Aluminum canoe.

Anyone own a vintage aluminum canoe?

What kind?

How have you accessorized it?

What do you predominately use it for?

I have an original 15' Grumman double end canoe. [link to www.oakorchardcanoe.com (secure)]

It's an original with the thicker .050 aluminum hull. It is in great shape! I predominately use it for fishing.

To haul my canoe, my pickup has a raised canopy with aluminum tie down brackets affixed to the top. This is how I haul my canoe.

I also have a vintage adjustable motor mount bracket that came with my canoe, as well as two different size wooden paddles.

Grumman sold the company and in 1996 they started making thinner aluminum hulls on the newer canoe's, from the new manufacturer, from .050 thickness, to .040. (*)

Anyone know when Grumman switched to thinner Aluminum?
[link to forums.outdoorsdirectory.com (secure)]

I want to add an easy anchor crank system without drilling new holes, but can't find anyone who has done a video or write up on it.

I have some ideas using an Attwood Anchor Lift System to get a good anchor system easily affixed, so that I can remove it and/or assemble it easily.

I think I can install it without drilling additional holes, but would need to attach it to a plate or steel flat bars (possibly wood) with rubberized foam backing and than affix that to the stern or aft point using clamps and brackets. Same with attaching the crank system to the gunwale sidewall.

On the bow and aft points there is a small aluminum utility loop affixed with a bolt for tie down or tow line that run through the hull already. I think I could piggy back off of that using J hook bars, to attach at the bow and aft point to hold it in place, with a clamp system toward the interior.

I already have two 8lb mushroom weights. Also have some steel folding stadium seats with rubberized footing that can be sat on, folded or with seat back up.

The need for back support can't be overstated when out on the lake for a day.

I also will soon be purchasing a newer 5 speed Min Kota 30" 12v trolling motor for it, to replace my ancient three speed model, which doesn't troll slow enough for fishing purposes at it's set speeds.

I currently hook my electric trolling motor up to a 100Ah Deep Cycle AGM 12 Volt Battery which fits nicely tucked under the aft aluminum seat.

When anchoring a canoe, it is important that the anchor lines are in line with the canoe to prevent side to side drift or the risk of capsize from side wind. For this reason, it's important that you make sure the canoe is anchored in line, into any predominate wind.

Anyone outfit an old aluminum canoe for fishing?

What mods have you made and how does it improve the overall functionality and ease and enjoyment of use?

Can anyone recommend any vintage accessories made for aluminum canoe's that I might consider adding?