crew - acbs.ca fall 2016.pdf · crew visit acbs.ca full steam ahead for the 100 mile cruise! ......
TRANSCRIPT
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Become a member
Join thecrew
Visitacbs.ca
Full Steam Ahead for the 100 Mile Cruise! The Mary Eileen Returns Home After 35 YearsThe Shirley-Jean ProjectNight-time Boating Tips
EditorKathy RhodesE-mail: [email protected]
PublisherGreg Martin
ProofreadersGerry Lodge, Ken MacStephen
ContributorsPatrice Anderson, Chris Bullen, Sean Conroy, Ann Curley, Derek Crawford, Scott Dunsmoor, Jessica Fleury, Kathryn Hendrick, Neil Honeyman, Gary Getson, Jan Getson, John Gullick, Rich Hughes, Bryan Leazenby, Jim Lipsett, Ron Stevenson, Jordan Waines
ClassifiedsTim Aikenhead Tel. (905) 305-0413 Fax (905) 305-1639Email: [email protected]
Art/LayoutPatrice Anderson, Blue Heron Ink
PrintingLowes Printing
Classicboat magazine is published quarterly as the member newsletter of ACBS-Toronto. For information about joining ACBS-Toronto, visit www.acbs.ca
Our cover
Winner of the “Best Greavette” award, Sthogie, a 1953, 22’ Greavette Streamliner owned by Greg Hogarth.
Photo by Patrice Anderson
© 2016 The Canadian Antique and Classic Boat Society. All rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be reproduced, stored in any retrieval system, or transmitted in any form by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without written permission of the editor.
Canada PostPublications Mail Agreement No. 40033009Individual issue price $10.00
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2 President’s Message: ACBS-Toronto3 Editor’s Corner4 President’s Message: ACBS-International4 Membership Benefits7 We Are Volunteers - Eh!8 Revitalization Project Update10 What’s Happening ...at the Muskoka Discovery Centre, Gravenhurst ...at the Canadian Canoe Museum, Peterborough12 2016 Gravenhurst Pre-Events and Boat Show14 36th Annual Vintage Boat Show - Chair’s Comments18 Ride Along Program – Your Club is Changing18 More Than Boats - Fashion at the Show20 The Apprentice22 Congratulations to our Award Winners!24 Full Steam Ahead for the 100 Mile Cruise! 26 Prop-Nutz – Winterizing Your Outboard28 The Power of the Plan30 The Sponson Report32 The Mary Eileen Returns Home After 35 Years33 The Shirley-Jean Project36 IE Weldon SS Update36 Nostalgia - In Fourteen Lines37 Muskoka Lakes Association Boat Show38 Night-time Boating Tips40 Classifieds
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Full Steam Ahead for the 100 Mile Cruise! The Mary Eileen Returns Home After 35 YearsThe Shirley-Jean ProjectNight-time Boating Tips
F e a t u r e s
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A nother busy boating season is coming to a close with several
of our members about to embark for the ACBS-International AGM and Boat Show in Lake Tahoe from September 17-25. With good planning, a little bit of time, and a good sized travel budget, it was possible to be involved in some kind of vintage boating event on almost every weekend this past summer. In addition to our own show in Gravenhurst, Bryan and I attended
the Clayton and Baysville shows and participated in the 100 Mile Cruise re-creation. What about you? How did you spend your boating summer?
Planning is already well underway for our 37th Annual Vintage Boat Show – the theme of which will celebrate Canada’s sesquicentennial. Watch for pre-events and displays involving non-motorized craft such as canoes, rowboats, skiffs, and sailboats. In addition, we are working closely with the Canadian Canoe Museum, The Muskoka Discovery Centre, and other organizations to create displays and activities relative to the theme. As always, all makes and models of vintage boats are welcome.
It’s always interesting to see how people respond to a survey. Many of you had very constructive comments for improving the show, and I think you’ll see several of them implemented. Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts. The pre-events, ride along program, and fashion show were all well received, and all will be repeated next year.
This fall, we are bringing back the Haul Out Party on Friday, October 28 at the Port Credit Yacht Club! Many thanks go out to Malcolm Black for taking the lead on this event. Check the flyer enclosed with this issue for more details and information on how to register. You won’t want to miss out on this event.
Before you start winterizing your boat for storage, please consider if you might want to be involved in our Toronto International Boat Show (TIBS) at the Enercare Centre at Exhibition Place from January 20-29. Once again our display will reflect our boat show theme, and we will be reaching out for appropriate displays. Watch for more details in your Wood Boat Wednesday updates.
President’s Message: ACBS-Toronto
Since our last edition of Classicboat, the following have joined ACBS-Toronto
We hope that your association with ACBS will be pleasant and worthwhile and we will welcome your
input and involvement with our various events.
WelcomE
New Members
Sirens Boatworks / MerrickvilleChristina Hannam / Huntsville
Mike Thrane / Port CarlingArnaud L’Huillier / Toronto
Steve Kendall & Adrienne Allan / TorontoKerry Smith / Oakville
Bo & Kathy Muller / Sonapee, NHDoug Watt / Barrie
Don Rowat / InnisfilChristopher Fleming / BracebridgeGreg & Marian Riach / Archipelago
Robert Jerome & Susan Ferrier / MeafordSteve Balmer & Karen Roycroft / Barrie
Jason Grancaric / BoltonMuskoka Lakes Association / Port Carling
Sue Johnson / WellandDenis Beauchesne / Hope TownGord Underwood / Gravenhurst
Jean Marc Laurin / Wentworth NordMichael and Dawn Tymianski / Toronto
Speaking of Wood Boat Wednesday emails, we are still running at about a 50% open rate. In other words, of the approximately 800 messages that go out, only 400 or so are being read. If you haven’t been receiving your updates, check your Junk file. The sender email will be [email protected]. If you are receiving them but choosing not to read them, we’d like to know why. Is it a matter of disinterest or lack of time? If so, simply open the next message and click on ‘unsubscribe’. If you have ideas for improving the Wood Boat Wednesday messages, I’d appreciate hearing from you.
Finally, please save the date and plan to attend our Annual General Meeting on Wednesday, December 7. Information will be sent out electronically to all those whose email contact we have. Those who haven’t provided email information will receive information by mail.
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Editor’s Corner
E-mail the editor, Kathy Rhodes at [email protected] for next issue is November 1, 2016.
welcomes your articles,
photos, comments and letters.
M other Nature gave it her best shot, but we still managed to pull off a great boat show on July 9!
Boat show follow-up reports start on page 12. If you’ve been following our Wood Boat Wednesday messages, you’ll have already received lots of links to photos, but now you can enjoy even more of them the “old-fashioned” way.Two of the boats on display at our show were Mary Eileen and Mary Eileen II. When the boats were registered, Nick Macklem provided this story: “This triple-cockpit John Hacker design was bought from Greavette Boats by the current owner’s father in 1937, kept for 18 years and then traded in on a larger Greavette named Mary Eileen II in 1955. In 1987 the family started a search for the original Mary Eileen. It was eventually found in ruinous condition in Sarnia, brought back to Muskoka and restored, and returned to its original slip in the family’s boathouse, where it has now been for a further 29 years.” A search through back issues of Classicboat found the original story in the Spring 1990 issue. You’ll find a reprint starting on page 32. Remember – you can search back issues of Classicboat anytime in the Members Only section of our website.Despite everyone’s busy schedules over the short summer months, several of our regular contributors are back with timely and interesting information. On page 28, Jim Lipsett puts a little different twist on his Power of the Plan column to talk about using our skills to give back and other aspects of life leading up to retirement. Ron Stephenson checks in with information about winterizing your outboard (ugh – who wants to think about that!!) in Prop-Nutz starting on page 26. Look for important night-time boating tips from John Gullick starting on page 38. In this issue, Richard Shorney’s Sponson Report has a guest author – Kathryn Hendrick is the daughter of former raceboat driver Brian Hendrick, and you’ll find her story about her father and the gift from Bill Shorney starting on page 30.Over the past few years, you’ve read updates about the Construction Techniques program at IE Weldon SS in Lindsay and the fabulous work being turned out by students in the program. Turn to page 33 to read how Sean Conroy connected the students with a boat named Shirley Jean. We will continue to follow this story in upcoming issues.With a further focus on youth (and the future of our organization), starting on page 20, Patrice Anderson writes about Jeff Breen who is following in his father’s footsteps – but with his own unique style.As things quiet down over the fall and winter, think about how you might like to contribute to Classicboat. With our sesquicentennial celebration at next year’s boat show, we’re looking for stories about historic boats as well as small craft – particularly non-motorized craft such as canoes, kayaks, rowboats, skiffs, sailboats, etc. If you’ve got a story to share, please send it to [email protected] as a Word document and send images separately as JPEG files. Captions for photos are always appreciated!
Found as a grey boat and completely restored by current owner. Has been barn stored for the past six years. Requires maintenance coat of varnish and some bottom work. Upholstery and canvas convertible top are in excellent condition. Comes with 2009 Excalibur galvanized double-axle trailer (virtually brand new - with fewer than 200 kms travelled), parts engine, mooring cover, and a number of spare parts. Asking $10,000 complete. Contact Bryan Rhodes – [email protected] – 705-731-0416.
Grace, A rare 1961 19.5’ Shepherd Runabout
FOR SALE
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President’s Message: ACBS-International
A s each year’s boating season
comes to a close, it’s always a good thing in my mind to take a moment and look back at all that happened during the summer - my favourite season of the year. Did we get to see all the family and friends we
hoped to? Visit the places we always love to see? Make any new acquaintances? And most of all - did we get to do all the boating we wanted?
Even though Jan and I had very busy summers, we did squeeze many of the above in just the right quantities. That usually doesn’t happen. Much of the reason we’ve been able to do so much this summer is due to my term as President for the ACBS. It’s been a lot of fun; I’ve met
many great people, and even had rides in a lot of different classics around the country. It’s been great.
Jan and I always say how much we like the people involved in this great hobby of ours. Seems everyone we meet is friendly, easy to get to know, and, of course, enjoys sharing their personal stories of classic boats. It’s been a great year - and one of the best boating seasons we can remember.
The ACBS continues to grow in numbers, events, and overall health. You can thank all who volunteer their time as a Director - not to mention all the hard working volunteers in the 50+ chapters worldwide. Chapters remain the backbone of the ACBS, and without strong chapters like yours, well, we just wouldn’t be around. So, as my term winds down, I look back with fondness and appreciation for all it has offered Jan and me. A great year indeed!
Happy boating,Jeff Funk President-ACBS International
Membership Benefits By Scott Dunsmoor, Membership Director
A s I am sitting overlooking the lake this August 5th morning, my thoughts are on Christmas. Yes, that’s
what I said – Christmas.
Our gang of cottage friends and family have just enjoyed our annual theme party on the August 1st long weekend, and this year the theme was Christmas. Every year a group of cottagers gather for a party where all of us don costumes and bring potluck food in support of the theme. We have had many themes, including Jamaican, Mardi Gras, Cowboys and Indians, Australia, and many others. We all pose for a group photo and then dive into the food. This year the attendance was 75 strong. Everyone has a great time dressing up, and there are always lots of laughs. This year we had one oven-cooked turkey and one deep-fried turkey with stuffing, cranberry, gravy, and all the fixings and lots of other treats. How many readers have had a full turkey meal on August 1st?
