The Peru Gazette

The Ausable River Association is holding a silent auction for a professionally built, Bloomingdale-style Adirondack guideboat, made ca. 1900. Photo provided – Kelley Tucker

WILMINGTON, NY – It’s a rare opportunity to own and row a piece of Adirondack history. The Ausable River Association (AsRA) is holding a silent auction for a ca. 1900 Adirondack guideboat in excellent condition. The guideboat was donated to AsRA by an anonymous local donor to raise funds in support of AsRA’s innovative, science-based programs that protect the freshwater of the Ausable watershed and beyond.

Although the builder’s name is not known, thanks to Ted Comstock & Chris Woodward, the broker and builder who completed the most recent study of these beloved watercraft (The Adirondack Guideboat: Its Origins, Its Builders, and Their Boats, 2018), it is evident —from its characteristic wide stem and fine craftsmanship—that this is a professionally built, Bloomingdale-style boat, made ca. 1900, with cherry decks, seats, cleats, and rails, and copper kick plates. It has always been varnished, never painted. Chris Woodward restored the boat, replacing some of the pine planking and addressing a few other issues, for the boat’s prior owner a few decades ago. The boat finished second in the two-person Willard Hanmer Guideboat and Canoe Race some years ago. It is ready to row. 

“What an amazing craft” noted AsRA Executive Director, Kelley Tucker.  “Guideboats were developed for the Adirondacks and their beauty and utility on our lakes is unmatched. We’re hoping its next owner will enjoy rowing this boat closer to its 200^th year.”

Starting bid/donation is $7,500. Auction runs through September 30, 2022. The guideboat is auctioned as is. Auction guidelines, photos and additional details can be found at: https://www.ausableriver.org/historic-guideboat-silent-auction. Proceeds benefit the Ausable River Association.