FLASHBACK: 1933 BOAT IN A BOX

NINETY YEARS ago, BPD sister publication The California Lumber Merchant reported on a profitable new niche for lumber dealers: knockeddown redwood boats.

According to The Merchant of July 1, 1933, “Lumber dealers in all parts of the country are finding ‘Noyo’ knocked-down redwood boats a profitable sideline. Made by the Union Lumber Co. of San Francisco, these boats were designed by some of the foremost boat designers in the country.

The boat illustrated on this page is the ‘Lazy Days’ rowboat, designed to ensure maximum safety and strength with greatest comfort, and is perfectly suited for camp, resort or any place a rowboat is used. Weight is 215 lbs. The lumber used in its construction is specially selected, straight-grained,

Union Lumber attempted to expand the market for redwood by featuring varied applications in its ads, such as on the front cover of the July 15, 1933 California Lumber Merchant

Clear Heart redwood. A complete set of directions for assembling the boats is furnished, and the customer is assured that the job of assembling is very simple. A heavy construction type for hard usage is also manufactured by the Union Lumber Co., with 13/16” side boards and bottom planks. Total weight: 250 lbs.

The Noyo Outboard ‘Scootabout’ weighs 190 lbs., and is scientifically designed to plane the water by one of the foremost hull designers in the country. It develops an amazing speed for her type. Lightweight and graceful without sacrificing strength, she is sturdily built to withstand the vibrations of high speed. Made of the highest quality materials, including hardwood knees and stern, this boat can be readily and accurately assembled in a few hours of spare time.

The boats are shipped knocked-down in a crate. Each piece is stenciled with its name for easy identification.”

Other manufacturers—including Hammond Lumber Co. (see ad at left)—quickly jumped in, as well.