Name/Title
Canoe, wood/canvasEntry/Object ID
1993.020Description
The sponson canoe is an interesting variation that the Old Town Company offered for their standard canoe models to provide a greater margin of safety. The sponson model provided air chambers, or sponsons, that were integrated into the traditional hull of the canoe at the time of construction. From a short distance one might not even notice the air chambers that are incorporated into the full length of the canoe from stem to stern. Each chamber is located just below the rub rail on the upper-most portion of each side. At the midpoint the sponson is semi-circular and extends about 4" beyond the normal contour of the hull. At each end the sponson blends smoothly into the traditional hull shape and seems to disappear.
The functional purpose of the sponson comes into play only when the canoe is tipped severely and the additional buoyancy provided by its air chamber gives the canoe the ability to withstand an accidental capsize under most conditions. If the sponson canoe does capsize, the sponson provides additional buoyancy allowing the cane to float higher in the water affording greater safety. The builder claims that both sponsons only add twenty-five pounds to the overall weight of the16-foot canoe making it a practical option.
This is a particularly attractive Old Town canoe that has always received thoughtful care over its seventy years of service. For visitors who appreciate the value of originality in a small craft, this is a fine example. The sponson option is rather rare making this canoe extremely interesting to study.Collection
BoatsAcquisition
Accession
1993.020Source or Donor
Brace, Jr., MaxwellMade/Created
Manufacturer
Old Town Canoe CompanyDate made
1934Place
Location
Old Town, ME, USAEdition
Model: HW SponsonNotes
Early Date: 1934
Propulsion: Paddle
Engine: 0.000Other Names and Numbers
Other Numbers
Number Type
Exhibition NumberOther Number
PC27Location
Gallery
*Pauline Morgan Dodge GalleryBuilding
*Small Craft BuildingGallery
*Virginia & Fred Gordon GalleryBuilding
*Elizabeth & Bolling Haxall BuildingGallery
*Miller S. and Adelaide S. Gaffney GalleryBuilding
*Small Craft Building