Well, great story, Scott, but what does that have to do with ACBS-Toronto Membership Benefits.
Good question. The first thing that comes to mind is that although I am writing this today, you will be reading it in mid-September and thoughts of the season of giving will be just around the corner. There is nothing better for friends and family than the gift of ACBS-Toronto Membership.
Gift Memberships are $40 when purchased by active ACBS-Toronto members for new memberships only. Members are able to have the membership activated for their friends as a surprise (or not), and we will personalize the introduction of the membership with the purchaser’s name forwarded to the recipient. Gift Memberships can be purchased online by logging into the Members Only Section of the website (www.acbs.ca) where you will see the “Purchase a
Gift Membership” selection on the left side of the page. A downloadable PDF form is to be completed and uploaded onto our system. Or you can just print the form and mail it in, and we will take care of the computer work on your behalf. Alternatively please email [email protected] or call 416-299-3311, and I can take care of managing the Gift Membership for you.
A Gift Membership is also a great idea if you are selling your boat or if your neighbour or friend has just purchased a boat. The one way to make sure that boats will be cared for is to have the new owners join the club and build the passion of preservation that we all share.
The second reason the Christmas party is a relevant story is that ACBS-Toronto revitalization efforts have started the trend of creating small informal gatherings, rendezvous, and get-togethers. These informal gatherings are aimed to promote comradery and fellowship among our members. Our annual theme party is a wonderful example of the imaginative get-togethers that could be easily organized by fellow members. If you would like to plan an easy informal event amongst your fellow ACBS Members, please let us know how ACBS-Toronto might be able to assist you and we would be happy to offer any assistance that we can.
If you have any other thoughts and ideas about ACBS membership, please contact [email protected].
Please remember we are always looking for volunteers to help with the club events and administration, and the more helpers the less work for all. Please consider joining our volunteers. We are currently seeking positions in a variety of openings including sponsorship leadership, secretary, finance, membership administration, boat show support, and other areas.
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Membership Benefits
KEY INTEREST GROUP ROSTER
Coordinator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Stan Hunter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 705-764-0191ACBS Rental Availability Registry . . Scott Dunsmoor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 416-299-3311 Antique Outboard Motors . . . . . . . . Ron Stevenson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 905-668-1667Cedar Strip Boats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ken Lavalette . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 905-986-9663Cedar Strip Canoes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Will Ruch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 613-332-6650Century Boats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Brian Atkinson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 416-580-2911Clive Brown Boats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bill Clark . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 416-975-4888Chris Craft . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Charlie Butler . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 709-528-4565Cruisers – Large Boats . . . . . . . . . . . Kevin Hartley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 705-527-4726 Disappearing Propeller Boats . . . . . Ian Dickson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 905-628-8263Ditchburn Boats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ed Skinner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 705-765-5064Duke Boats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ed Skinner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 705-765-5064Fibre Classics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sean Goodman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 647-393-7326Greavette Boats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . John Storey . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 705-684-9560Inboard Engines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Matt Fairbrass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 705-765-0961Minett and Minett – Shields . . . . . . Murray Walker . . . .705-645-3600 941-639-2461Outboard Hydroplanes . . . . . . . . . . . Richard Shorney . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 416-580-2600 Outboard Runabouts . . . . . . . . . . . . Ken Lavalette . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 905-986-9663Peterborough/Lakefield Boats . . . . . Prior Smith . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 705-654-3901Sachau Marine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Elsa-Ann Pickard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 905-833-0550Sailboats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . George Cuthbertson . . . . . . . . . . . . 905-315-2644Seabird Boats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Stan Hunter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 705-764-0191Small Inboard Engines . . . . . . . . . . . John Thomson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 416-741-1564
The primary purpose of this roster is to make it easy for you to connect with others who have similar interests relating to any aspect of antique or classic boating . The main role of these coordinators is to help get the information and/or guidance, or to locate the parts or historical information that you need . If you have a suggestion for a group you would like to see listed or an individual you think would make an effective coordinator, please contact Stan Hunter at 705-764-0191 or stan@stanhunter .ca .
Particularly for the new members, the following is a list of references for the various boat builders . If you need information, check with the appropriate individual below .
ACBS-Toronto 2016 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
2528 Bayview Ave., P.O. Box 35529, North York, Ont. M2L 2Y4Tel: 416-299-3311 Fax: 416-299-3387
Email: [email protected] Visit our website at www.acbs.ca
President - Kathy Rhodes (Communications, Classicboat) <kathy .rhodes@i-zoom .net> 705-731-04161st Vice President - Tom Crawford (Finance, Vintage Boat Show, Donations) <trcrawfordcpaca@gmail .com> 905-845-74562nd Vice President - Scott Dunsmoor (Memberships, Directory) <scott .dunsmoor@allweld .ca> 905-642-1754 Secretary - Rita Adams <ritaadamsfw@gmail .com> 416-449-2319Treasurer - Tim Aikenhead <taikenhead@sportables .ca> 905-305-0413, x 308DirectorsChris Bullen (Rendezvous & Website) <woodboatfun@gmail .com> 905-853-7498Chris Cragg (Long Range Planning) <cbcragg@rogers .com> 416-485-9546Gary Getson (Museum Relations) <ggetson@rogers .com> 647-588-4279Clancy Goodfellow (Advertising) <clancyg@wordendisplays .com> 905-473-2817Dunc Hawkins < dunc .hawkins@sympatico .ca > 705-445-9969Gerry Lodge (Safety/Insurance/Gov’t Regulations & Spring Tour)
<lodgic@bellnet .ca> 416-417-0031Greg Martin (Nominations Committee) <gv4martin@rogers .com> 416-229-2973Lawton Osler (Scholarships, WAVE, Winter Workshop)
<lawton .osler@oslerhr .ca> 416-562-5910Director at Large - Fritz Hager < fhhager@roadrunner .com> 315-686-4104, x 220
All of your Directors attend regularly scheduled meetings throughout the year where they provide input into the club’s direction . In addition,
each is responsible for specific areas . If you have questions or comments about particular club functions or events, please contact the relevant Director .
summer winter
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ACBS-Toronto Calendar of Events
ACBS-TorontoThe following are official ACBS-Toronto events and are organized/sanctioned by the Board of Directors. These events can only succeed with your involvement. Please be sure to support your club by attending and/or volunteering at as many events as possible.
Haul Out Party – Friday, October 28, 2016Port Credit Yacht ClubContact Malcolm Black — [email protected] or check details on the flyer included with this issue.
Annual General Meeting – December 7, 2016Toronto Botanical Garden CentreContact Kathy Rhodes – [email protected]
Toronto International Boat Show – January 20-29, 2017Enercare Centre , Exhibition PlaceWatch for details
Spring Tour – April 29, 2017 (tentative)
37th Annual Summer Boat Show – July 8, 2017
Other Events The following events are organized by other boat clubs and/or organizations. These are not official ACBS-Toronto events, but the information is provided as a service to our members.
Check out the “What’s Happening At…?” feature on page 10 for more upcoming events.
Other Event InformationACBS-International Calendar of Events: http://acbs.org/events/
Wooden Boat Magazine: https://www.woodenboat.com/calendar-field-date/month Trent Severn Antique & Classic Boat Association:http://www.trentsevernantiqueboats.com/events.htm
STEEL MEMORIESTransforming your favourite photo into...
Scott [email protected]
416-953-1741
www.acbs.caRead more articles, get up-to-date information, and view lots of photos!Submit your stories and articles to be published in Classicboat .Get free classified ads with colour photos (members only) .Register for events and renew membership online .View digital copies of YOUR Classicboat magazine .
It’s your website,putter by and take a look!
TOM ADAMS BOATBUILDER
We have a pretty lady in our shop. She is a 50 foot Minett that has graced the
Muskoka Lakes for the past 100 years. After her ribs, frame and planking are replaced,
she will be ready to sail once again.
Specializing in the restoration and refinishingof classic wooden boats.
3635 Hwy 118 WestPort Carling, Ontario P0B 1J0
Email: [email protected]: 705-765-2066
tomadamsboatbuilder.com
FOR SALE - 22’ - 1953 Shepherd Custom Utility. 135HP Chrysler Crown. $30,000 Contact Greg at 416-706-1000
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A t the Friday Dinner before the Boat Show, the WAVE acronym
(We are Volunteers Engaged), came up in conversation and the impromptu revised wording was invented: We are Volunteers Eh!
The WAVE had a remarkable turn out at the ACBS-Toronto Vintage Boat Show on July 9. Volunteers worked on most aspects of the show including Docks, Treasury, Greeting, Ramps, Registration, and special events.
The WAVE concept was first proposed by Lawton Osler as a multiple-step project. The first step was to formally recruit (and recognize) those who were willing to volunteer within our organization. The second step (and this is where “engaged” comes in) is to provide further leadership opportunities - at the board, committee, and event planning level - to those who are interested. Over the next several months, you will see various opportunities posted online and in Classicboat.
On Saturday, August 27, WAVE members were treated to a thank-you party at the home of Lawton and Martha Osler. Fun was enjoyed by all.
For more information or to join the WAVE, please go to acbs.ca and click on “Volunteer on the WAVE”.]
We Are Volunteers - Eh!
Volunteers gather at the Osler home on a beautiful Saturday afternoon .
Photo by Patrice Anderson
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Revitalization Project Update
O ur Revitalization program continues to move forward. In the Spring issue of Classicboat, I introduced a
refreshed value proposition for ACBS-Toronto:I find the club more accessible and feel more engaged socially resulting in more fun and time on the water. As a result of this, I see membership flourishing and spreading organically. • Access to boats and people• Varied social activities• Knowledge, history, experience and stories• Family-friendlyChange is happening to deliver on this value proposition. In addition to previously mentioned “quick hits”, these events have also occurred.1. Two days of pre-events on Gloucester Pool and Lakes
Muskoka and Rosseau led up to the annual boat show, in addition to our traditional Poker Run.
