Port Carling Boat Works SeaBird: 16 ft., 1935
Notes from the owner:
The SeaBird is all original and in excellent running condition. The boat is powered by a four cylinder Buchanan 78 hp. engine. The Seabird received a fresh refinishing in 2017. The sale includes a freshly painted trailer in good condition.Price: $10,000 USD
For contact information and further details, please click on the link. Ad number pb795 (Additional photos below)
Lonestar CruiseLiner III: 24 ft, 1966
This classic cruiser features a riveted aluminium hull, no leaks, solid as Gibraltar – this boat will still be seaworthy at twice it\’s age!
The motor is a Chrysler 235 ‘Slant Six’ engine with Penta stern drive; the most reliable gas engine combination ever used. The valves have been redone and the carburetor rebuilt. The Chrysler runs great.
Extensively refitted in 2010/
– new wheelhouse roof
– new extended hardtop
– new turtle deck
– new doghouse
– all new premium canvas
– new helm
– new wiring
– dual bank battery system with backup starting battery on house bank
– dual bilge pumps (one on each battery bank)
– 100 Watt solar charger on engine bank
– 250 Watt solar charger on house bank
– 5″ colour chart plotter with GPS and sonar
– marine VHF radio with loud hailer and distress button (radio connected to chartplotter for automatic position reporting)
– 4 speaker sound system with AM/FM/CD/MP3 player
– 12 volt/120 volt refrigerator
– water pump and pressure tank.
(Note: The owner has enough American Yacht Club recommended paint to repaint the hull of the Lonestar. This paint is no longer available in Canada.)
Price: $9000. For further details and contact information, please click on the link. Ad number pb793 (Additional photos below)
Notes from the owner:
Own a Piece of San Diego History! ‘Comber‘, an historic Atkin Ingrid 38 ft Ketch, was built by Hollywood Boat Builders in 1937. Her adventurous past has all been meticulously documented for 80 yrs by her one previous owner. Letters from William Aktins, original receipts, trip logs and more are included in the sale.
Comber is a beauty with a sleek deck length of 38 ft. and overall length of 44 ft., a beam of 11 ft., 4 inches and a 6 ft., 6 inch draft. Her hull is a unique carvel planking over 2 ½ x 2 1/2 double sawn oak frames on 12 inch centers, Her floors are 3 1/2 on 12″ oak frames.
She has lived most all of her life in the water. Her nonskid coated weather deck and new stainless steel chain plates were installed in 2009. A recent survey and haul out was done in Dec 2017, along with the hull prep and bottom paint.
While Comber has been pampered all her life, her current owner of 3 years understands that this rare antique needs more care than she can provide. For someone who has the time and finances to restore Comber to her original glory, the asking price of $7,999 is a fraction of her estimated replacement cost of $250.000. Serious inquires only, please.
Price: $7,900. For further details and contact information, please click on the link. Ad number pb797
Additional photos below:
Note the size of the ketch compared to the woman behind the rudder.
Stancraft Boats has been constructing quality wooden watercraft for some 84 years in their North Idaho facility. Enoy the video of this well-respected company below.
Century Resorter: 16ft, 1956
Notes from the owner:
Recently restored 16ft 1956 Century Resorter. Complete with trailer and premium canvas cover, 135hp Original engine. Restored in 2016, sanded, stained and varnished topside decks, new windshield, bottom caulking cleaned out and revealed with Davis slick seam. Price: 12,000.00
For contact information and further details, please click on the link: Ad Number pb799
Additional Photos below:
Peter Breen Ditchburn Commodore, 31ft, 2008
Notes from the owner:
Beautiful contemporary design based on a 1929 Ditchburn Commodore Long Deck Launch. This boat is spectacular in every detail with all modern building methods including a no soak bottom. Built in 2008, boat house kept and lightly used Flyer is for sale and ready to use. Price: 250,000.00
For contact information and further details, please click on the link: Ad Number pb800
Additional Photos below:
This 28 ft Chris-Craft from 1929 is one of only four remaining world-wide. The side planking is largely original.
Paul, Jeremy and staff ar currently hard at work restoring two massive launches: a 28 ft. Chris-Craft hard-top sedan (1929) and the largest-ever-built 34 ft. Greavette Streamliner (1947). The Chris-Craft is one of only four remaining of the 15 of these boats ever built. Poweredd by a Chris-Craft A 120 engine, it will return to Qeuebec afte a year long restoration.
The Chris-Craft will be powered with a C.C. A 120 engine.. (Note the beautiful work done on the deck joinery.)
This 34 ft Streamliner, (1947) is the largest ever built by Greavette Boat Works.
