Sir,
Greetings from Seattle area! I am in the Army in Fort Lewis, Washington, trying to help my Mom in Newcastle Maine. My father’s greatest happiness was when he could fish on his green Grand Laker. He took great care of it and even had a couple of mahogany seats custom made for it, and a battery bank for his electric motor. He died in August 2013 and my 80 year old mother wants to part with it. I am having a heck of a time pricing it for sale. I know a bit about powered boats but nothing about this wood canoe. I am not one of the legion of fans of canoes in general, but the art and beauty and connection to Maine’s great beauty is not lost on me. Is there anything you might be able to help me with in terms of best place to advertise, fair used price etc? It seems to me this is a real “niche” item, so the demand will be hard to connect with. It may well be that your father built this very one. My Mom lives right in Newcastle proper, and we were going to put it out on the Main street gas station as you turn into Newcastle-Damariscotta with a sign (and a hefty chain & lock!). I hope you might be of help.
Best to you during your heavy winter this year!
Ray Dunning

Ray, we can definitely point you in a good direction. Just down the peninsula from your mom is The Carpenter’s Boat Shop. Follow the link and give them a call. They may be able to help you with pricing, maybe even selling. Our editor’s brother was stationed for a time on Whidbey Island and has contributed in the past under his call sign, The Gentleman. Yours is a beautiful state, not unlike Maine. We honor our connection with you and are grateful for your service!