If you are a canoe enthusiast, you know that Old Town Canoe is a company that has been producing canoes for over a century. Their canoes are known for their durability and high quality.
If you have an Old Town canoe or are interested in purchasing one, it’s important to know how to identify them. In this article, we will discuss how to identify an Old Town canoe.
Look for the Serial Number
The easiest way to identify an Old Town canoe is by looking for the serial number. The serial number is usually found on the back of the canoe on the outside of the hull. It will be a 6-8 digit number that contains letters and numbers.
Decoding the Serial Number
The serial number can tell you a lot about your Old Town canoe. The first two letters represent the model of the canoe. For example, if your serial number starts with “CA,” it means that your canoe is a Camper model.
The next two numbers represent the year that it was made. For example, if your serial number has “14” in it, it means that your canoe was made in 2014. The last two or three numbers represent the production number.
Identify the Model
If you don’t have access to a serial number, you can still identify an Old Town canoe by its model. Old Town has produced many different models over the years, each with its own unique features and characteristics.
The Classic Wood Canoes
Old Town’s classic wood canoes are some of their most popular models and are easily recognizable by their wooden frames and ribs. Some popular models include:
- Guide: This model was designed for fishing and hunting trips.
- Otca: This model was designed for recreational paddling and is known for its stability.
- Tripper: This model was designed for extended trips and is known for its speed and maneuverability.
The Royalex Canoes
Old Town also produced canoes made from Royalex, a lightweight and durable material. Some popular models include:
- Discovery: This model was designed for family outings and is known for its stability.
- Penobscot: This model was designed for river trips and is known for its speed.
- Camper: This model was designed for camping trips and is known for its durability.
Inspect the Canoe
If you have access to the canoe, you can also identify an Old Town canoe by inspecting it. Old Town canoes are known for their quality craftsmanship, so look for these features:
- Durable Materials: Old Town canoes are made from high-quality materials that are built to last. Look for materials like wood, aluminum, or Royalex.
- Symmetrical Design: Old Town canoes have a symmetrical design, meaning that the bow and stern are the same shape and size.
- Straight Lines: Old Town canoes have straight lines that run from the bow to the stern.The sides of the canoe should be straight with no bulges or curves.
- Quality Finish: Old Town canoes have a smooth finish with no rough edges or bumps. The paint or varnish should be even and not peeling or chipping.
Conclusion
Identifying an Old Town canoe can be done by looking for the serial number, identifying the model, or inspecting the canoe. Old Town canoes are known for their quality craftsmanship and durability, so look for these features when trying to identify one. With this information, you’ll be able to confidently identify an Old Town canoe and appreciate its history and legacy.
