The Decked Canoe Archives

The information on this page is from the Merwin, Hulbert &Co. catalogue. The year of the catalogue is unknown however given references to 1888 in the write-ups for the Wood and the Tyro, I guess the year to be 1889. Many thanks to Phil DeCausemaker for sending me the Merwin, Hulbert &Co. cataloque.

"During the spring of 1888 we undertook the problem - a low priced canoe - which, after considerable trouble and experimenting, we solved as described below.

"This boat, we believe, is destined to have a real effect on the progress of canoeing, for it puts that fascinating pastime within the reach of those who cannot afford to go in to it to the extent of a hundred dollars or more.

"We venture that five boys and quite young men can coax "papa" to indulge them to the extent of $55.00, where one can "sufficiently urge" to the extent of $100 or $125. Again, there are many who will risk the former amount in the discovery whether canoeing be congenial who would never spend the latter amount in the investigation. Lastly, we find that many are buying this boat who already have fine and highly finished canoes, for rough work, ducking, etc.

"An idea got the deck arrangement for both paddling and sailing canoes, as well as the appearance of the craft under sail, is shown by our first cut - the construction and body plan is obtained from the second cut. Fore and after bodies are alike, but sailed as "tuck-up", the former is practically fined and the latter fulled giving an excellent form of body.

"The frame is oak, bottom board pine, strakes and deck of white cedar, the latter being covered with paint-soaked canvas.

"DIMENSIONS - A 14 feet x 28 inches and B 15 feet x 30 inches.

"The open paddlers are provided with seat and single-bladed paddle.

"The decked sailors, in addition, have coaming, 3 mast steps, rudder with yoke and endless tiller line, dagger centerboard of oak, two sails (containing 60 square feet for A and 75 square feet for B) laced to masts and booms with sheets, proper cleats and dandy-sheet air leader.

Body Plan

Body Plan / Construction Detail

Sail Plan / Deck Options