2. The Ride Along Program at the show introduced more people to the club and the boats, providing fun for all.
3. An inaugural fashion show involving 12 of our members was added to our boat show schedule of events.
4. An informal wine and cheese for members in the vicinity of David and Rosalie Graham’s cottage was held on August 7.
5. A casual rendezvous at the Delawana Resort in Honey Harbour was organized by Mike Gridley on August 27.
Further planning took place on Saturday, June 18. The session was facilitated by Alan Kay of The Glasglow Group. The group (consisting of Peter Canning, Sean Conroy, David and Rosalie Graham, Mike Gridley, Neil Honeyman, Rich & Linda Hughes, Jim Lipsett, Bryan Shaw, Lisa McGill, Jeff Titshall, Jennifer Archibald and from the Board Chris Cragg, Tom Crawford, Scott Dunsmoor, Gary Getson, Greg Martin, Tom Mooney, and Kathy Rhodes) broke into work teams, each focused on one question with a format that defined the future outcome and identified the major activities in the development path and the key actions for the immediate future.Question #1: “How do we recruit our existing members that have interest in becoming leaders within our organization and help us run events and the club?”By 2017 the team would like the board to have implemented a succession plan that enables new people to take leadership roles and a process in place for the transfer of knowledge. Major activities are personal invitations to individuals to be involved. A key action is to foster regional events connecting more people resulting in increased volunteer involvement.Question #2: “How do we establish events that require less organization, are easier to run and provide more access to people, families, and boats so we can have more fun with boating?” By 2017 the team would like to have established DIY tools and communications channels so members can host their own small, local informal and regular events
Major activities are to set guidelines for members hosting off-season small, local, informal events that require that ACBS to help with the member list and communication of successes through Classicboat and Wood Boat Wednesday. Key actions include creating a kit to help get events started that sets guidelines for members hosting off-season small, local, informal events. Implement the wine and cheese event proposed by David and Rosalie Graham.Question #3: “How can we expand our ability to communicate with our members and prospects using existing and emerging media?”By 2017 the team would like to increase the number of new members engaged with digital communications and engage in two-way communications through a variety of digital platforms along with continuing print version of Classicboat and offer online subscriptions to Classicboat with limited content.Major activities include developing a digital subscription, launching and moderating a chatroom via volunteers, creating a campaign to encourage members to embrace technology.Key Actions include creating a YouTube channel and gathering material to stream, changing Website and Facebook permissions to allow member postings (provided template & training)Question #4: “How can we create a transition within the club to appeal to members and their families to appreciate new forms of design and craftsmanship as the industry has progressed through the years, specifically the recognition of fibre classics the industry has produced?”By 2017 the team would like to see fibreglass classics integrated into the show including as part of the rendezvous.Major activities: Establish classification guidelines for Fibreglass boats, age, material and workmanship (judging). For Rendezvous Runs encourage use of fibreglass boats; social interaction is more important than the boat.Key Actions include establishing quality of boat restoration attending the show to protect the ACBS brand.Accomplishing the proposed activities of the day led the group to define four major outcomes for the club as it will be seen in the future.1. Members now see ACBS-Toronto as actively engaging
members in multiple opportunities for social interaction2. New members see ACBS-Toronto as a welcoming and
engaging organization3. All members now see ACBS-Toronto as a more engaging,
transparent organization that is a lot of fun4. ACBS-Toronto becomes an important part of Member’s
social life, an opportunity to interact through social media, and inclusive of Fibreglass in all “classic” boats
Momentum continues to build and there are lots of roles for all members to play in our revitalization. For further information on the revitalization program or to participate, please contact Gary Getson at [email protected].]
By Gary Getson
Classic Restoration & Custom Wooden Boats
Shokeepani is a 2003, 28’ overall, Gentleman’s racer. She won
“Best Contemporary Boat” at both Clayton, New York, and Muskoka ACBS boat shows. Built from the lines of the famous Gold Cup racer, Rainbow III, and powered with a balanced and blueprinted powder coated 502 fuel injected Mercruser with heavy duty transmission.
visit breenboats.com
Tel: 519-856-9113Email: [email protected]
She was built with a flush deck and covered mother-in-law hatches to keep her streamlined shape. Traditionally built using no laminates, veneers, or plywood, she has a dry bottom and is in excellent condition throughout. Used by an American customer in Muskoka from her island home, she has few hours use. Contact Peter Breen for more details.
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What’s HappeningBy Ann Curley
...at the Muskoka Discovery Centre, Gravenhurst (formerly the Muskoka Boat and Heritage Centre)
KIDS PROGRAMMING— Winter Wonderland Holiday Day Camp These two camps will be filled with winter crafts, games, and activities. Children will help to turn the museum and KidZone into a magical winter wonderland. Programming will also include a variety of indoor and outdoor seasonal activities. For more information or to register, please contact the Muskoka Discovery Centre at (705) 687-2115 or visit our website www.realmuskoka.com December 27 - December 30 9:00 – 5:00January 2 - January 6 9:00 – 5:00
— P.A. Day Camps for Youth at the Muskoka Discovery Centre
Muskoka Discovery Centre P.A. Day Camp offers children a fun-filled day off school, with themed crafts, games, activities, and ample play time in KidZone. Each P.A. day theme is sure to bring a smile to your child’s face. For more information or to register, please contact the Muskoka Discovery Centre at (705) 687-2115 or visit our website www.realmuskoka.com October 7, November 18, February 3, March 10, June 2, June 30 — 9:00 – 5:00— March Mayhem Camp at the Muskoka
Discovery CentreMarch 13-17, 2017 During this week-long day camp session children will not only explore all things spring, but also a
different Wild n’ Wacky theme each day. Each day will be filled with crafts, games, activities, KidZone fun, and more. Join us for total Mayhem at the Muskoka Discovery Centre’s March Mayhem Day Camp. For more information or to register, please call (705) 687-2115. Bring on the SPRING! For information on programs and events please call (705) 687-2115 or visit our website www.realmuskoka.com and follow us on Facebook. — Saturday Morning Discovery ProgramsDiscover Fall-10 a.m.-noon, $5.00 per day, season themed activities and craftsOctober 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, November 5Discover Winter-10 a.m.-noon, $5.00 per day, season themed activities and craftsJanuary 7, 14, 21, 28, February 4, 11, 18, 25— Teen Nights at the Muskoka Discovery CentreMonthly dates to be announced. For more information call (705) 687-2115ADULT PROGRAMMING— Culture DaysSeptember 30 – October 2 WeekendStayed tuned for a complete line up of Culture Days Weekend events that will be held at the Muskoka Discovery Centre.— Speaker SeriesOur monthly speaker series will start again this fall. Visit our website for up to date information. MONDAY FEBRUARY 20, 2017 Family Day: Fun activities for the whole family— Trivia Night Fall EditionBack by popular demand. 19+ event. Dates to be announced. Contact (705) 687-2115 for more information.VolunteersA call for youth volunteers to work throughout the Muskoka Discovery Centre (KidZone, tour guiding, programming, special events, etc).
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...at The Canadian Canoe Museum, Peterborough By Jessica Fleury
Museum HighlightsAt the end of May, heneghan peng architects, designers of the new Canadian Canoe Museum at the Peterborough Lift Lock, paid a visit to Peterborough! There were a series of meetings and events during the visit including a public presentation at the museum’s current location. Members of the community were invited to learn more about the building design and to ask questions and provide feedback. The museum continues to work diligently behind the scenes on detailed design and permitting for the new building, and also to lay the groundwork for a successful capital campaign. For more information on this exciting project visit http://www.canoemuseum.ca/museumonthemove/
National Canoe Day falls on June 26 every year, and for 2016 we celebrated on-the-water! The museum collaborated with Parks Canada and The Land Canadian Adventures on an event called Lock n’ Paddle. The Trent Severn Waterway waived lockage fees from Lock 20 to Lock 24 for all paddlers and there was also a “Learn to Lock” program delivered in Lock 20.
The main part of the event happened at 1:00 p.m. when all the paddlers met at Lock 21 (the Peterborough Lift Lock) to try and see how many canoes and kayaks would fit into the tubs! Our goal was to beat the previous record of 101 canoes and kayaks in the Lift Lock tub. The event was a great success! We had a total of 154 canoes and kayaks join us for the event, and we were able to beat the record by fitting 138 canoes and kayaks in one of the Peterborough Lift Lock tubs! The museum looks forward to another National Canoe Day celebration in 2017.
It has been an exciting few months in the museum’s Education Department! Here are a few highlights:
• 105 students, aged 8-18, experienced our Voyageur Canoe paddling program in June
• A new temporary exhibit of the 56 canoes that grade 6 students from Karen Kain School for the Arts’ created during a year-long classroom-based canoe project were on display at the museum for the summer! View the virtual exhibit at http://www.canoemuseum.ca/education-blog/
• Tillikum Lens Project: in partnership with the International Sustainability Education Foundation, Sony Canada and Nogojiwanong Friendship Centre, the Canoe Museum hosted and co-facilitated a program for 12 youth from the Wasa-Nabin and Akwe:go after-school programs for Urban Aboriginal youth. Between June 15 and 25, twelve youth took part in in-depth photography workshops, carved their own full-size paddles, and spent the day on Rice Lake earning their ORCKA Level 1 paddling certifications. To learn more about this project and view the photos visit http://www.canoemuseum.ca/tillikum-lens/
Upcoming Events The Uncommon Marketplace - September 17 (10 a.m. – 5 p.m.) and September 18 (Noon – 5 p.m.), 2016.
Join us for this family friendly public celebration of local artistic excellence. Artistic talent and craftsmanship from local not-for-profit organizations will be on display in the form of live demonstrations and hundreds of original, one-of-a-kind handmade Artistic creations will be on exhibition and for sale!
9th Annual Beaver Club Gala with guest speaker Peter Mansbridge - Saturday, October 15, 2016.Recreating the original fur traders’ supper club in Montreal, the Beaver Club Gala is an authentic dining experience with fine food and period music. Proceeds benefit the educational and public programs of The Canadian Canoe Museum. For the first time ever, the gala will be held in the museum’s galleries at 910 Monaghan Road in Peterborough! For tickets visit http://www.canoemuseum.ca/beaver-club-gala/
National Canoe Day celebrations .
Setting new records at the Peterborough Lift Lock .
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Classic Boat RestorationJames Osler
By Rich Hughes, photos by Chris Bullen
I f you like boating, then Muskoka was the place to be this past July. The ACBS- Toronto Show held in Gravenhurst
each year has always been one of the top places to view classic boats of all types. This year was no exception with the docks overflowing with more than 100 boats. But not everyone is satisfied with just showing their boat; some are more interested in using them. That is what brought Chris Bullen, Jim Watt and me together with the idea of offering a number of boating events prior to the weekend boat show.
Over the years, Chris, Jim and I have travelled to a number of ACBS shows that hosted “pre-event” runs that enabled visitors to boat on the local waterways and meet the people of the hosting chapter. From this concept, the Gravenhurst Pre-Event runs were developed, focusing on giving our out-of-town and out-of-country guests a chance to see what beautiful waterways Muskoka has to offer.
Tuesday night kicked off with a meet-and-greet held at a local restaurant in Gravenhurst. The bulk of the guests were from South of the border, including one couple that travelled all the way from Kentucky. Introductions were made and the agendas were handed out for the boating days that lay ahead. Most had had a long travel day and with an early start to the next day, it was time to head back to our rooms and get some rest. But not before stopping for some local ice-cream!
On Wednesday morning ten boats on trailers met in the Gravenhurst parking lot for the one-hour drive to Gloucester Pool. As the crow flies, the Pool is only a short distance away, but there is no direct connecting road. Once there, we met up with Scott Dunsmoor and Sandy Kennedy, who would be our guides and hosts for the trip. A short boat ride brought us to the base of the Big Chute. If you have never been here, it is very impressive to see. A number of our guests took their boats over the Chute from which they remarked that this was the highlight of the trip. The Dunsmoors hosted us for lunch at their cottage while Scott took passengers over to Sandy’s Marine Museum in The Traveller. One last stop was Severn Lodge before loading the boats back up and returning to Gravenhurst.