The Streamliner will be repowered with a 502 cubic inch, 400 hp. engine. With its planing hull, this power-plant should push it along at a very respectable speed. Enjoy the video of both boats below.
THis Greavette Executive was once owned by Ted Turner
Tim Butson and his staff have their hands full this winter, with restoration projects flying out of their steam-box (so to speak)! The shop currently hosts two Greavette Executives, a custom ski/speed boat, a Shepherd prototype, a Grew Overnighter, a two masted ketch and a Duke Playmate.
Enjoy the photos and video below.
Tim estimates that this ski/speed boat will reach 70 mph.
The Grew Overnighter, seen in this photo, is undergoing a top to bottom restoration. (See the photo below.)
The Grew has been strengthened with thicker lap planks, a reinforced transom and beefier ribs. When installed, the superstructure will provide additional support.
This Shepherd prototype design later appeared as a ski boat in Florida
The second Greavette Executive, early 1970s. rests beside a very substantial ketch
This 34 ft. two masted East Coast ketch, also from the 1970s, is in for some major bottom work and other repairs..
Note the massive rudder.
“Pip Pip” a charming 1949 Duke Playmate (an “everyman” boat built by the hundreds) awaits major work before returning to Magnetewan, Ontario.
With their Buchan midget engines (see photo below) these Playmates sip gas so gently that a day long excursion on one tank is taken for granted.
Hundreds of these small, reliable engines were built by Buchanan Marine in Orilla, Ontario
The market for classic boats is heating up once again as spring approaches. The three boats previously listed on the Port Carling Boats website (below) have sold recently and are off to new homes. Congratulations to both vendors and buyers!
Jafco Seamaster: 17.6 ft, 1953 (previous ad number pb622)
Port Carling SeaBird: 16 ft, 1935 (Previous ad #pb795)
Hacker-Craft runabout:20 ft.,2001 (Previous ad #pb687)
We have been instructed by the owner to adjust the price of this Cracker Box Gentleman’s Racer from $9,900 to $8,900
This mid 1930s Cracker Box Gentleman’s Racer offers a strong running 60 hp. V8 Ford flathead engine with period correct speed equipment, including California, mag-finned aluminum heads, etc. Included in the sale is a single axle trailer. For contact information and further details,, please click on the link. Ad number pb792
(Additional photos below) 
What’s happening at Breen Boats this winter?
Well, for one thing, this rare Gentleman’s Racer Thunder, is in at Breen boat shop for a fresh coat of varnish after 17 years and lots of use;!
Stay tuned for more pictures and info to follow later this week!
Grew runabout: 14 ft, 1959, complete with trailer.
This 1959, fourteen foot wooden Grew cruiser, built in Penetang, ON, is powered by a 1960 Evinrude 40 HP electric-start outboard. The boat, motor, and trailer are in good shape, and fully functional. The Grew comes with fenders, dock lines, and a new nylon cover. The boat is stored indoors, and has been daily trailer-launched by current owner. For further details and contact information, please click on the link. Ad number pb804. Additional photos below.
Price: $3,200
Chris-Craft Constellation: 38 ft., 1970
This is a classic 38 ft. Constellation with aft-cabin. The boat is in excellent condition and show quality. The Contsellation is powered by twin Chev. 230 hp. engines. The vessel was surveyed in April 2017 and received a VERY favourable report.
The survey conclusion is below. For the complete survey, additional details and contact information, please click on the link. Ad number pb805
Upon completion of this survey the attending surveyor finds the above vessel
absolutely suitable for her intended use and insurable to her fair market
value. This vessel was initially well constructed has clearly had excellent
ownership over the past few years. I found no structural, mechanical or safety
issues of any concern as I inspected this vessel. The battery box issue is a new
requirement of Transport Canada and easily rectified. The current owner has
obviously done and will continue to do mechanical and cosmetic maintenance.
Also the fact that this vessel is stored under a covered slip that protects the
decks, paint, varnish and camper back, has also helped in its preservation.
The foregoing statements are personal opinions and observations of the
undersigned Surveyor and are for the consideration of the party or person
retaining the Surveyor, with no guarantees implied or given by the surveyor.
This survey represents my honest and unbiased opinion to the best of my
ability, but is not to be considered a guarantee.
Date: April 15 2017
Surveyor:
Ron B. Rundle
Editor’s note: with an estimated value of $50,000 the price on this Constellation seems beyond reasonable.
Price: 20,000 Ad number pb805 Additional photos below.
