Mystery holes in my 18’ OT Guide

[lowangle al]

After about five years I just noticed that there are holes that have been plugged in the ribs of the boat. They start one rib past the thwarts towards the stems on both ends and are on both sides of the hull. On the outside of the hull they show as nail pops. They are spaced every four ribs. This boat was delivered to Ohio in 1938. Any ideas what the holes were for.

 

[lowangle al]

I don't know why I'm getting two images.

 

[Fitz]

Your canoe originally had sponsons and that is how they were attached to the hull.

Fitz

 

[Boatman53]

What Fitz said. The boat originally had sponsons.
Jim

 

[lowangle al]

Thanks for the replies. Sponsons crossed my mind but I would have thought they would have been higher, like gunnel level, and extended to the ends. I'll take a closer look to see if there are any more holes at the end.

 

[Boatman53]

They stop quite a bit short of the ends because the end block is fastened from the inside. You need room for a screwdriver. At each set of holes would be an wooden former that is planked just like the boat. The sponson is canvassed first then attached to the hull after the hull is painted.
Jim

 

[lowangle al]

I just checked the build sheet and there were no sponsons on the original build. Maybe they were added on at some point.