2016 Gravenhurst Pre-Events and Boat Show
Loading the Big Chute Marine Railway . Originally built in 1914, this area was constructed in 1923 a rise of 60 feet from Gloucester Pool on the Trent Severn Waterway .
Poker Run stop at Murray Walker’s .
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Port Carling Locks during the Lake Rosseau Run . A ride on The Traveller a 1894 31’ Captain Jake Swartman built in Waubaushene .
The Lake Rosseau run on Thursday was the longest with almost seventy miles of travel. Starting off in Gravenhurst Bay, the boats ran through Lake Muskoka to the Port Carling Locks. A short lift up to Lake Rosseau and the trip continued. Rosseau is populated with impressive cottages, boathouses and resorts. The highlight was a lunch stop at the famous Windermere House. With our bellies full, we set sail back to Gravenhurst.
The Friday Poker Run has been quickly growing in popularity to the point that registrations had to be closed off early this year due to a sell-out response. To accommodate the large number of boats, the group was split in two with a guide boat each to take them to the card pick up stops. Five stops
for the faster boats including Wa Chee We, a 35’ Ditchburn race boat, and four stops for the slower and smaller boats including a 13’ Canadian Canoe Co. outboard. Murray Walker had his boathouse open for people to make a quick stop to see the impressive collection of Muskoka boats. The day wrapped up with a lunch and presentation to the winners who managed to collect a royal flush in cards.
It takes a tremendous amount of time and effort to host a week of boating events. A very big word of thanks goes to the many organizers and volunteers of ACBS-Toronto who gave their time and services to make this week successful. And a special thanks to those that travelled the distance to take part.]
Stan Hunter Boatbuilder
Sales • Service • Restoration • Small Craft
R.R. #1, Hwy 118 W Port Carling, Ontario
Canada P0B 1J0 (705) 764-0191
[email protected] www.stanhunter.ca
Big Fun Small Footprint
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Thank you Gravenhurst!
T he 2016 ACBS-Toronto Vintage Boat show is in the books. Mother
Nature reminded us all that she works in mysterious ways as Gravenhurst was largely spared from the heavy rainfall that hit the Muskoka region on July 9.
This year’s show had over 120 boats registered and better than 85% were able to make the journey to celebrate Greavette: 85 years - Heading Home to Gravenhurst. Exhibitors overcame power outages, rough waters, and high winds to make the show a success.
These exhibitors are not restricted to boats either; a fabulous display of vintage cars also braved the weather to fill out the show site. A huge thank you goes out to all who were willing and able to brave the elements to make this show a success.
For our members and guests who were not able to make it due to the conditions, or who were stranded without power, we look forward to seeing you next year! Many of the boats on display this year chose to be judged and our judging team spent the day evaluating the vessels and speaking with their owners. A full list of the award winners can be found at on page 22.
This year’s celebration was extended beyond our Saturday show, and earlier in the week a series of pre-events was run through Home Base: Gravenhurst. Local members, as well as members from across Ontario and the United States came together for social and on-water events such as the tour of Gloucester Pool and unique trip on the Big Chute marine railway, the group run from Gravenhurst up to Lake Rosseau, and our Friday Poker Run events had great weather and great turnouts. To all the volunteers who planned and masterfully executed these events - thank you for a job so well done.
The Summer Vintage Boat Show is the largest event ACBS-Toronto organizes, and each year the show raises funds to help the club achieve its mission statement: To protect, preserve and promote our Canadian Heritage of vintage watercraft by:
• Providing events and services which educate and inspire member and public appreciation and enjoyment of this heritage;
• Protecting and preserving vintage watercraft related artifacts and information;
• Working with and supporting non-profit organizations having links to our interest, events or venue communities;
• Providing services to our members, fostering fellowship, education, and resource information in our common interest; and,
• Increasing awareness of, appreciation of and participation in our Society.
None of this, however, is possible without a dedicated team of volunteers, and the support of our Partners and Sponsors. You may have seen their logos on our marketing material, and throughout our website, and you certainly felt their influence in this year’s show. From catering to event planning to marketing and operating support, our partners and sponsors help make the show such
By Derek Crawford, 2016 Boat Show Chair. Photos by Patrice Anderson and Bryan Leazenby
36th Annual Vintage Boat ShowChair’s Comments
Antique and Classic Boat Society-Toronto
VINTAGE BOAT SHOW
Antique and Classic Boat Society-Toronto
VINTAGE BOAT SHOW
a success. I must again thank all of our sponsors for their contributions to the show, along with our volunteer force known as the WAVE. You undoubtedly saw members of our WAVE team wearing their distinctive red shirts throughout the show site. The ACBS-Toronto WAVE Program helps coordinate members interested in being more involved and volunteering with our events. If you are interested in being involved with the WAVE and future events, we would
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welcome your involvement – please contact Lawton Osler at [email protected] or visit acbs.ca for more information.
As we close the books on another great show, and return to our regular boating activities, our thoughts are already turning to next year’s boat show as we will be helping celebrate Canada’s 150th birthday through the development of boating over the years. We look forward to seeing you at our fall and winter events, and of course, next July when we return to Steamship Bay in Gravenhurst!]
Media Sponsor
Our PARTNERS Our SUPPORTERS AND SUPPLIERS
Our SPONSORS
Landscaping,Garden Centre & Florist
Thank you to our Boat Show Sponsors and Partners and Thank you to our Friday Night Reunion Supporters and Suppliers
36th Annual Vintage Boat Show - continued
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By Gary Getson
I n September last year, Jan and I attended the International pre events with Bob Speltz Land of Lakes
Minnesota Chapter. We met Jack and Carol Warren, who invited us to join them on their boat for the three days of boating. Jack told us how the Michigan Chapter had organized rides for the attendees of their boat show and over 200 people took up the opportunity and thoroughly enjoyed it. That inspired me to run the same program for the Toronto Club this year at our show.I am delighted to report that 273 people took us up on the opportunity due to the wonderful support of eight boat owners who volunteered their boat and time and expense to the event. Huge thanks go to Gord Baker, Malcolm Black, Chris Bullen, Chris Cragg, Alan Cranfield, Mike Gridley, Rich Hughes and Mary Storey for hosting members and the public on the rides. In addition Peter Canning, Gerry Lodge, Jeff Mitchell, James Osler, and Jim Watt also volunteered. However due to the perversity of inanimate objects, their boats will be ready for next year’s program.Here are some comments from Ride Along participants:Chris Bullen: “We had a fun time taking 273 people for rides in a variety of boats. Eight boats took turns throughout the day. The line was continuous as the boats went out and came in. I found all that came aboard had a blast. I think this should go a long way to breaking down the barriers we find in getting people more involved in the club.”
Chris Cragg: “I have done a lot of volunteer jobs in my 25 years as member/board member of ACBS. This one was definitely the most fun. Nothing beats an afternoon on the water with well behaved, enthusiastic, and appreciative passengers.”Gord Baker: “Everyone who rode with me thanked me profusely. They had a great time and certainly enjoyed riding around in the big Ditchburn. It was a great success. I enjoyed the experience and kept coming back to take more because the people were enjoying it so much. In some cases it was the ride of their life.”In addition, both Chris Bullen and Chris Cragg treated our Sponsors and their clients to rides.Jim Lipsett, a sponsor and part of our revitalization program comments: “My guests and I are very grateful to Chris Cragg for taking us for a ride in his beautiful boat. Chris made us feel comfortable and welcome, like boating with a friend. We all enjoyed hearing about the history of the boat and his family, that kind of legacy is very engaging. My guests had never had the opportunity to experience a boat like that but had always admired them. The ride along made their show experience very special. As a member and a sponsor, I must say that the ride along adds an element to the show that makes the day very memorable for all.”Fun with people and boats is the emphasis of our Club, and we hope that programs like this attract both new members and leaders to continue the fun. ]
Ride Along Program – Your Club is Changing
By Jan Getson
O ne of the new initiatives for this year was the introduction of a
fashion show held in the Lions Pavilion following lunch - thus offering both shelter and seating.
Thanks to Rita Adams, Muskoka Bay Clothing agreed to participate in our inaugural show and to guide us through the process. Many thanks go out to both Judy Terry of Muskoka Bay Clothing and Rita, for without you the fashion show would never have happened.
Thanks also go to Ann Curley and Janet Gray of The Muskoka Discovery Centre who also provided fashions for our show. Ann and Judy also gave the commentary. Our objective was not only to support local businesses, but also to have fun. Therefore, twelve of our members were the models. They looked great and laughed a lot. Many thanks go out to them as well. We also appreciate the support of Dockside Publishing who let us use their office
as a change room and to Scott Dunlop, who provided the music.One challenge of the event was the lack of attendance. Those who did make it gave us very favourable reviews. However, others said they didn’t know and would have loved to come. We will increase our publicity,
but we also challenge our female members to be sure that they too are on our distribution lists for emails and especially Wood Boat Wednesday messages. We want all of our members to know about ways to have fun at ACBS-Toronto. It’s about a lot more than just the boats.]
More Than Boats - Fashion at the Show
Our models (l-r) Dianne Yeates, Catherine Lodge, Sandy Bond, Linda Davis, Linda Skinner, Julie Bullen, Kathie Baker, Gillian McMullin, Marlene Dunsmoor, Sandra Williams, Louise Cragg, Karen Terry .
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Ride Along Program – Your Club is Changing
Bring us your dreamBrackley Boats
1-866-811-0171 • brackleyboats .com phot
o by T
im D
u Ver
net
New members are always welcome to ACBS-Toronto
Current members can help increase our membership by doing one or more of the following:
In addition, if you’re selling a boat, why not include a gift membership to the happy new owners with the Bill of Sale . What better way to get them off on the right foot?Remember, you don’t have to be a boat owner to join ACBS-Toronto . Any questions contact [email protected]
Current members can help increase our membership by doing one or more of the following:
• Encourage friends and family to “join the club” – forms available at www.acbs.ca
• Purchase ACBS-Toronto memberships as gifts for family, friends, neighbours, or the crossing guard - $40/gift membership, available all year
• Broaden our club’s focus by reaching out to Classic Glass enthusiasts
Jeffrey Breen has grown up around wooden boats and the wooden boat community. Jeffrey’s weekends were spent either at the cottage, a customer’s boathouse, or a boat show. His first boat was a Mercury Mighty Mouse with a 9.9 HP, followed by a Burnscraft 3-point B-class Hydro which belonged to his father, Peter, when he was a boy. When Jeffrey was 16, he saved enough money to purchase an Aristocraft equipped with a 40 HP Nissan short-shaft outboard. This boat has been used on a weekly basis spring to fall for a decade. Jeffrey refinished Risky Business from top to bottom several years ago.Jeffrey II, a 1911 19’ W.H. Mullins Launch was a father/son project completed in 1997. Peter and then eight-year-old Jeffrey took the boat on her maiden voyage on the St. Johns River in Florida.In 2005 Jeffrey purchased Time Machine, a 1928 19’ Peterborough Launch found in Minnesota; there are only two known to exist. Jeffrey reworked the floors and wood grates, and repaired the bottom, as well as a total re-finishing. A few special touches later, and she was ready for the Severn River.