Chris-Craft Sedan: 22 ft, 1954
This attractive and very functional Chris-Craft sedan features a mahogany bottom, sliding side windows and hinged wind-shield. Powered by a six cylinder Model M Chris-Craft engine, (upgraded to a twelve volt system) the boat is estimated to reach speeds of 35 mph. The sedan is described as being in good condition. The owner has added a fuel filter, rebuilt the carburetor and recently repaired the bottom. “Athendune” is currently housed in Anola, Manitoba.
Price: $25,000 For further details and contact information, please click on the link. Ad number pb803 More photos below.
Breen Boats
Peter Breen and his staff have been so busy trying to keep up with all the work at the shop over the winter that they have been working weekends; After all, perfection is time consuming!
A wide variety of boats occupy the shop: everything from a 31 foot Ditchburn launch to a Vic Carpenter jet drive race boat and a 20 foot Greavette. An additional number of boats will appear in these posts as the story unfolds. Stay tuned!
First up is the 1936 Ditchburn 30 foot launch that has received new oak frames, mahogany bottom planking, transom and some side planks, as well as a newly refurbished custom cut-water. You can see the brass prop shaft guide near the transom.
Shepherd runabout: 18 ft. 1955
Notes from the owner:
“This boat has been in storage for approximately 30 years. She is all original with the exception of a port window glass which is now molded plexi-glass. One stitch in a seat has let go. Fabric is aged. Varnished once in 1990. Always kept indoors. Powered by a 135 hp, six cylinder Chrysler Special Crown engine. The sale includes a custom tandem axle trailer. You have to see this boat to believe it! Have all original paper work and manuals.”
Price: $14,500.
(Editor’s note: this price seems very reasonable for the Shepherd package)
For further details and contact information, please click on the link. Ad number pb796
(Additional photos below.)
As spring approaches, the visions of woody boaters turn to ACBS events and dreams of plying the lakes in vintage watercraft. The list below highlights a number of upcoming shows:
Tavares Florida: March 22-25, 2018
The Sunnyland ANtique Boat Festival at Wooten PArk on Lake Dora. (Sunnyland ACBS Chapter. This is one of the largest shows in the USA. ) Contact Terry at boatshow@acbs-sunnyland.org
Hot Springs Arkansas: April 19-21
The 16th Heart Classics. Cruising on Friday. Saturday boat show at Garvin Gardens on Lake Hamilton. Heartland Classics ACBS Chapter. Contact Mike at 501-318-7666
Hartwell, Gergia: April 19-21
Lake Hartwell Boat Festival at 149 Hartwell Marina Rd. Blue Ridge ACBS Chapter. Contact John at 864-231-9614
Vero Beach, Florida: April 21
Wheels and Keels Show at the Moorings Yachtand Country Club. Dinner reception Friday. Visit www.wkvero.com
Victoriaville, California: April 27,28
Spring Valley Lake Boat Show,. SOuthern California ACBS Chapter. Contact Dave at 760-953-3017.
Houston, Texas: May 4-6
23rd Annual Keels and Wheels Concours d’Elegance at Lakewood Yacht Club in Sea Brook. Dinner events Friday and Saturday nights. Southwest ACBS Chapter. Now accepting entries. COntact Bob at 713-521-0105 or visit www.keels-wheels.com.
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Breen Boats Project #2: a Vic Carpenter original.
The racer above is one of the first boats Vic Carpenter ever built. It was purchased in the Toronto Chapter ACBS “Field of Dreams” display many years ago, at the annual show in Gravenhurst, Ontario
The boat is approximately twenty feet in length, seats four and features a low slung Ford 8 cylinder engine . The minimal free-board on the racer enhances the impression of tremendous speed to those on board.
This race-boat is propelled by the original jet drive, which makes it quite unique; The owner is having the racer freshened up for some summer fun.
Our newest listing: an eye-catching Shepherd runabout, 22 ft., 1952.
This beautiful classic Shepherd has been well maintained over the years. Restorative efforts include: some planking and bottom boards replaced in 2007. The transom and some bottom frames have also been replaced. The boat appears sound and reveals evidence of good workmanship undertaken during the restorative process.
The Shepherd is powered by an 8 cylinder Hemi engine, (331 cubic inch) in good running condition. (The engine was rebuilt in 1985 by Pal Engines of Orillia, Ontario).
Congratulations to seventy-nine year old John Campbell of Texas, a fine craftsman who has been building boats for sixty years! John is a real Hacker enthusiast. He describes his latest project, ‘Rosita”, below.
“I must confess that I am hopelessly in love with this little boat and have lusted after ALL Hacker boats for at least 40 years. I have built radio controlled models of many of them….
