Peterborough model 1434

A classified ad offering a Prospector canoe for $40 needing some work but solid? Had to check that one out. Genuine Prospectors dont show up that often, pleasure models are more typical. Today a drive to Peterborough yielded a Model 1434, not far from the Peterborough factory.

Peterborough's model 604 was made until the end of 1923 in two grades 1 and 2.
In 1924 it changed name to Otonabee (grade 1) and Rideau (grade 2). The Otonabee was produced until 1959.

In early 1930's the Rideau model became 16S. This model changed model name again in 1936 to High end Champlain # 26 P. In 1939 it became high end Champlain #1434. It was produced until 1955.

All above mentioned "models" were made on the same mold and had the measurements 16' x 33" x 12".

A quick stop at Tim Hortons after pickup

 Cant drive to Peterborough without a quick museum stop

 Back home and worth the trip

Original boat in its original canvas, solid and not abused

Most likely a wartime model, when cane for weaving seats was generally unavailable hence the slat seats

Typical offset centre thwart

Original varnish now alligatored, and nicely shaped stem end

 Outwales to be replaced, only part of the boat not solid

Slot screws thorughout

Slots and cup washers fastening shoe keel, never undone from new

Steel carriage bolts, likely another product of war time production

 

Two piece outwales spliced at the centre

 Maple decks 

Boat will be an easy and nice restoration, complete with nice vertical grain planking and original stembands and keel will go back on.

16' Peterborough Champlain

Below is a 1940s Peterborough Champlain, finished in dove grey. Colour is achieved by mixing a tube of cobalt blue artist paint with grey enamel marine paint.

The paint on this canoe was an exercise in replicating the dove grey colour noted to have been created by Tom Thomson for his canoe. This colour set his canoe apart from so many green and red canoes, and is a fact that comes up when the events of his death and discovery are recounted. Of course the canoe differs from his, as it is almost 40 years newer. 

We are always on the lookout for early Chestnut canoes, and would like to find a Cruiser from before 1920, and the subsequent fire that wiped out the original Chestnut forms. When everything was rebuilt, the boats changed significantly. If you think you have one or know of one, we would be pleased to hear from you.