While attending Conestoga College (Woodworking Technology/Business Management) he worked on various boat projects. After graduating in 2011, he commenced working on his first start-to-finish client project for Louie Cares. A 1900 21’ Gas Engine and Power Co. fantail launch with a beautifully crafted surrey top and original massive single cylinder
8 horsepower engine, Jo-Jo was completed in 2013 and won “Best Historic Launch” and “Best Represented and Documented” awards in Clayton on her way to her new home in Grand Rapids, Michigan.Many boats restored by Breen’s talented craftsmen have a remarkable pedigree, like Tolka and Heldena II. New classics are also created taking and modifying the lines from Rainbow hulls and Gold Cup race boats, as well as early displacement launches. Cash Injection and Dolly Durkin Jr. are two perfect examples of using proven hull designs to create new custom boats.The Apprenticeship was built by Jeffrey between 2012 and 2016 in his spare time. The hull design is that of Rainbow III, which was designed in 1923 by John Hacker, built by Herb Ditchburn, and raced by Harry Greening. The original Rainbow III was a cotter pin shy of winning the 1923 Gold Cup and set the 24 hour endurance record on another occasion averaging 45.3 mph over the 24 hours. According to Ditchburn’s catalogue, she won more races than any other boat in America in the 1920s. It was one of the most famed and recognized hulls of that era. The Apprenticeship capitalizes on this proven and successful hull design. The Apprenticeship is made of white oak framework and solid mahogany skin, deck, and interior. Solid wood planking sealed inside and out creates a maintenance-free wooden boat. This boat blends styles and hardware of past and present. Some pieces are borrowed from the era such as the fender cleats and engine ventilators. The steering wheel is a patented tilting wheel originally designed to allow heavier individuals to get in and out of their Model Ts. The wooden portion of this wheel has been fabricated new with three different kinds of inlaid wood, as the original was in disrepair. The inlaid wood throttle knob was custom made to fit the throttle hardware. Wooden patterns, sand cast molds, solid bronze
The ApprenticeBy Patrice Anderson
Jeffrey and his Aristocraft on the St . Johns River .
Peterborough Launch Time Machine.
Jeffrey fairing white oak hull, readying The Apprenticeship for her mahogany bottom .
castings, and finally chrome plating were the processes by which the new hardware was created. Arrow ended hinges were constructed for the curved engine hatches. All hatch frames are comprised of lap joints and 18 dovetail joints to ensure ultimate strength. To finish it off, crocodile upholstery, why not! Although it was designed as a two seater gentleman’s racer, a forward covered mother-in-law cockpit gives it the capability of carrying 4-5 passengers comfortably. The engine was custom built by Entec Racing of Toronto providing 340 HP, compared to the original 200 HP Packard of Rainbow III. This is the 17th new Breen boat and the 4th Rainbow III hull created; no two are the same. Jeffrey dubbed her The Apprenticeship paying tribute to his following the same career path as his father and continuing the Muskoka style of boatbuilding into the next generation. The Apprenticeship now resides on the Severn River in South Muskoka where it serves as a prototype displaying to potential clients what Breen Antique & Classic Boat Company can deliver. Sharing “Best Contemporary” boat award with his father, Jeffrey returns from his first boat show with an ACBS-Toronto award scoring 99.5 points. Not bad for 26 years old!Peter says, “Excellence is not a skill, it’s an attitude”.In 2007, Jeffrey participated in the St. Johns River Cruise in his Aristocraft Torpedo. A decade later he will return in his own new classic, The Apprenticeship.]
Glass template and eight sided steering wheel . Bookmatched decks back sealed and edge nailed throughout .
First launch Spring, 2016 .
Close up of tilting steering wheel, inlaid wood throttle knob, and arrow ended hinges .
Jeffrey receives his father’s approval .
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Award Category Owner(s) Boat Name Boat Manufacturer Boat Model Year
Most Original Historic Jim Grand Riverdance Canadian Canoe Co . Canoe c1910
Best of Show Preserved Classic Jim Onions Mrs . Miniver II Greavette Dispro 1954
Best of Show Restored Classic Bob Martin Donzi Baby 14 1967
Best Repowered Historic Michael Windsor Bimbi Minett Launch 1916
Best Outboard Boat and Motor Classic Steve Chochrane Peterborough 14’ Cedar Strip 1958
1st Contemporary Jeffrey Breen The Apprentice Peter Breen Boats Ltd . Gentlemans Racer 2016
1st Contemporary Peter Breen Cash Injection Peter Breen Boats Ltd . Runabout 2012
1st Contemporary Ron Wade Slightly Altered Done-Rite Gentlemans Racer 2012
1st Historic Muskoka Steamship & Discovery Centre Mitchell Rowing Skiff c1880
1st Classic John and Julia Gambill Classmate Chris Craft XK22 1973
2nd Classic Michael and Beverly Thompson Res Ipso Locquitor Greavette Streamliner 1955
2nd Classic Brian Norman and Lyn Hill T-Rex Shepherd Sportsman 1948
2nd Classic Bill and Linda Davis Appy Duke Utility 1965
2nd Classic Richard and Myrlene Boken Chris Craft Lancer Offshore 1973
2nd Classic Wain Trotter The Specialist Karleson Hydroplane 1975
2nd Classic Katherine Potts Potts 1 Greavette Sunflash 1962
2nd Classic John Vogelheim The Lord is My Shepherd Shepherd Runabout 1952
3rd Antique Peter and Mathew Herrmann Norwood III Minett-Shields Racing Launch 1925
3rd Classic Brian and Katherine Kerr Mellisa II Greavette Streamliner 1951
3rd Antique Ted Johnson Stephanie J Ditchburn Launch 1926
3rd Antique Bill and Eileen Bartels Lady Jayne Ditchburn Launch 1925
3rd Classic Linda Stoddart & George Eldridge Greavette Sunflash 1967
3rd Classic John Jarvis Finale Greavette Custom 1981
2016 was a judged year, and the following were award recipients at the ceremony following the Sunday Brunch at the Beaumaris Yacht Club.
Congratulations to our Award Winners!
Award winners George Eldridge & Linda Stoddard, John & Mary Storey, Jim Onions & Eleanor Douglas, Mike Windsor & Ronda Turner .
Classic award winners Linda
& Bill Davis .
Brian Norman’s Shepherd T-rex wins a Classic award .Jim Grand accepts the Most Original award for his c1910 canoe .
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]Derek Crawford, Tom Mooney, George Mitges, Chris Vandergrift, and Scott Dunsmoor .
Bryan and Anne Leazenby travel all the way from Kentucky to receive their Longest Haul award .
Derek Crawford, Gary Getson, and Tom Crawford .
Kathy Rhodes, Derek Crawford, and John Kutcy with his President’s Cup .
Founders award presented by Hagerty Insurance .
Derek and Tom Crawford present Cheryl Cragg with the Volunteer of
the Year award .
Greg Hogarth wins the Best Greavette Award .
Many thanks go out to Rick Terry (Chief Judge) for co-ordinating the judging activities and to judges Wes Dine, Murray Gould, Dunc Hawkins, John Howard, Kathy and Bo Muller, James Osler, Gary Scherb, and Ron Stevenson.
In addition, the following were recipients of the sponsor awards presented at the VIP Lunch on Saturday:
• Best Presented Boat (Pfaff Auto): India Bay, a 1920, 24’ Fay & Bowen Launch owned by Linda Stoddart and George Eldridge
• Longest Haul (Town of Gravenhurst): Eau! Canada, a 1949 20’ Greavette Launch owned Anne and Bryan Leazenby, – travelling from Kentucky
• Best Classic Glass (Walkers Point Marina): Twizzler, a 1960 15’ Leavens Victor owned by John Gullick
• Best Greavette (CedarCoast Homes): Sthogie, a 1953 22’ Greavette Streamliner owned by Greg Hogarth
• Founders Award (Hagerty Insurance): An1890 Mitchell Rowing Skiff. Restored by the crew from Heritage Boatworks, Gord Bird, Norm Nix, Jim Aylan-Parker, George Robbins, and John Storey.
On Friday evening, the following awards were presented:• Volunteer of the Year: Cheryl Cragg• Honour Roll: George Mitges and Chris Vandergrift• President’s Cup: John Kutcy
Congratulations to all!]
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By Jordan Waines
S aturday, August 20 was great day for classic boat enthusiasts as Muskoka Steamships re-created their historic “100 Mile
Cruise”. The weather was great and the steam was up when R.M.S. Segwun and Wenonah II set sail at 8:30 a.m. from Gravenhurst for a full day of cruising along with a flotilla of antique wooden boats from ACBS-Toronto. This very special cruise was in celebration of the 150th anniversary of the launch of the Wenonah (I).
Built at Gravenhurst in 1866 by the ambitious A.P. Cockburn, Wenonah (I) was an 87’ paddle-wheeler designed to transport passengers, freight, mail, and even logs around Lake Muskoka to service the growing lumber and tourism industry. Now that there was a means of transportation tourism was able to really grow in Muskoka with the building of resorts and private cottages around the lakes. To meet this growing demand the fleet of steamers also had to grow and expand their reach. By 1907 the fleet had grown to include 10 steamers to service the many ports of call on the Muskoka Lakes. One of these ships was R.M.S. Segwun, the sole survivor of the fleet which is now North America’s oldest operating steamship.
In the 1920s steamships were common sights on the Muskoka Lakes. It was at this time the idea for the “100 Mile Cruise” began to develop when the commodore of the Sagamo, which was the flagship for the fleet, proposed an all-day recreational cruise. The original cruise began in Gravenhurst at the Muskoka Wharf and sailed through Lakes Muskoka, Rosseau, and Joseph before ending up at Natural Park on Little Lake Joe. Natural Park was a plot of land purchased by the organization to serve as a place for passengers to disembark, walk some of the scenic trails, and enjoy an outdoor lunch. This was the trip that eventually became known as the “100 Mile Cruise.”
Re-creating this historic cruise for the organization’s 150th anniversary was an easy decision, but the question was how to make it unique for 2016? After examining various routes with the captains and management it was determined that this year the ships would forgo
Full Steam Ahead for the 100 Mile Cruise!
Photo by Chris Bullen
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Little Lake Joe, and sail further up Lake Joseph than ever before. Since getting somewhere new is always exciting, this new route was a big hit with all involved. Cottagers were out on their docks waving and cheering on the ships as they passed by; for many this was the first time they had seen the ships on that part of the lake.
Onboard the ships passengers were treated to a full day of entertainment while cruising. Local historians Richard Tatley and Ron Sclater provided an excellent commentary throughout the voyage. They discussed the various points of interest, and pointed out where many of the old resort lodges were located. Passengers were also encouraged to share their own stories and memories of the steamships and Muskoka Lakes. John and Mary Storey also joined the cruise to provide commentary and answer questions about the amazing antique wooden boats that joined the ships as they sailed. For musical entertainment local artists Jack Hutton and Peter Wainwright were onboard to create a soundtrack for this special day. Overall there was always something to see and do during the cruise; whether it was admiring the gorgeous wooden boats passing by, listening to the insightful commentary, enjoying the music, or just relaxing on the deck, this re-creation of a classic cruise really captured the spirit and excitement of the original.
