RE: [Paddlewise] Granta Boats, Ottersports

Shane wrote:
>>>>>>>>I have recently acquired a baot, in kit form, which i have so far
identified to be a kayel ranger 18', made by Granta Boats, and later
Ottersports.  I have a set of very unclear notes and plans for the boat.
Would anyone be able to point me in the direction of any set of plans for
the Granta canoes, or even be able to tell me something as to the history of
the boats or manufacturer.  When did the company finish? etc...<<<<<<<<<<

GRANTA BOATS LTD: (plywood veneer kits)  29 Great Whyte, Ramsey, Huntington,
Cambs PE17 1EZ,  England    0487-813777 (earlier address in 1978 Canoe
magazine Buyer's Guide was: 23 Great Whi(y*)te)(Canada: W. Royalty Ind.
Park, Charlottetown, P.I.E. C1E 1B0)(Tony Ford--Canoe & Kayak Historical
Assn.--wrote on Paddlewise that the Co. was started by J. Kissner in London
as Folboat, he moved to America in 1936, AS Cavender took over the London
business and contracted to build kayaks for the military at the outbreak of
WW2, before the order was completed the London factory was bombed and Tyne
and another company finished the order, Granta moved to Cottenham near
Cambridge soon after WW2, in the 1950's The Walter Kidde Co. took over the
assets of Folboat in the UK, in the late 1980's or 1990's Granta was sold to
Ottersports [?Note: Pearman says Ottersports took over then Granta?](1963
Pearman leaflet listed 10 models of Kayel canoes and kayaks including
doubles, slalom, & Canadian canoes, all Kayel's were designed by Ken
Littledyke who is claimed to be the inventor of the stitch and glue
construction method, Kayel = K.L. for Ken Littledyke)

Matt Broze
http://www.marinerkayaks.com 



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