I met Tom a while ago from our mutual interests in hunting, fishing and trapping. Come to find out Tom is a dedicated trapper, and I mean dedicated. He's a hard guy to get a hold of during the hunting and trapping seasons.
I met Tom a while ago from our mutual interests in hunting, fishing and trapping. Come to find out Tom is a dedicated trapper, and I mean dedicated. He's a hard guy to get a hold of during the hunting and trapping seasons.
Anyhow we got to talking about woodworking one day at the shop, and come to find out Tom builds canoes and invited me over to see some he had finished. I was absolutely taken with his work and decided to let others see his craft.
He builds with great attention to detail, and these canoes are striking as he blends a variety of woods to accent the details. Also, being a trapper and user, he builds canoes not just for beauty, but function as he is an avid user and has been asked to build several over the years for many clients.
The one that really caught my eye was this one of a kind take off of a traditional1938 canvas Old Town. One of a kind because it was made from the original design plans he got his hands on, and instead of canvass, he planked it with cedar, paint, and 5 West-system epoxy coatings.
The seats, Oars, and removable floor boards are in cherry. The ribs are also cedar, with spruce & cherry gunwales. The deck is Mahogany and all fasteners are bronze along with the oar locks. The seat is cane, and has a slide out drawer with a birds eye maple front.
This square back will accept up to a 10hp outboard. The size is 16' and appx 44" at the beam. An absolute work of art!!!
He also weaves traditional Maine pack baskets!
Another craft that I was just blown away seeing. These pac baskets gained popularity in early years for ice fisherman and trappers. Lightweight and roomy, a fisherman could put all his gear in, and hike to those hard to get to spots. He pounds out a brown Ash log by hand, so that it becomes soft for stripping the weave material. These baskets are highly desired in this quality, and really takes serious time to put together. I really need to ask Tom if he's part Indian ;-)
He also has other canoes on an over head rack that are for sale.
They are the Traditional canvass canoes, with cherry accents. One in particular has beautifully figured birds eye yoke, and thwarts, the other in cherry. Paddles also can be had at any length, and species. These two are of some beautifully figured birds eye maple.
Seeing this absolute craftsmanship, I just had to share it with everyone interested. Inquiries can be made on prices, and specs, or custom orders, can contact Tom at SunnyT51@aol.com
