I basically got my intro to Pat Moore canoes here on this forum, due to my searching for information on the boat in the photos. I should’ve taken more pictures, but other than a being covered in lichen, this boat appears to be in very good condition. This is the style of boat I’m looking for (with a transom), but I’ve been out of the sport for a long time. Is a 50yr old fiberglass canoe going to hold up? If anyone has any helpful information about the boat itself, that would be hugely appreciated. The person isn’t asking for much, so I figure I can’t lose, but I’m more concerned about the time to clean up, etc. THANK YOU!
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Moore Canoe Inc - worth buying? Too old?
- Thread starter khackett
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The page at the link below has a bit more about the history of Moore Canoes, Most of the condition of a fifty year old fiberglass canoe will depend on how much time it has spent in bright sunshine. Good luck,
Benson
forums.wcha.org
Benson
Info on "Vega canoes and kayaks" please
I bought a glass canoe at a yard sale and I'm trying to get some info on it. It doesn't have a SN....The name sticker reads "Vega canoes and Kayaks", manufactured by Vega Integral Plastic co. 7501 Westfield rd. Indianapolis Indiana. I bought it because it really looked like it had nice lines...
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I use Dawn and also a non-abrasive cleanser like Bar Keepers Friend with a stiff brush to clean up used boats that have been sitting around. If the owner doesn't mind, you could bring some cleanser and a wet sponge and try cleaning a very small area and I think you'll quickly get a feel for how hard it might be to clean up the whole boat.
Much will depend on if there is any surface lacking paint or gelcoat that has sat in the sun for long.
A common quip on the sailing forums I used to lurk is, "fiberglass is forever". Just a little bit hyperbolic...
Feel around for any soft " crunchy" spots. Lacking any of significant size, it should still have a lot of life in it.
A common quip on the sailing forums I used to lurk is, "fiberglass is forever". Just a little bit hyperbolic...
Feel around for any soft " crunchy" spots. Lacking any of significant size, it should still have a lot of life in it.
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I agree with the above. Age itself doesn't matter much and the only production boats I own are glass (or 'Golden glass') boats from the 1980s.
If he doesn't want much you probably can't go wrong but, if he allows you to clean it prior to purchase, you can get a pretty good idea of condition and, worst case, should you decide against buying, he gets a clean boat to sell. win/win
If he doesn't want much you probably can't go wrong but, if he allows you to clean it prior to purchase, you can get a pretty good idea of condition and, worst case, should you decide against buying, he gets a clean boat to sell. win/win
I think he used diluted muric acid
. He thinks it’s great. It had pretty heavy lichen hence his motivation.
Someone correct me if I’m wrong, but I don’t believe Pat ever made transom style canoes. Is there another company that used the name Moore?
The construction appears to be woven roving (mat) which is an inexpensive and generally heavy form of fiberglass construction. Serviceable but not particularly impact friendly.
I am perfectly willing to be corrected……
The construction appears to be woven roving (mat) which is an inexpensive and generally heavy form of fiberglass construction. Serviceable but not particularly impact friendly.
I am perfectly willing to be corrected……
Chat GPT says that Moore Canoes Inc was owned by Pat's parents and had nothing to do with Pat Moore and his designs. I have no idea how accurate that is:
It turns out that Moore Canoes Inc was indeed the same company originally known as Vega Integral Plastics/Vega Canoes, run by the Moore family in Indianapolis and separate from canoe designer Pat Moore's later business. The company eventually adopted the name Moore Canoes in the early to mid‑1970s Canoetripping.net Forums+9WCHA Forums+9BWCA.com+9.
Here's how they connect:
Pat Moore, on the other hand, is the son of the family behind Vega/Moore Canoes. He later founded his own business, also called Pat Moore Canoes, unrelated to the earlier company’s operations—though obviously of the same family lineage. He began producing his own fiberglass designs like the Peter Pond, Proem, Reverie, Magnum Cruiser, and others, on the legacy of boat-building interest but entirely distinct from the Vega/Moore Canoes factory operation BWCA.com+4BWCA.com+4Song of the Paddle Forum+4.
So in short:
They share a family name and historical connection, but they are not the same corporate entity. If your canoe was stamped Moore Canoes Inc (not “Pat Moore Canoes”), it almost certainly predates Pat’s personal enterprise.
Alan
It turns out that Moore Canoes Inc was indeed the same company originally known as Vega Integral Plastics/Vega Canoes, run by the Moore family in Indianapolis and separate from canoe designer Pat Moore's later business. The company eventually adopted the name Moore Canoes in the early to mid‑1970s Canoetripping.net Forums+9WCHA Forums+9BWCA.com+9.
Here's how they connect:
- Vega Integral Plastics of Indianapolis, Indiana, produced fiberglass canoes through the 1960s and early 1970s; their boats were designed largely by Howie LaBrant Song of the Paddle Forum+3WCHA Forums+3BWCA.com+3.
- Around 1974–75, the company officially changed its name to Moore Canoes, presumably to avoid confusion with the Chevy Vega car and aligning more with the family name Song of the Paddle ForumBWCA.com.
- Shortly thereafter (~1975), the factory burned down and the company ceased operations, destroying molds and inventory WCHA Forums+2BWCA.com+2BWCA.com+2.
Pat Moore, on the other hand, is the son of the family behind Vega/Moore Canoes. He later founded his own business, also called Pat Moore Canoes, unrelated to the earlier company’s operations—though obviously of the same family lineage. He began producing his own fiberglass designs like the Peter Pond, Proem, Reverie, Magnum Cruiser, and others, on the legacy of boat-building interest but entirely distinct from the Vega/Moore Canoes factory operation BWCA.com+4BWCA.com+4Song of the Paddle Forum+4.
So in short:
- Moore Canoes Inc was the earlier company, active in the 1960s–early 1970s, originally Vega Canoes, operating in Indianapolis, run by Pat Moore’s parents (or family).
- Pat Moore Canoes is a later, separate business, run by Pat Moore himself starting in the late 1970s onward.
They share a family name and historical connection, but they are not the same corporate entity. If your canoe was stamped Moore Canoes Inc (not “Pat Moore Canoes”), it almost certainly predates Pat’s personal enterprise.
Alan
Tracks with everything I’ve seen. Thank you!
My frame of reference is not super fresh but it was lighter than I expected. I’m guessing it was 60lb-ish max.
Thanks! The seats are actually fiberglass as well. It did seem quite solid all around without much wear, even on the bow and keel.
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I agree with the lineage and the woven roving construction. Given its age it would be polyester resin. Looks to be in amazing shape for its age. I'll bet it weighs more than 100lb. It would be a nice cruiser with a small outboard gas or electric.
Things to worry about... Do the flotation tanks leak? The integrity of the transom to hull connection. Its longevity with renewed usage may be short unless handled gently, While the glass itself keeps forever the resin is old and brittle. The flotation and transom would be fixable. If the hull is sound and fits your desires and the price is right.. why not?
Things to worry about... Do the flotation tanks leak? The integrity of the transom to hull connection. Its longevity with renewed usage may be short unless handled gently, While the glass itself keeps forever the resin is old and brittle. The flotation and transom would be fixable. If the hull is sound and fits your desires and the price is right.. why not?
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