I have a 1949 Shell Lake wood/canvas canoe that I have decided to put up for sale. It needs to go to an owner who can use it more often than I have over the last few years. I have owned it since 1981, and shortly after acquiring it, I had Joe Seliga re-canvas it and make a few minor repairs. Note that it has not been restored, but just a few minor repairs made. The repairs included replacing a couple of planks, splicing new mahogany outside gunwale ends, and replacing the stems and stem bands. It has the original patina on the inside, and the canvas is in very good shape since it has always been carefully cared for and stored indoors. The canoe is their De Lux Model 117. Per their sales catalog, this model is 17 feet long with a beam of 35 inches and a depth of 12.5 inches. This model has half ribs through the entire exposed length of the canoe providing an even floor to walk on and adding strength to the canoe. The listed weight for the canoe is 85 lbs, so this needs to go to someone with nearby water and an extra person to help carry it. The canoe has a rather flat bottom and no rocker, so it’s a comfortable, stable cruiser. The gunwales and decks are mahogany and the thwarts and seats are oak. The ribs and planking are white cedar and cedar, respectively. In May of 1949, it was sold to F. H. Newell in St. Paul, MN for $110.25. My guess is that this canoe was one of several purchased by the same person for use in a park somewhere in Minnesota since the inside bow stem is stamped with the word PARKS near the Hull ID plate. I have not had it in the water for a couple of years, and I noticed that the wooden stems and keel have dried to some degree, so before putting it in the water, I would suggest adding some sealant and repainting the keel and stems. If one wants to get fancy, a light sanding and varnish on the gunwales wouldn’t hurt. It’s a beautiful, fun, vintage canoe that needs to go to someone who will take care of it, use it, and enjoy it for what it is. While it has definitely seen some use over the years, the overall condition is very good. I can provide more info and pictures to anyone interested. It is located in Moorhead, MN.
$1,000 OBO
PS: I have not posted this for sale anywhere else yet, thinking I would like folks on this site to have the first chance.