throughout
 

Spliced outer rails, typical of the period
 

14' overall, 32" wide and 12" deep
 

Corded seats need to be re caned
 

Overall untouched from factory finish. 
 

Canvas rotted, to be replaced.  Might be best to put a new canvas, seat cane, freshen up the varnish and go paddling rather than the whole strip and refinish. Time will tell....


Sunday, 11 February 2018

Vintage Chestnut photograph


A great shot of a prefire Chestnut Cruiser, built with open gunwales - boat shows high bows and low midsection, and the early shape
Thanks to Dan Miller of Dragonfly Canoe for sharing.

Grand Laker work

 Wrapped and ready to travel

 Leaving Maine for Ontario
 MIdway point in NY
 NOT a winner. $55 million left in the US
Back home ready for work


 New rails ready to go in



 New outer rails to be made
 Broken rails
 Old rails split out
 





 New build
 Mahogany transom and knees
 
 One rail in
 Second rail in
 22' ash stock for rails
 Rails fit
 Finished rails




 Old rails put to good use
 Ready for new varnish


Next up exterior paint and splash rails