The excitement and enthusiasm generated from the cruise shows how much love there still is for steamships in Muskoka. The community support while passing through the locks in Port Carling and through the bridge at Port Sandfield was outstanding. The docks were filled with people cheering and taking photos. You can’t help but be reminded of times gone by when the steamship era was in its heyday and everyone would come to see them as they gracefully sailed by. Seeing a steamship was cause for excitement as they would often be carrying much needed cargo and also mail, which would help with the loneliness experienced by early settlers.
Muskoka Steamships will be sailing until October 11, so there is still time to enjoy a cruise on R.M.S. Segwun or Wenonah II before they dock for the season. You can find more information on their website www.realmuskoka.com. Photos and video of the 100 Mile Cruise will also be posted to their Facebook page, so be sure to check it out and see some of the shots from such an amazing day. They also invite you to share your own memories of the 100 Mile Cruise. Either from the recent cruise, or any of the past cruises!]
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Our subject motor .Spray a generous amount of engine storage spray into the carb intake
while engine is running .
Remove the fuel filter glass bowl and rince out any dirt that is present .
Add a good shot of Star-Tron fuel preservative to the fuel then run the motor to get the treatment into the carb . After five minutes pull the fuel line and run the motor until it stops .
Grease all fittings .
By Ron Stevenson
I know, I know – winterizing - really? We have had a smoking hot June and July and now the first two weeks
of August look to be just as hot. Let’s hope the weather holds like this for another two months! The water in the Muskoka Lakes has warmed up, but is still refreshing for cooling off. I hope all of you have enjoyed some Muskoka cottage time. Did you visit the Discovery Centre in Gravenhurst? Go out for a sunset cruise on the Segwun? Take your Grandkids to Santa’s Village, or just go for a cruise up the lakes in your favourite boat? Buy three dozen butter tarts at the butter tart festival? Well I have done all these and much more. The time just seems to fly by at an alarming rate. My topic for this issue is winterizing your outboard. Hard to believe I’m writing this now, but the time will come much sooner than we like.
Preparing to winterize your outboard is quite simple. It might be easy to overlook something so making a LIST of items to do is much easier that trying to remember them. I have included some pictures of my “subject” outboard for you. So here is my easy List:
1. Add Star-Tron fuel stabilizer to your gasoline tank.
2. Fill the tank to the very top. This will not leave any room for air.
3. Start the outboard and leave running for 5 minutes.
4. While running, squirt some engine storage spray into the carb intake.
5. Pull the fuel line and let the motor run until it stops.
6. Remove the spark plugs and squirt more storage spray into the cylinders. Re-install the spark plugs.
7. Drain the lower unit of the old gear oil and dispose of it responsibly.
8. Remove the fuel filter glass bowl and clean out any dirt which may be present.
9. Store your outboard in a warm place (if it’s small enough)
So, that’s it for now for winterizing your motor. I hope the pictures and text help you understand these easy steps for looking after your outboard.
Hopefully you will see me on the water in Muskoka somewhere!]
Prop-NutZ – Winterizing Your Outboard
After the engine has stopped, removethe spark plugs and spray in another good shot of storage spray into each spark plug hole . Install spark plugs after spraying !
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The Power of the PlanBy Jim Lipsett, Senior Wealth Advisor & Director, Wealth ManagementScotia Wealth Management, ScotiaMcLeod®, a division of Scotia Capital Inc.
T he summer of 2016 has been eventful. Heat waves and thunderstorms have kept us guessing. This year’s
ACBS boat show in Gravenhurst went well; although most of Muskoka experienced powerful storms and wide spread power outages, we were blessed with wonderful boating weather for most of the day.
In this edition of Power of the Plan we will examine ‘using our skills to give back’ and other aspects of life leading up to and during retirement.
There is no shortage of advice on how to plan, save, and design your lifestyle, but it can be a challenge to decipher the information and separate the misconceptions. It’s common for people to believe when they retire that it’s time to move to a smaller house, start investing their wealth in fixed income, leave the workforce and rely on the capital from their present larger residence (especially in Toronto or Vancouver) to fund the majority of their retirement. Certain aspects of this scenario may indeed be valid, but there are a number of things that should be considered in order to complete this picture.
With real estate prices soaring, a pre-retiree in the GTA has watched the value of their house rise year over year making it tempting to count it as the majority of their retirement savings and possibly net worth. One should not count on a single asset to provide for their future (all eggs in one basket). These days, things have gotten so overheated that selling the family home to buy something smaller while putting the rest away may not be possible anymore. The reality is that it may seem great to cash in on the hot market but you may have to spend the majority of the proceeds to downsize. Moving to a smaller market or even to the cottage may be a viable option.
The traditional objective of retiring is to stop working, but it is becoming more common for retirees to continue working part-time or through contract work. Retirement is lasting longer than people anticipated, up to 20 or 30 years depending on age, so there is a real concern that they could outlive their savings.
Investing for retirement is usually focused on growth and asset accumulation while investing during retirement is focused on income generation and capital preservation. In this lower for longer interest rate environment, a conservative, diversified income generating portfolio is the recommended mandate to maintain consistent long- term cash flow.
If moving to a smaller market or to the cottage to downsize your residence is part of your retirement plan, it is extremely important to make sure that your needs will be met and your interests will be served when considering a new community. Carefully examine all of your basic needs such as medical care, proximity to friends and family and available opportunities for personal fulfilment such as: job opportunities, hobbies and volunteer organizations.
Be sure to give careful consideration to the habits and routines that are part of your daily life; people sometimes underestimate the adjustment that will be required after a major change in residence. There should be more than a financial reason or even simply being close to children and grandchildren to make a community worth living in.
Whether it’s retirement, downsizing or moving to a new neighbourhood, major life changes are stressful. Volunteering can help you get through the transition. Successful volunteering is a two-way relationship that needs to work for the cause or community as well as be interesting and fulfilling for the individual. Be sure to look at volunteering opportunities that align with your own passions and interests otherwise what is known as the ‘helpers high’ can fade and the new cause will tend to lose its appeal.
There are many proven social and health benefits to volunteering. Being socially connected through a cause, hobby or your community can reduce the symptoms of depression, anxiety and social isolation and foster a feeling of increased self-esteem.
If you are looking forward to spending more time with your family in retirement, boost your contribution by getting them to volunteer with you. This will create time together doing something good and feeling great about it.
The WAVE program at ACBS is a perfect example of how volunteering can enrich your retirement and pre-retirement life. Our members are passionate about boating, interested in preservation or restoration of antique boats and enjoy spending time together, regardless of age. During our busy working years boating is usually a hobby and is enjoyed with family as time permits.
As people approach retirement their life and priorities begin to change, quality of life and time spent with family and friends take on a greater importance.
Retirement often means having more time to spend doing what you enjoy such as working on that project boat, attending that spring work shop tour you always missed or simply helping out at an event. The enjoyment of these activities can be greatly enhanced when the whole family gets involved. As we go through the process of retiring, downsizing or moving with its inevitable stressful times, volunteering with a cause or hobby you’re passionate about can be a very positive counter- balance and important component of your new lifestyle.]To learn more and begin your personal plan, please visit www.lipsettlandrygroup.ca to schedule a meeting with a member of our team.® Registered trademark of The Bank of Nova Scotia, used under licence. ™ Trademark of The Bank of Nova Scotia, used under licence. Scotia Capital Inc. is a member of the Canadian Investor Protection Fund and the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada. For more information visit www.scotiawealthmanagement.com.
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By Kathryn Hendrick c/o Richard Shorney
I t was just what the doctor ordered for Brian Hendrick, now 73 and a resident of Merrickville, ON, and the builder
of the Hydroplane 123, completed when he was just 17.
Brian had suffered some health problems this past winter, and, because of his treatment plan, was unable to travel with his wife Pat MCainsh to Florida, their usual winter destination now that both were retired from the Canadian federal government.
A few years back, Brian, an avid boat collector and racer, sold his Hydroplane 123, which sat in our family boathouse at St. Pierre-de-Wakefield, Quebec, to boat collector Bill Shorney. They were longtime friends, having met at regular Antique Boat shows in Canada over the past thirty years.
Bill loved the design of the boat, the outboard ethanol engine built in the ‘30s, the throttle, and the plane of the race boat. Brian reminisced often with Bill about all the races he won in Eastern Canada, and the fact that not one race was ever lost to a competitor - but never boastfully. Brian is the most humble guy you will ever meet, and one of the kindest people on the planet.
As young kids, my siblings and I would watch our Uncle Brian race around the bay at Lac St. Pierre, with the noise of the engine so loud that my grandparents would grimace, and demand that Brian take his boat to the other side of the lake so he wouldn’t disturb the neighbours. But as his nieces and nephews, we thought Brian was pretty cool to have designed, built and raced a boat that would make the Hendrick name known. My grandparents, deep down, felt the same pride.
We all worried about Brian’s health this past winter as he tackled a difficult disease. Bill Shorney heard about Brian’s health challenges, and decided to make a call to me in December 2015. Bill wondered if restoring Brian’s boat over the winter, to be shown at the Gravenhurst Boat Show, might bring back a spark of life.
I had met Bill at the Toronto Boat Show earlier in 2015 when, at my Uncle Brian’s nudging, I walked through the Antique Boat section. I couldn’t believe my eyes when I spotted the Hydroplane 123, in all its negligence with years of storage in the family boat house. Standing beside the boat, with smiles the length of the boat, were Bill Shorney and his brother Richard.
Bill said he intended to restore the boat to its original glory, from 1968, when Brian won all the races. He was keeping the original hardware - the grommets, the throttle, the gas tank, and the flat bench Brian would lie on as he steered the boat to all his wins. I felt a flood of memories coming back of a wonderful childhood with a close family who did “stuff” all the time while up at the lake.
At Gravenhurst in July, Bill arranged with me to get the family back together to unveil the restored boat, looking
better than it ever did, with my Uncle Brian now recovered from his illness and -- restored to health.
The Shorney brothers, and particularly Bill who worked feverishly through a long, cold winter to restore the boat, had grins again the length of the boat. Uncle Brian was almost speechless for the unveiling, standing beside Pat, with a mixture of joy and incredulity all over his face.
We all got together for a BBQ dinner at our relative’s Gravenhurst cottage, the home of Roger and Stephanie Bertrand. We ate well, we toasted the efforts of Bill and Brian, and we reminisced over all the stories that made our childhood years so memorable -- because of the boat and the races.
That night Brian and Pat went back to their camp site, and when all was quiet, Brian called Pat out to view the stars on this most beautiful night. Brian and Pat sat up all night until the sun rose -- and Brian shared stories about the hydroplane that very few of us will ever know.
