View Full Version : Yard sale canoe score
Saw a small canoe in the snow by the road for sale. Recognized it as a Bell solo, (they're well known around here) but it was cold and dark and I was tired, so I didn't look too hard. Thought about it all night, and went back the next day for a closer look. It had been neglected a bit, but barely used. The wood trim is gray, but there's not a scratch on the hull. The cane seat is perfect. I think some sanding and oiling will restore the wood. Recognized the interior as kevlar, and it was remarkably light, so I bought it. Called Bell with the serial number, and it turns out that it was a special-order boat built in 2000, with carbon fiber outer layers, kevlar inner, and walnut thwarts. We still have some open water here, and it paddles like a sports car. My wife is even letting me keep it in the house.
http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c116/Oblio13/IMG_3335.jpg
The Cumbrian
17-12-2009, 04:46
What a stroke of luck. The UK equivalent is a car boot sale, but I've stopped going to them because I'm always amazed at the brazen cheek of some people who'll put a price on some worthless piece of tat.
Cheers, Michael.
stevesteve
17-12-2009, 06:30
You lucky beggar! Was it a bargain?
Cool house BTW.
Cheers,
Steve
Mesquite
17-12-2009, 06:53
Nice result Oblio... and even nicer of the wife to be so accommadating :D
Good find fella
Very nice boats, I had my eye on a Bell solo for a while.
Excellent stuff, great find goodjob and a brilliant place to store it :mexwave:
That's the kind of find everyone hopes for :D
cheers,
Toddy
I'm leaving on an airline trip early in the morning. I'm afraid the lake will be frozen by the time I get back, so I went for one last paddle this afternoon. It was 4*F, minus 15*C. I thought I was going to lose my ears and fingers.
And I'm complaining because we have black iced paths and the temperature is supposed to drop to -4 oC tonight :rolleyes:
Never mind, Spring's coming :D
cheers,
Toddy