Possible Morris?

[normsims]

I’ve been corresponding with a fellow who listed a canoe on eBay. Perhaps someone in the WCHA could help him with identification and the potential for sale. He’s in New York and the canoe is in California, so he can’t measure the length but it looks like either 16 or 17 feet. He’s had trouble getting a message on the forum, so I’m posting this for him.

Norm

Here’s what he wrote:

“Here are pictures of a canoe that I have that I am looking for some more information on. I was planning on restoring it myself but I would be interested in finding a new owner for it. Some of the wood details at the bow and stern of the canoe need attention. The rest of the body of the canoe is in good shape and I believe it requires minimal restoration. Any information that you can provide will help. I have it listed on eBay as "Antique Wood and Canvas Canoe Project.” This might be a Morris Canoe.”

 

[Treewater]

Hard to tell from the pictures. More close ups ; seats, thwarts, stems, etc might help.

 

[normsims]

He can't get more pictures now because he's in NY and the boat is in California. Let's speculate with what we've got. It looks like the pix did not upload. I'll try again.
Norm

 

[Benson Gray]

The pictures and others at https://www.ebay.com/itm/182949656309 don't offer much confirmation. Many other builders also used heart shaped decks. Is there a serial number available?

Benson

 

[normsims]

Benson,

Agreed. Unfortunately the boat is in California so he can't check on serial numbers. I did blow up the attached image and adjusted the contrast and stuff. I think I see tapered ribs. And the stem band wraps up over the deck. Both are Morris habits, esp. the tapered ribs.

Norm