I wanted to build Rosita full size (21′ X 5’2″all these years and life kept getting in the way and now I’ve found Slippery (John’s latest obsession, not pictured in this post) and MUST have her. I’m 79 years old and have been building wooden boat models and a few full size craft since I was 19…….I cannot imagine life without building a wooden boat and Mr. Hacker’s designs are simply the finest……I’ll keep you up to date with pics and progress on “Slippery”……..don’t be too surprised if you find that I’ll be powering her with a 31 hp liquid cooled V-twin Kawasaki or Kohler engine…….I build light and have it on good authority that 31 hp in this little boat will get me to 28 – 30 mph which is fast enough for an old man, no?…”
John Campbell
“PS: My Rosita is powered with 15,000 watt brushless water cooled electric motor running on 37 VDC…..she has not been wet yet….very recently finished….will be transported in a large spring-loaded wooden box mounted on my Castlecraft aluminum canoe trailer…..more pics to come when all is ready…”
Meanwhile, back in Ontario,
Peter Breen’s boat shop, located near Rockwood, Ontario. has been very active over the winter.
The water-craft below is a personal project for Peter, who has a fantastic collection of vintage canoes. This is his latest acquisition. Built around 1900, this eighteen foot, “double-end” sailing canoe has all original wood. One section of planking has had a crack repaired and the entire boat is being hand-sanded – to be followed by a few coats of varnish.
Pete Canning and his Greavette
Greavette Sunflash: 17.5 ft., 1964
Notes from the owner:
“1964 Rare Gravette Sunflash with a mahogany planked hull, original Mercruiser 4cyl 110 HP engine, recently rewired with electrical standard upgraded current safety standards. New SW Gauges. Modified windscreen and newer steering fitted. Sale includes a Bear single axle trailer with bearing buddies.
Reluctant Sale, but moving to Australia and cannot take it.”
Price: $14,750. For further details and contact information, please click on the link.Ad number pb807
(Additional photos below.)
Pete Canning and his Greavette
Pete Canning and his Greavette
The Australians are a sea-faring nation. Their nautical heritage inspires a celebration of wooden boating. Hobart, Tasmania, hosts the annual Mystate Australian Wooden Boat Festival.
Have you ever wanted to visit “OZ” and Tasmania? Why not book a trip “down-under”? Next year, the Hobart festival will take place in February, (2019). See the description below.
The MyState Australian Wooden Boat Festival will be back again in Hobart, Tasmania, Australia, from Feb. 8-11 2019 (inclusive).
Held across Hobart’s vibrant and bustling waterfront, the four-day festival brings together the largest and most beautiful collection of wooden boats in the southern hemisphere.
Along with the exhibition of these beautiful boats, the festival delivers a lively combination of incredible local food, live entertainment, music, demonstrations and displays. From the state’s best seafood, to the children’s village, to our very own tavern, the MyState Australian Wooden Boat Festival has all the elements of a summer celebration by the sea.
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Meanwhile, not far from Hobart, at Franklin, ” the heart of the Huon Trail”, is the Wooden Boat Centre.
Many thanks to Alison Bosse, our Australian connection, for providing photos of the ongoing work at the Centre. Obviously, wooden boating is alive and well in OZ.
Avro/Richardson modified Phantom Express cabin cruiser: 36 ft., 1961
This attractive cruiser, built by the Avro Canada Company, (builders of the Avro Arrow jet aircraft) and Richardson boat builders, features a low maintenance, lighter weight aluminum planked hull! The boat is in excellent condition, with the superstructure rebuilt by the owner over a twenty year period. The Phantom Express features mahogany cabins, and teak decks by Richardson. Restoration includes the following: a complete rewiring to 110/12 volts, a new inverter. all AGM heavy duty batteries, new 12 volt lighting, a new twin exhaust system, a new head and tank, new upholstery. a new on demand hot water system and electronic charts of the Rideau Canal, from Kingston to Montreal (w. computer). The Phantom is powered by twin Chrysler Plymouth Fury V8 engines (230 hp x 2). Both engines (and carbs) have been rebuilt. Included in the sale are dinghy davits and an assortment of mahogany and teak parts as well as. some extra original hardware.
Available at additional cost are a Walker Bay dinghy with oars ($650) plus carpentry tools, table saw, drill press, etc. (price negotiable).
A survey will be undertaken this spring (2018). The last survey was done in 2012, when a value of $69,000 was established by the surveyor
Available at additional cost are a Walker Bay dinghy with oars ($650) plus carpentry tools, table saw, drill press, etc. (price negotiable). A survey will be undertaken this spring (2018). The last survey was done in 2012, when a value of $69,000 was established by the surveyor
Price: $48,900 For further details, photos and contact information, please click on the link. Ad number pb808 (Additional photos below.)
Screws filled (1st pass)
Project number three at Breen Boats:
