18.5' Wilderness Guide by Island Falls Canoe

A new project, not seen in Ontario or many parts of Canada, Guide canoes are highly developed canoes that originated and are common in Maine, and are direct descendants of birchbark canoes. The 18.5' version built by Jerry Stelmok at http://www.islandfallscanoe.com/ is a great example of this style of boat, and built since the late '70s in his shop. We were lucky enough to find one of his earliest boats, confirmed by Jerry to be his at the WCHA assembly in the Adirondacks this summer. Needing a completed rebuild, it will perform beautifully paddling and tripping throughout the province. 

Guide equipped for sailing

Guide loaded for tripping

Newly finished

Shellac bottoms are popular on boats that are tripped hard

Yet another boat left upside down on the ground

Both ends needing a rebuild

Classic sheerline

Half ribs, popular in these boats

Characteristic carry thwart from Island Falls Canoe

Early seats done in woven cane, to be replaced

Copper patches from hard use

Fully biodegradeable!

Jerry with our boat, from one of his first runs of boats circa late 1970s

Rare find , rarer still in Canada - A St Louis Canoe Company Meramac model

This fall an unusual canoe was found north of cottage country, and found its way to us. Characterized by decks that are full width up front, and inlet on the back half to accept the inner rails, it was clearly a canoe made in the early part of the last century in St Louis, Missouri. Although nothing is known of its provenance except where it was collected, we would speculate that as it was in a small community north of cottage country, approx 3 hours north of Toronto, it is possible and probable that it was first brought to Canada in the 1920s or 30s by an American cottager around Muskoka.  With significant tarrifs on US boats during this time period, there was no importer nor dealer network. As such, American boats of this period are rare.  We were pleased to acquire it, and have since moved it on to a new owner.  Below are some of its characteristics.

How many canoes has the roof of the van seen? Number is always climbing!

Characteristic Arrowhead decks. Makes the end of the canoe stem/gunwale joint, a usual weak spot, much stronger. Carry thwarts, again more typical of American craft.

Remnants of stain, making for a nice dark interior

Half ribs, a distinctly American feature

Very nice lines, this model a 17 footer

Still in original canvas

Much nicer lines than a modern stripper canoe

Nice sheer and upturn in the ends

A great find, although needing a complete restoration and over a dozen ribs and planking, this old girl was in her original canvas, with the extra cost options of half ribs and outside stems. 

We enjoy discovering new (old) canoes and boats, if you have or know of one for sale we would appreciate hearing from you. A lot of these old boats deserve to get back on the water, and to have their history perserved.