Chestnut Canoe Question

[jtpca]

Good Day,

I am a new member from the Eastern Slopes of the Rockies in Alberta. I appreciate the knowledge being passed around your forum and wonder I you can help me with my new project.

I have recently acquired a 17' Chestnut Canoe. It is a fiberglass hull with the typical wood trim. It does need some work, though is relatively sound.

My question is; can someone help identify this unit an approximate age? I was unaware that the Chestnut folk had produced fiberglass canoes.

I am attaching some photos. http://picasaweb.google.com/jtpcan/ChestnutCanoe?feat=directlink

http://picasaweb.google.com/jtpcan/ChestnutCanoe?feat=directlink

Thanks in advance!

Jason

[Canoez]

Good Day,

I am a new member from the Eastern Slopes of the Rockies in Alberta. I appreciate the knowledge being passed around your forum and wonder I you can help me with my new project.

I have recently acquired a 17' Chestnut Canoe. It is a fiberglass hull with the typical wood trim. It does need some work, though is relatively sound.

My question is; can someone help identify this unit an approximate age? I was unaware that the Chestnut folk had produced fiberglass canoes.

I am attaching some photos. http://picasaweb.google.com/jtpcan/ChestnutCanoe?feat=directlink

http://picasaweb.google.com/jtpcan/ChestnutCanoe?feat=directlink

Thanks in advance!

Jason

You *might* have better luck with the folks over at the WCHA. (WCHA.org) Keep in mind that they are focused on wooden canoes and all of the variations there. I didn't know that anyone produced fiberglass canoes under the Chestnut label, but perhaps someone there might be able to offer you better information.

[Todd Bradshaw]

Those guys at WCHA are all brain damaged from heating fiberglass with heat guns to strip it off of old canoes. :)

I'm pretty sure that what you have is a 16' Chestnut Camper, most likely from the mid to late 1970s. At that time, Chestnut (like anybody else in the business) was trying to keep up with the times and stay in business, which included broadening the product line to include more modern materials. In their case, it didn't work out in the long run.

http://webpages.charter.net/tbradshaw/chestnut%20FG.jpg

I don't remember whether Chestnut ever adopted the American-style serial numbering system that was implemented in the '70s. If they did, the serial number would be molded or scratched into the stern on one side, just below the gunwale. A typical number would be something like this:
XXY 05553 0873
The first three letters would be a code for a specific manufacturer (like maybe something like CHN or similar for Chestnut). The next five numbers would indicate the model number and the specific number for that particular boat (like model #5, boat #553). The last four numbers would be the month and year of manufacture (August 1973 in the example shown). If the boat has such a number, it will tell you its age. If it is a 17' model, it would be later than the catalog that I have, which I think is about 1975 and didn't have a 17' version.

[jtpca]

Thank you gentleman; my initial questioning originated from the 'Chestnut' decal that is normally midship is closer to the bow on this unit.

That said, your catalog excerpt is a great help (and a wonderful piece of nostalgia) - I appreciate the response.

Jason