The restoration of the Hydroplane 123 from Lac St. Pierre made history again, as this boat, and his skipper always have done. Bill Shorney is a restoration artist, with a gift of detail that not only re-creates history but it heals and it cures. ]
The Sponson ReportCelebrate… Life, Love of Family and Old Wood Race Boats
Thanksgiving, 1968, Kathryn Hendrick (plaid dress) helps family store ski boat before hydroplane 123 .
Brian Hendrick and family admire his restored hydroplane .
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Editor’s Note: This article is a reprint from the Spring 1990 issue of Classicboat. The original article was written from notes prepared by Michael Macklem. Mary Eileen I and Mary Eileen II (a 1955, 20’ Greavette) were exhibited at our 2016 Boat Show.
T he name Mary Eileen is held very close to Michael Macklem and his family. This was the name given
to Michael’s mother, after whom their two Greavettes are named.
The story of the first Greavette in Michael’s family involves childhood memories that began with a “terribly hot summer” of 1936 and culminated in the completed restoration of the Mary Eileen on July 22, 1989. In the early days of cottage life in Muskoka, wooden launches served an essential purpose of transportation and this was the motivation for having the Mary Eileen built.
Michael explains that his wife’s family first came to Muskoka in 1875 when “George Taylor Denison, police magistrate in the City of Toronto and my great-grandfather, brought his family to Muskoka in 1875, just a year after the railway reached Gravenhurst”. George Denison had seen Muskoka several years before when he took the Prince of Wales (later Edward VII) through the District as a visitor.
The Denison family settled on Heydon Island where they built a cottage at what is now known as West Bay. When Michael was eight, “my mother and father decided to buy property of their own. That was a terribly hot summer and they chose a small, windswept island across the lake. We moved to Bromleigh Island the next summer.”
Michael describes this as having “moved to the other side of the lake” which made it necessary to have a reliable seaworthy launch. ”The boat chosen to fill this need was a 20’ John Hacker, triple cockpit design launch powered by a 70HP, six cylinder Chrysler. She had African mahogany decks and Philippine mahogany topsides, a cedar bottom and oak frames. “I remember my father discussing it with Tom Greavette”, explained Michael, “they stood talking in the dusty yard in front of the old Greavette factory my father thin and withered, with silver-rimmed glasses and ears that stuck out. Tom was bald with rimless glasses and a big paunch that was just eye-level for me.”
The Mary Eileen stayed in the family for 17 years until 1954 when she was sold by Greavette’s to Everett Barker, who had used it on the Lake of Bays from 1955 to 1972. In terms of the way Mary Eileen handled in the water, Michael remarked, “it was a real boat and rode the water as a boat should, but it was terribly wet. My brother and I used to sit in the back seat to keep the bow up, and we always looked as if we’d been swimming by the time we reached shore.”
Fond stories and the strong ties to boating and family history represented by Mary Eileen had infected Michael’s son Nicholas, who was able to convince his father to begin a search for her in 1986. Despite their most dedicated efforts, it would nearly a year before the search led anywhere.
The Mary Eileen, however, was too important to give up on. She represented Michael’s days as a youth in Muskoka and adventures that Nicholas could only imagine. Michael and Nicholas managed to track her through over thirty years of various owners. Greavette’s sold her to Everett Barker in 1954; then in 1972, he sold Mary Eileen to Andrew Kavosi, who died before he could complete much needed repairs. His widow sold the boat in 1979, but seven years later, she could not remember to whom.
As Michael explains, “she could only remember that the buyer had been a collector of antique cars and lived in Sarnia.” Although we searched through antique car membership lists, “this led nowhere” and Michael finally had to place an advertisement in the Sarnia Observer which read “Wanted, 1937 Greavette launch most recently called Miss Kimberley.” Placing this advertisement was certainly the right move because it was not too long afterward that, as Michael remembers, “I was working in my office on Sunday morning when the telephone rang”. Michael had not only learned the whereabouts of Mary Eileen and that her fourth owner was John Wardrop, but as he explained in a memo left for Nicholas “I’ve bought the Mary Eileen sight unseen for $1500.”
Mary Eileen returned to Muskoka and the Macklem family in August of 1987; nonetheless, it would take almost two years before her restoration was to be completed. Ten years of being left in a barn had taken its toll on virtually every part of her.
David Curtis was given the job of restoring her in 1987 just as the stock market collapsed and Michael became worried about the unexpected financial pressures this might bring. He remarked, “if I’d had any idea of what the job would cost, I’d have been twice as scared.”
In the end, the whole bottom was scrapped, as well as the frames, the keel and the chines. Fire had destroyed much of the interior forcing the rebuilding of her dashboards and seats and the reupholstery of her seats. Ordinary leather would not do for a boat so special to the Macklems and as it turned out, Michael was able to pay a visit to Connolly Brothers tannery in London, England, who supplied the
The Mary Eileen Returns Home After 35 Years
Mary Eileen displayed at the ACBS-Toronto boat show 2016 .
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leather for Rolls-Royce motorcars. “I carried away six cowhides and brought them home on the underground. My son brought them to Canada as excess baggage.” Otto Saringer, of Bracebridge, fitted this fine leather over the seats of Mary Eileen.
The 70 HP Chrysler was just as sick as the wooden part of the boat, and Michael sent the engine to Wyebridge Machine, Midland where it spent two years being restored to working order. The damp air of the barn had also eaten away at the chrome which was replated.
So it was, nearly a month before her second anniversary back in Muskoka that Mary Eileen received the “Van Patten Award” for best Greavette at the 1989 ACBS summer show held in Port Carling on July 15. She was formally launched the following week with the release of 50 red and 50 blue balloons as the boat slowly moved down the ramp to the water.
The ride back to Bromleigh Island, Lake Muskoka was a special home-coming for the Macklems and their old friend, Mary Eileen, with Michael at the wheel and his two brothers in the back seat.]
By Sean Conroy
I n 1964, Murray went to Penetang, Ontario to buy a brand new boat from the Grew Boat Manufacturing Company.
It was a 20’ Clinker style (aka lapstrake) utility Grew Cruiser he named Shirley–Jean after his wife. She was the last wooden boat off that production line and was powered by an inline six cylinder engine coupled to an early Mercruiser sterndrive. The boat went directly home to Murray’s cottage on Acton Island, Lake Muskoka. The Shirley –Jean found her permanent home in a modest (by today’s standards) wet slip boathouse, and ran faithfully every summer witnessing the kids’ water skiing skills improve, taking trips to the Muskoka lakeside towns, touring the lake, and basically providing the joy of all things boating to her growing family. As the years passed, the kids acquired their own boats to pursue their interests, but Murray kept Shirley –Jean running alongside her newer fibreglass boathouse companions.
Over time, the old Grew was used less and less until the efforts of semi-annual winterising/summerising and launching outweighed the benefits of her sporadic use. Further, the effects of age also crept up on Murray. Nevertheless, Murray still cared for the boat and took the opportunity to give her a minor overhaul and even some new seat pads just before he set her on some timbers suspended over her slip. For the ensuing years, Shirley–Jean sat on those same timbers – loved, but unused. A couple of years ago, sadly, the old boathouse collapsed on top of Shirley–Jean and within months of this, Murray also passed away (at age 92).
Efforts in the summer of 2015 concentrated on the removal of the boathouse remnants, but the entire weight had come down on the Grew Cruiser. Once uncovered from the boathouse wreckage, it was plain to see (and expected) that the windshield had been flattened; however, the crushing weight had driven the keel on to the unyielding support timbers causing a large hull breach. Shirley–Jean did not have any further damage inspection as the old boathouse cribs were also deteriorated and the entire area was not exactly safe to be crawling around. Awaiting a family decision on her fate, the boat saw her first full season outside with nothing but a tarp for protection. And with a desire to preserve rather than burn her on the shore, the family reached out to find Shirley-Jean a home where every practical effort would be made to save her.
Winter and a frozen lake would have been the ideal time to move the old boat from the crumbled boathouse foundation. However, a plan for rescue of the Shirley–Jean didn’t get
The Shirley-Jean Project
Shirley-Jean rests precariously on rotting timbers .
Shirley-Jean is delivered to IE Weldon SS in Lindsay, ON .
Construction Techniques teacher Peter Tamlin and Dwayne Alcock stand proudly in front of their latest acquisition .
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going until spring, and she had to be cleared to make way for imminent construction of a new boathouse. In March of 2016, I went to Lake Muskoka to see Shirley–Jean on her precarious perch with a view to organizing that rescue. Despite the obvious damage, overall she looked to be in decent condition. Interior, gauges, steering, decks, bilge, engine etc. were all clean and relatively rot free.
Now, due to the 12” x 12” hole in her bottom and location atop the timbers, extraction would prove to be a challenge. The closest boat ramp was several miles down the lake, and keeping her afloat for that long a journey seemed improbable. Several solutions were proposed, considered and pondered again. Murray’s son Rob is a building contractor, and he reasoned that he could use a “heat on” roofing patch to temporarily seal the hull then support the structure internally, so the boat could be floated away. We would co-ordinate our timing so I would arrive at the marina as the boat was being put in the lake (to minimise the potential of Shirley-Jean succumbing to her injuries and sinking). That was the plan we went with.
The patch was installed and a gantry was fabricated to lower Shirley-Jean into the lake. The day came for the move and the plan was set in motion. Rob was confident he could get the boat to the Mortimer’s Point Marina ramp, but not too confident - so I arranged for the trailer to be on the ramp, in the water waiting. Of course, Rob had a high volume bilge pulp rigged to a fresh car battery for the trip to be safe.
The water was calm, and Rob and I had texted our relative progress for coordination purposes. As I stood on the dock at Mortimer’s Point marina waiting, it seemed like an eternity had passed since Rob texted his imminent departure from the Shirley-Jean’s home of 52 years. When I finally saw them entering the marina, Shirley-Jean was riding high, dry, and proud, looking like she was still ready to take the kids for a ski. Rob said with some pride (and a hint of disbelief ) that the bilge pump never went on the entire trip. The 1964 Grew slid easily onto the waiting trailer. Rob (a big guy and ex NHL’er) seemed almost in tears as we loaded up and buckled down for the trip. He reminisced about barefoot skiing, his Dad, and family trips on the lake, but was happy the old Grew would see renewed life.
I transported Shirley-Jean from Mortimer’s Point in Muskoka to IE Weldon Secondary School in Lindsay, Ontario where Construction Techniques teacher Peter Tamlin was waiting all day (on a Sunday) for the big clinker utility boat to arrive. Once there, the enthusiasm was hard to contain as he seemed eager to get this project ready for his students in September. Once safely in the shop, I had a brief tour of the amazing projects the students of this school have done. I must say, I was very impressed with their work and their teachers’ dedication. ACBS-Toronto supports this school program with a modest annual contribution, and it’s easy to see that it is money very well spent.
