Hi all, Last week (7/21/25) I picked up a Lotus, Egret tandem outside of Tampa. This canoe is in such good condition that it looks like a 2 year old canoe with no damage and the slightest of hull scratches. I appreciate so much that the previous owners took good care of this gorgeous boat. I have read many mixed reviews on Mike Galt’s designs but most all of the reviews appreciate his quality and workmanship as I do.
I cannot find the VIN number on my canoe. I understand they used to be scratched into the hull on the starboard Stern. But I could not find it any place on the canoe. Does anyone have an idea where it might be?
I have thoroughly enjoyed reading all the posts about Mike Galt and his canoes and I’m honored to own one of these snippets of canoe history. I have included a few photographs.
Are the built-in loops on the floor for sailing? I’m assuming my woodwork is teak. I would like to varnish it rather than oiling. Does anyone have a suggestion?
My canoe, with the (heavy) adjustable front seat assembly weighs approximately 51 lbs. My bathroom scale is not the most accurate. The actual size is 14’-3.5“ x 35“ wide. My understanding is that Lotus also made a solo Egret that was 14’-3.5” x 31” wide and weighed 48 lbs. The gel coat on mine still shines like it is nearly new. I realize that in the world of performance canoes, this one would be considered a heavy boat at 51 lbs. But I am going to enjoy it anyway since it is lighter than my 14’ Royalex canoe.
