Meraco Speedster Square Stern Canoe, Michigan Maritime Museum, South Haven, Van Buren County, MI

Significance: This St. Louis Arrowhead Canoe has a square stern for outboard motor use and it embodies characteristics of both powered runabout and canoe. Compared to a canoe, the increased beam, stability and option to motor or paddle made this a popular boat for back country camp supply. The sides of the canoe have built-out sponsons (balsa wood flotation strips) molded into the design and covered with canvas decking. The center thwart and two seat supports were added later. The original owner, John Frost and family, used the canoe in Burt and Mullet Lakes from 1927-1998. The next owner, Skip Gibson, restored the vessel.
Unprocessed Field note material exists for this structure: N1088
Survey number: HAER MI-408
Building/structure dates: 1927 Initial Construction
Building/structure dates: 1998 Subsequent Work