Recent content by Benson Gray

I agree, it is particularly disturbing when inaccurate AI generated images of the past are presented when correct or original images are readily available. The frequently shared one shown below is especially annoying to me, Benson

Cold cracking is generally considered to be the result of different rates of contraction between Royalex (ABS plastic), wood, and metal during very cold temperatures. A vinyl rail generally has a contraction rate that is most similar to a Royalex hull so is least likely to produce a cold crack...

Agreed, but it is less likely that a canoe with vinyl rails would crack like that. Benson

Most of the references to this error code suggest updating your browser to the newest version. Benson

Are you sure that those are vinyl rails? The Mad River Tahoe 16 model was listed in their 2000 price list with either wood or aluminum trim as shown below. Benson

It plays fine for me now. What is the error code that you are getting? Reboot and try it again. Benson

Yes, as shown below. Benson

The description below is from page 44 of their 2000 catalog. It was first shown in the 1999 catalog. Benson

You can get more information with the serial number. The information at the link below may help if you aren't sure where to look. Benson https://forums.wcha.org/threads/how-do-i-find-a-serial-number-on-an-old-wooden-canoe-or-boat.791/

Be aware of the difference between a serial number and a hull identification number. The picture below shows the serial number 206325 on an Old Town Tripper model canoe. The picture below shows the hull identification number XTC06325M75I from the starboard stern of that same canoe. The...

Two runners tried to make the 16.5 mile Kenduskeag Stream Canoe Race in Bangor, Maine a very long portage many years ago and were disqualified. Benson

I would encourage anyone who wants to spend a lot of money on canoe shaped art to consider antique model display canoes. The summer of 2023 saw both a seven foot long Chestnut model sell for $54,000 and a four foot long Old Town sell for $25,200. The links below have more details, Benson...

Getting people to wild areas was a big business for the Maine railroads during that era so a lot of money was spent on books like these. They have been a great resource for my researching of early canoe builders through the advertisements there. Many of these books have been scanned so the...

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...

I help manage the Fans of the Wooden Canoe Heritage Association (WCHA) group on Facebook and I am confident that not all of the current 12,818 members there are interested in wooden canoes. The same is true for the WCHA forum's 30,838 members. The screening processes for both of these are not...