Carrying Place Canoes - Designs not available anymore

[Glenn MacGrady]

I see the seller of the Jacks Special dropped the price to $1200/bo USD.

I don't know if this canoe is the right hull shape for Travis, and I continue to doubt its virtue as a tandem, but if one wants a wood/canvas solo canoe in very good condition, $1200 USD is a very attractive price. I'm surprised it hasn't already sold in the Ottawa area.

 

[Travis]

I am grateful as heck for all the insight I find here (now that im back in Missouri from a family camping in Arkansas)

Although I really want a excellent and unigue wood/canvas or cedar strip tandem/solo, I don't regret turning down the sellers offer to bring it to me here in Missouri at the discounted price. ( I have a Northwind solo for that particular purpose). and I have a tandem canoe for tripping with the wife.
After all the research, feedback from firsthand and info though I would enjoy the Jack's occasionally , it would sit to much. to tippy for tandem with wife, to heavy to load/unload off my pickup racks.
I'll wait and see what shows up locally over time that doesn't need 100s of hours of work to get on the water.

what a great group you guys(and gals) are! no belittling, honest feedback, insightful comments. I love that.
I will also say, that the seller, Jeff, went all out to get me that canoe if I would have it. if anyone is wanting it I suggest contacting him and he will probably make you a great deal.

 

[Travis]

The Seller is now a "previous owner" , not sure who bought it but someone else is now enjoying this rare canoe

 

[Glottawa]

That Jack's Special Found A Home
I bought that particular Jack's Special (top of conversation) last fall, 2024.

PRICE / VALUE: It was sold to me for CAD $800 and already needed a new canvas (pic below). The filler was completely cracked / spiderwebbed and it leaked. I painted it last fall (pic below), and so gave myself one more season (2025 summer), while the shop became available. It will receive a new canvas this fall / winter by Headwaters Canoes.

HANDLING: Having now paddled it extensively, I can say that "yes", it is a "tippy" tandem (my wife is not comfortable in the bow), but a highly responsive solo canoe. If my son, who weighs about 70 pounds, sits in the bow (pic below), it is not tippy. More weight, you need to watch. It easily manoeuvres in fast water, and "weather vanes" perfectly going up fast moving water, due to the rocker design. For the weight, since the yoke is so comfortable, you can't really tell it is 60-65 pounds when portaging (I'm a small(ish) guy and no problems). It also tracks fine if some weight in the front (stern) or not, and it is quite quick and easy to trim for paddling Canadian style.

BUILD: The canoe is somewhat asymmetrical, with the bow having more rocker, creating a natural weather vane in fast water. It is 15'4" long, 14" deep at centre, and 29 1/2" between inwales to 33 1/2" between outwales (outside width or beam), so fairly narrow, but deep enough. The ribs are 1 3/4" wide, spaced by the same amount. The above post says it was re-varnished in 2019, which I believe by its looks.

NEW CANVAS: I called Carrying Place Canoes, but no answer. I wanted a decal so I could replicate the current look when the new canvas goes on. Does anyone have experience removing / re-applying existing decals (is that a thing?) Also, I guess I will have a choice of colour. I like the white one above @Patrick Corry. A light blue also appeals to me, but I am also good with the original red too. What's your experience with different colours?

VERDICT: A real joy! I'm glad to own it, and will be for a long time.

 

[Benson Gray]

Does anyone have experience removing / re-applying existing decals (is that a thing?)

A local sign shop can probably reproduce the decals from a good picture or scan. This is likely to be much easier than any removing / re-applying efforts. Pick any color you like since "It's your canoe..." Painting is usually regular maintenance so it may not be difficult to alter in a few years if you change your mind later.

Benson

 

[Glottawa]

A local sign shop can probably reproduce the decals from a good picture or scan. This is likely to be much easier than any removing / re-applying efforts. Pick any color you like since 'it's your canoe...' Painting is often regular maintenance so it may not be difficult to alter in a few years if you change your mind later.

Benson

That's a good idea - a local sign shop!