Peterborough Minetta solo build

A 15' with great lines, these make terrific solo canoes, as they can be too small for two adults. Decal dates this boat from after 1954 as it has the anniversary decal, and would have been built by Chestnut in Fredericton for Peterborough.

 Anniversary decal remnants, and typical stem tip and gunwale end rot

 Intact decal

 Often these boats have far too short a centre thwart; whereas it should be 32" wide this one comes in at 29" and the flat run and pull in is evident in this shot. Shape is totally distorted

 This boat is built at 13.5 inches deep, where it should be between 11.5 and 12", far too deep and seats too high

 Boat shows 1815 stamp, denoting Minetta model, same as Chestnut Chum and Canadian Canoe Company Balmy models

 Standard maple seats, to be removed

 Ironically the rib tops are solid in this boat, but new rails will be installed below the existing, and the ribs cut below the old rails to lower the depth, returning the boat to the more correct depth, and providing for better handling as the paddling position is lowered

 The boat will also be turned into a solo canoe, like the above example. 

 Another example of a solo conversion, for an afternoon or extended trip

 A Chum modeled after Omer Stringers iconic Chestnut 15' in which he performed some of his great solo padding and demonstrations

 Gorgeous 15' solo boat built by Alex Comb at Stewart River

More updates to come as work progresses

Another Chum, Omer Stringers signature Chestnut

Not quite the whole story - abbreviated short from the company website.

The logo, as kool today as it was when it came out.

The Man himself.

The story below, along with images appears on the Carrying Place Canoe & Boat Works site, and is a more complete biography of the man. 

Chestnut Chum that reportedly belonged to Omer

Paddling display in the red canoe he was more well known for

Omers canoe that hangs in the visitors centre in Algonquin Park.

A nice original Chum we bought almost in our own backyard

No restoration work done, a nice example

Typical Chestnut details

Fine lines

Good solid ends

Arriving home, waiting to be done. We've done Chums before, but this one will be done up as a replica of Omers boat. 

FOR SALE: Canadian Canoe Company Balmy/Chestnut Chum

A nice, early 1960s 15 footer showing typical deck tip and gunwale end rot, so typical of cedar canvas boats left outside throughout the seasons, and/or upside down on the ground. The rest of the boat is in excellent shape with no broken ribs or plank repairs required. This model is very similar to the 15' Chestnut Chum, made famous by Omer Stringer, as well as the Peterborough Minetta. At one time Chestnut was manufacturing these for all three companies, and several characteristics about this one show it was made in Fredericton.

More photo updates to follow, as boat is ready for canvas. 

For those seeking an excellent, proven boat for solo tripping, style paddling or a leisurely paddle with a boat easily handled by one person, this one is for sale.

Tips done and new decks in place, boat has been stripped, oiled and has a third coat of varnish currently, on its way to 5.

Choice of colours can be at buyers discretion, for more information please inquire.

While we were going to opt for a more traditional red or green, another customers boat came in and Epifanes Burgundy enamel was chosen. We liked it so much the Chum is waiting on its final coat before gunwales and stembands complete it. All that will be left is to cane the seats before it hits the water.

While the Prospector is only a foot longer, it dwarfs the Chum!

All done, seats are being caned and stembands going on. Epifanes #23 burgundy, looks terrific. Water testing is next, and awaiting a new owner.

Next up is this 50s/60s era Chum, and to choose another great colour

Update: Both Chums sold!

Finished Burgundy boat; second sold as is, owner to restore

An example of the kind of transformation that can happen...