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ca. 1907 B.N. Morris
Model A, Type 1
At the end of the 19th century Bert Morris was widely considered to be the premier wood and canvas canoe builder in North America. His craftsmanship was second to none and his standard hull design was exceptional. The three main attributes of any canoe are speed, agility and stability. Most makers hull designs managed two of the three but Morris managed to hit all of the marks with superb accuracy. Our personal canoes are his, if that tidbit carries any weight.
This canoe is the epitome of his work. The Model A was the best design for all around use and could easily outperform any other canoe on lakes or rivers. The seats, thwarts and decks are made of mahogany from the last of the Caribbean supply, which was largely depleted by the very early part of the 1900’s. The wood on this canoe is all original (except for 6” of planking to repair a hole) including the floor rack. What remains of the original decal, at 111 years old, has been preserved on the bow deck.
Photos:
Canoe Statistics:
Serial Number:
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4671
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Construction Date:
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ca. 1907 |
Length:
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17 feet
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Beam (maximum):
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34 inches |
Weight (approx):
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70 lbs.
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Depth (amidships):
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12 inches
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Color:
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Black
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Woods:
Ribs:
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Northern White Cedar (no imperfections)
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Planking:
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Northern White Cedar (no imperfections)
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Gunwales and rail cap:
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Spruce
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Decks:
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Caribbean Mahogany
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Thwarts:
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Caribbean Mahogany
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Keel:
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7/8" Oak |
Seats:
Seats:
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Bow and Stern - Hand-caned (2017) Caribbean Mahogany
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Restoration Details:
- Hardware - New escutcheon pins (#17 brass), all else is original.
- Planking patch (white cedar) 6” on bow starboard side of hull (dyed to match).
- Screw holes in outwales plugged with spruce and dyed to match.
- Exterior Hull - 3 coats of filler, 2 coats of Interlux Primer, 3 coats of Interlux
- Brightside in black on #10 canvas.
- Interior Hull and floor rack - 8 coats of Epifanes Clear Gloss varnish.
- Decks, seats and thwarts - 10 coats of Epifanes Clear Gloss varnish
Defects Still Present:
- There are no known defects present
Click here for contact information regarding purchase.
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