There have been more than a few efforts to modify canoes for other than paddling through the water. Dave Getchell Sr. edited the now defunct (and missed) Small Boat Journal in the 70’s and 80’s and in the April/May issue of 1982 gave his opine on a boat with special purpose requirements.
“I want a boat that can move swiftly and very quietly since it will often be used for close-in study of wild birds and animals. It must be light enough for one man to carry yet capacious enough to store camping gear and supplies for several weeks without bogging down under the weight. It must be able to cover long distance in good time, often over long stretches of open water or up and down white water rivers… As I considered one boat after the other, my mind always returned to the bare, basic hull of the canoe. It is light, burdensome, seaworthy, versatile, and low in cost. A few canoe hulls even look like a lightweight Maine peapod – long, lean, perhaps not quite so full in the middle yet broad enough to take pounds without sitting deep on their lines. If one can look at a canoe in this respect; i.e., not as a canoe but as a sweet, small boat hull, a whole new world of possibilities opens up.”
Dave chose the Old Town Canoe Co. 17” 2” Tripper model -- Beam at the Sheer 37”, Water line Beam 35.5”. Bow Height 25”, Depth Amidships 15”, Dry Weight 80 lbs., Capacity 1100 Lbs. The Tripper is a high volume canoe hull showing a shallow rising bow arch, with a deep ‘V’ entry giving way to a broad bottom for excellent stability.
Mr. Getchell goes on to say: “All one man operations will be centered in the “bow” seat from where I will be able to row, sail, or power (see below). A little, 22 pound 2 horsepower Mariner outboard will be mounted on a modified, motor outrigger when needed but will spend much of it’s time stored aboard the boat. “Mystic” style outrigger style oarlocks will provide the spread for rowing. Thanks to their special design they will fold into the canoe when not in use. The sailing rig will probably be Old Town’s new system now in development, and in any event will be light and simple. Simplicity, durability, big capacity, light weight, versatility – these are tough attributes to find in one small boat.”
The fact that the Tripper canoe model is still produced by Old Town, makes Mr. Getchell’s 25+ year old special purpose small boat idea viable today!
Attachment: Getchell Canoe Mod11.gif (Downloaded 53 times) Last edited on Thu Apr 14th, 2005 02:21 pm by Thom V |
