The more you know about the item you are listing, the more interest you'll generate in it and the more you may get for it. Even if Grandpa's canoe has always been referred to as an Old Town, unless you are certain of this, you may have the product of a different builder... but someone may be looking for exactly what you have.

The first step in selling an old wooden canoe is to acquaint yourself with the Wooden Canoe Heritage Association at www.wcha.org (watch the video if you are able). WCHA is a great resource for information about your canoe before listing it, and a great resource for the buyer of your canoe. Even if the canoe is something you bought in order to resell, you'll have a happier buyer if you pass along information about the canoe that has him/her feeling good about the deal.

The Wooden Canoe Heritage Association (WCHA) will assist you in figuring out the maker of your canoe and the era it dates from. Post questions and pictures under "Forums" on the website. Original build records are available for Old Town, Carleton, or Kennebec canoes by posting the serial number in "Forums" under "serial number search". Build records provide information about the canoe's model, woods used in construction, dates of aspects of construction, original colors and ship date.

Once you know what it is you are selling, familiarize yourself with listings for similar canoes. Note what it is you like about someone else's ad. If a picture that's placed sideways bothers you because you get a headache cranking your neck to see it, make a mental note not to do this in your own ad.

Collectors of old canoes generally like a good view of the canoe's deck. Often this says something about the canoe's builder, and may confirm what you've said re who built the canoe. Provide a profile-shot, of the canoe as a whole. It's nice to have a close-up of the profile of the bow as well, and an interior view. Closeups of any damaged areas or interesting aspects are important as well. Prospective buyers may ask for other views, so be prepared. If the boat has a serial number, a close-up of that may save you from having to post it later.

It's important to state the canoe's length, and add the width while you're at it.

Be honest about damage. There may be cracked ribs under layers of varnish, which no one would know about until the interior is stripped. Those familiar with old canoes know this, but those buying their first classic canoe might be daunted by the prospect of replacing ribs. So, you may say that you are unaware of any damage (or whatever is true), and when the canoe is picked up, point out the WCHA website. The buyer then has a source for assistance and encouragement... a cheering squad of enthusiastic folks who'll keep the buyer smiling about his purchase no matter what's under the old varnish or paint.

In your listing, steer clear of statements about the canoe's possible value based on what "new" wood/canvas canoes cost today. Familiarize yourself with what canoes similar to yours are actually selling for on eBay. Bear in mind that the buyer may be driving a great distance to pick up the canoe, and gas prices are through the roof. Also, be very clear about the canoe's location: is it at your house, or at your lake home, or at your grandparents' home six states away?

Don't put an estimated shipping cost for the canoe in your listing unless you are actually going to help with the shipping. State clearly if the canoe must be picked up by the buyer... if you are willing to deliver it... or to what degree you might assist with shipping arrangements.

If you know any of the canoe's history-- where it was paddled and by whom-- type this out to include with the canoe. There's a whole lot more to an old boat than wood and canvas... and that's part of what drives the passion for buying, restoring, and paddling them.

Best of luck with your sales.