The Shirley-Jean Project will afford many students over the next few years the opportunity to be part of this restoration program. Activities from research on Grew (and this boat in particular), construction and materials studies, mechanical and electrical systems research, mechanical overhaul, wood and interior restoration, finishing techniques, short stories, blog updates or even several forms of art studies, all with this boat as the subject are possible and may be in the future of the Shirley-Jean. One thing is for sure, the Shirley-Jean, the students, ACBS-Toronto and classic boating all have a better future in the making. It is our hope to see the Shirley-Jean Project come back to Gravenhurst for the ACBS-Toronto Summer Boat show when she’s ready. What a day that’ll be!]
The Shirley-Jean Project - continued
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Ed Skinner Boat BrokerageRepair and Restoration Referrals
www.edskinnerboatbrokerage.comCell: 705 646 3548email: [email protected]
Repair and Restoration Referrals
E ach year, ACBS-Toronto donates $1000 to the Construction Techniques class at IE Weldon SS in
Lindsay. The money is put towards the cost of materials for students projects (see Classicboat Fall 2013 for full details).
This year, two students – Daniel Woodhead and Tyler Marshall – spent time at our 2016 Boat Show displaying their project results. Daniel built a cedar strip canoe, and Tyler built a Rice Lake skiff. Both young men are understandably proud of their achievements and shared these photos.]
IE Weldon SS Update
Daniel Woodhead with his cedar strip canoe completed this past spring .
Program teacher, Pete Tamlin, enjoys a ride with Tyler Marshall in his Rice Lake skiff .
By Charles Truax
NostalgiaIn Fourteen Lines
Glida noses her way up the Oxtongue River which feeds into Lake of Bays .
That afternoon was drenched with sun
As Glida cruised the calm Oxtongue
Whose shores with myriad lilies showed
Their white and yellow faces smiling
While muted rumbling of the engine
Let white-throat sparrow sweetness
Waft through hot and humid air…
That moment when perfection reigned
Quite cancelled out the winter past
When moving ice in springtime rout
Groaning and thrusting with untold force
Crushed cribs and docks with cruel intent
Seeking to topple the sturdy home
Where Glida slept those frigid months.
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The Muskoka Lakes Association held their bi-annual boat show in Port Carling on Saturday, August 13. Thanks to Neil Honeyman for sharing these photos.
Muskoka Lakes Association Boat Show
Marjenca, a 1938 Greavette Streamliner .
Maple Leaf Antique Motor Display .
Bay Tobin, Rick Terrys 2014 22’ home built launch .
Rocket, a 1948 25’ Clive Brown launch owned by Jim Grand .
Auntie Mae, a 1924 18’ Dispro owned by Eric Luks .
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By John Gullick
U nfortunately we too often hear about boating accidents that occur at night. Many of these incidents
take place after groups of boaters have gathered together to enjoy an evening lakeside concert or fireworks display. Often these events start during evening daylight hours and finish up well after dark. Boaters and their friends and families have arrived when it is easy to see what is going on around them and where they are in relation to other boaters and their immediate surroundings. After the show is over, it is often very dark. You can no longer make out points of reference, aids to navigation and even other boats. Sometimes you might have forgotten to check your navigation lights before you set out and now, when you actually need them, they are not working properly. Other boats are moving about in close proximity, and they might not be able to see you or you them.
There are often a large number of boats that have gathered in a relatively small location to watch these types of events. After the event is over it is a very good idea to wait for a short period of time, say 15 minutes, for the crowd of boats to dissipate. This will help to make your return trip a much less congested and, hopefully, more enjoyable one.
Speed and alcohol may also be playing a role here. While anchored watching the show you may be tempted to have an alcoholic drink or two, and after the show another temptation is to try to get to your next destination too quickly.
Let’s step back a bit and consider the situation. As with any boating trip, day or night, pre-planning and having the right equipment in good working order is the key to success and enjoyment.
Consider where you are going and how you are going to get back. Check your up-to-date charts, note any potential hazards and any potential aids to navigation, especially those that will be clearly visible at night. At night, all lights
often look the same so try to find ways of identifying which is which. As the sun goes down and lights come on look around and make note of clear points of reference.
Also, alert yourself to which way other boats are travelling depending on what navigation lights you can see. Remember who has right of way, but more importantly, always keep a constant lookout and don’t presume that others will know who has the right of way, that they will be travelling at a safe speed, or that they will be maintaining a lookout.
At night, travel at a slower speed that reflects the actual conditions. Often on a clear night with a full moon, visibility is quite good but incoming cloud cover can end that very quickly.
Make sure all your electronic equipment and navigation lights are working properly before setting out. Check all safety equipment, make sure that everyone has a properly fitting lifejacket or Personal Flotation Device (PFD) and that they are all in good condition. Better still, make sure everyone is wearing their PFDs, and let everyone on board know where all the safety equipment is located. Check the batteries in your flashlight and keep your charts close at hand.
Make sure you have enough gas to get to your destination and back home with some to spare. The rule of thumb is one-third to get there, one-third to get back and one-third in reserve. It is also a good idea to let someone on land whom you trust know where you are going and when you expect to return.
All of these suggestions hold true for travel day or night, but extra care is required at night due to the more limited visibility and the fact that, at night, it becomes more difficult to know exactly where you are and to maintain your sense of direction.]
Night-time Boating Tips
Classicboat Back Issues Now Searchable Online!The “digitization” of Classicboat is now complete. All back issues are now available in the Members’ Only section of our website. Issues begin in October 1983, and you can search for information about boats, motors, people, and events. Just click on the Classicboat tab and “Search Back Issues” and immerse yourself in the history of our club.
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Perfectly decorate your boathouse with a fabulous complete collection of every ACBS Toronto & MLA original boat show posters. 49 posters from 1983 to 2016 – all framed with non-glare glass in perfect condition. Located in Lake Rosseau boathouse. A reasonable offer for full collection is acceptable. Contact Bill @ 519-653-4783 or [email protected]
1925 Ditchburn 31½ ft. Neptune Launch “Lady Jayne” was featured on the cover of “Ditchburn Boats – A Muskoka Legacy” by Harold Shields. Restored by Duke Marine Services in Port Carling to original condition in every detail. Original Model 100 6 cyl. Kermath engine, dual ignition 12 volt, unique auto top, premium quality leather upholstery, correct period nickel plated fittings, lights, horn and original instruments and controls. Full historical brochure documentation. Multi show winner in show condition. Many extras included (cover, extra engine, trophies etc.) Asking $440,000 CDN. Contact Bill Bartels 519-653-4783 or Ed Skinner 705-646-3548. For more details www.edskinnerboatbroker.com.
1928 Minett Shields 26-foot launch “Wascana II”. Original Scripps F6 engine rebuilt in 2016 by Matt Fairbrass. Original instruments and Minett-designed deck fittings. Same owner since 1961. ACBS poster boat in 1987. Winner of “Best Minett” at the Gravenhurst boat show in 1993 and “Best Preserved, Most Original Boat” in 2005. Featured in Wood and Glory by William Gray and Timothy DuVernet. Asking $275,000 CAD (firm). For more information, contact Malcolm McGrath 705-687-5105 or Ed Skinner 705-646-3548.
1959 18’ Penn Yan Runabout in excellent condition. Includes original upholstered seats, original canvas top, canvas mooring cover and original TeeNee trailer, and a 1990s Yamaha 90 HP outboard. I’ve used the boat recently and all systems run flawlessly. I am looking to sell this unique package only to someone who will appreciate and care for it. $3,900. Contact Joe @ 613-371-0560 or [email protected] 1978 era 10 ft. A/B
CLASS “AUSTIN” runabout hydroplane. Production boat built in New Jersey. Mint restored condition throughout with all original race hardware. SHOW & GO. Great handling boat in choppy water. $1,750. Please contact Richard Shorney at [email protected] OR cell / text 416-580-2600. Photos available.
1955 Cal Connell Cadillac marine engine complete with transmission, manifolds, starter, generator, etc. The engine was removed from a 1955 Century Coronado boat in July 1959 due to engine noise damage at 164 hours of use. $3,000. Contact Bob 519-353-8662.
1950 Duke Special, this 22 ft Duke was custom built for a Muskoka cottager in 1950 and has all of the original hardware and upholstery. The boat was refitted in 1980 with new white oak engine stringers and bulkheads, new shaft rudder and propeller, the engine was rebuilt and converted to a 12-volt system. Price $39,950. Call 705-375-5755 or email [email protected]
1927 27 ft Ditchburn “Wasan”. Boat painted and featured in Grace and Speed book by Doug Dunford. Just completed 2016 full restoration including new bottom by Duke Marine. Brand new 1940 Chrysler marine 6 cyl engine. New boat - show condition. $340,000 CDN. Contact [email protected] or call 519-580-0215.
This 946 Myles Jeffrey classic runabout is looking for a new owner. Built in Athens, Ontario by the legendary Chris Craft boat builder after he left Chris Craft in the early 30’s, this beautifully restored launch is well known on 31 Mile Lake (in the Gatineau) over the last 40 years. With seating for 7, and the elegance of a bygone era, it works as well as it sounds. Meticulously cared for and stored indoors all year, it cruises beautifully, even at high speeds. Its original Kermath engine was replaced with a 165 HP Crusader Marine V-6 in 76 and is still working “as good as new”. Asking $42,000. Contact Ward McKimm at 819-465-3408 or Eric Guay at the Gatineau Fish & Game Club – 818-463-3460 for more details or to arrange to see it.
22 Foot Alberg sailboat, sleeps 4, has a head, small galley with sink, V berth and two quarter berths. The Alberg is a full keel boat and very stable, an ideal day cruiser. It is equipped with a roller furling jib and genoa and a slab furling mainsail. Comes complete with 6 HP Johnson motor. The boat is moored in Lake Joseph, Muskoka. Price $4,995. Call 705 375-5755 or email [email protected]
Custom built 15’ 1998/99 Lunenburg rowing dory replica. Cedar plank with oak and black walnut accents. Hand crafted Sitka spruce spoon oars. Mint original condition. Please contact Richard Shorney at [email protected] OR cell / text 416-580-2600 for further details. Photos available.
1949 35’, 12’ beam ‘Pudgie’ is a Matthews hull kit purchased and completed by the Essco Boat Co. of Essex, Ontario. Cedar on oak. Single screw Chrysler 383 (1962). I am the third owner. She is solid and has been very well cared for her whole life. In 2014, the bottom re-caulked, the old fashioned way, and re-fastened, also the windshield was re-built. The garboard plank and sister garboard plank have both been replaced on the port and starboard sides. $30,000 See Classicboat magazine, ACBS-Toronto, issue 102 and 112 for articles on Pudgie. For more pictures and info email Rob, [email protected] or cell 519-982-2632.
ClassifiedsThis space is provided free of charge to ACBS-Toronto members. There is a $5.00 charge for non-members. All ads must be prepaid. There is a $20.00 production charge for photographs (for both members & non-members). Ads will be run only once unless a written request is received prior to each printing. Please send ad copy via mail, email or fax to: Tim Aikenhead Tel: 905-305-0413 x308 Fax: 905-305-1639 Email: [email protected]. It is recommended that you call to confirm that your fax or mailed ad copy has been received. DEADLINE FOR NEXT ISSUE: November 10, 2016. IF YOU WANT TO REPEAT THE AD, PLEASE RESUBMIT BY DEADLINE.
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