Hi Steve. The lines came from Gil Gilpatrick's book "Building a Strip Canoe". I believe it's a replica of one of the first square stern canoes built by Old Town back in the 30's, only without ribs, and fiberglass added for strength..
I grew up in Grand Lake Stream and my father was a guide and camp owner. He told me that the present shape of the Grand Lakers and Old Town canoes was worked out by a gentleman named Arthur Wheaton and another man named Billy Munson. Wheaton was a builder of the then common double ender guide canoe in Grand Lake Stream, Mr Munson owned an island on Grand lake and was somehow affiliated with the Old Town Canoe Company. The advent of the outboard motor caused a lot of experimentation, mostly in the form of side brackets. These caused a basic unbalance of the craft and caused a lot of upsets and a few drownings. It became obvious to these men that although workable, the side mount would not be usable when transporting individuals who knew nothing of water craft. They began by cutting off one end of a regular canoe and installing a transom in the open space. This caused the stern to pull down when under power, so they lengthened the canoe, then widened the stern. Other builders, including the Old Town Co, adopted this design because of its stability. In the 1950's, Laurence "Pop" Moore, another GLS builder, flattened the ducktail design in order to mount more powerful motors. Again, everyone followed suit. The canoe industry in Maine is always about cooperation, not design competition.
The lines aren't an old town, it's a grand laker. Made by a few guides in maine originally in the 20-30s. This design looks like mine which was built in the 40s. A handful of guides still make these although the lines have changed to favor speed with a motor vs maneuverability when paddling. Google grand laker canoe for more info.
Nice build ! How much beer did it take to get all those guys to help extract the Laker from your basement ! HA ! I've been contemplating building a Grand Laker. Any advise ? Oh I have a two car garage !
Just bought plans for this boat. This picture album certainly helps! THanks for putting this together.
Beautiful !
Hi Steve. The lines came from Gil Gilpatrick's book "Building a Strip Canoe". I believe it's a replica of one of the first square stern canoes built by Old Town back in the 30's, only without ribs, and fiberglass added for strength..
I grew up in Grand Lake Stream and my father was a guide and camp owner. He told me that the present shape of the Grand Lakers and Old Town canoes was worked out by a gentleman named Arthur Wheaton and another man named Billy Munson. Wheaton was a builder of the then common double ender guide canoe in Grand Lake Stream, Mr Munson owned an island on Grand lake and was somehow affiliated with the Old Town Canoe Company. The advent of the outboard motor caused a lot of experimentation, mostly in the form of side brackets. These caused a basic unbalance of the craft and caused a lot of upsets and a few drownings. It became obvious to these men that although workable, the side mount would not be usable when transporting individuals who knew nothing of water craft. They began by cutting off one end of a regular canoe and installing a transom in the open space. This caused the stern to pull down when under power, so they lengthened the canoe, then widened the stern. Other builders, including the Old Town Co, adopted this design because of its stability. In the 1950's, Laurence "Pop" Moore, another GLS builder, flattened the ducktail design in order to mount more powerful motors. Again, everyone followed suit. The canoe industry in Maine is always about cooperation, not design competition.
Can I buy your stations ? I'd like to build my own ...
The lines aren't an old town, it's a grand laker. Made by a few guides in maine originally in the 20-30s. This design looks like mine which was built in the 40s. A handful of guides still make these although the lines have changed to favor speed with a motor vs maneuverability when paddling. Google grand laker canoe for more info.
Nice build ! How much beer did it take to get all those guys to help extract the Laker from your basement ! HA !
I've been contemplating building a Grand Laker. Any advise ? Oh I have a two car garage !
Can you tell us where the lines of this boat came from ? Thanks.