1956 Grew Jolly Giant
05th November 2020
Grew boats were well known for their practical, sturdy designs that were well designed for the mid-sized lakes of Ontario. Before turning to fibreglass, I remember the solid utilities came in outboard and inboard versions. Not particularly graceful like a Minett, but full of purpose, the wooden hull versions came in out-boards and in-board models.
While it was common for the Grew to be painted, especially blue, with a partial top covering the front seats, the Jolly Giant model was clearly a step above in style and design. With its all mahogany hull planking and elegant bright work, the Jolly Giant could positively glow with pride.
It is a relatively rare model of Grew since less than a dozen were made per year for a perhaps a ten year period. This Jolly Giant is number 14 of 20 built. She is 23 long with a beam of 6'9". A few have popped up recently in Muskoka. Paul Brackley restored a 1953 all mahogany version with quite interesting little chrome details such as a curving extension of the cutwater and the transom trim. This model was dressed up with a mahogany engine hatch and windows that were framed in wood and trimmed with chrome. The deck emulate classic launches with mahogany strips with putty seams. Another version was recently completely refreshed in what is now Rob Gerig’s shop known as The Boat Builder, after a restoration, that may have been one of the last boats to be done at Duke’s in 2006. She features a restored Graymarine Fireball V8 that puts out 225 HP. She has been fitted with an all weather sportsman’s top.
Built in Penetanguishine, the ride of the Jolly Giant was described as “comfortable, safe speeds, dry and level riding” a “first favourite of all the family”. While not the fastest utility on the lake, they were a solid performer that has survived the tests of time on Lake Simcoe, Georgian Bay and Muskoka. [https://youtu.be/ghof3xgHa4M]See More on Youtube
While it was common for the Grew to be painted, especially blue, with a partial top covering the front seats, the Jolly Giant model was clearly a step above in style and design. With its all mahogany hull planking and elegant bright work, the Jolly Giant could positively glow with pride.
It is a relatively rare model of Grew since less than a dozen were made per year for a perhaps a ten year period. This Jolly Giant is number 14 of 20 built. She is 23 long with a beam of 6'9". A few have popped up recently in Muskoka. Paul Brackley restored a 1953 all mahogany version with quite interesting little chrome details such as a curving extension of the cutwater and the transom trim. This model was dressed up with a mahogany engine hatch and windows that were framed in wood and trimmed with chrome. The deck emulate classic launches with mahogany strips with putty seams. Another version was recently completely refreshed in what is now Rob Gerig’s shop known as The Boat Builder, after a restoration, that may have been one of the last boats to be done at Duke’s in 2006. She features a restored Graymarine Fireball V8 that puts out 225 HP. She has been fitted with an all weather sportsman’s top.
Built in Penetanguishine, the ride of the Jolly Giant was described as “comfortable, safe speeds, dry and level riding” a “first favourite of all the family”. While not the fastest utility on the lake, they were a solid performer that has survived the tests of time on Lake Simcoe, Georgian Bay and Muskoka. [https://youtu.be/ghof3xgHa4M]See More on Youtube