From a Distance
17th August 2020
From a Distance
By Tim Du Vernet
When the rain stops and the setting sun begins to poke through the clouds, a distant engine rumble can be heard. It gets louder and louder as it comes closer. A combination of different pitches, low rumbles and burbles. The first boat appears and then more. A fleet of perhaps 15 boats wound its way around the shores of Lake Rosseau as the sun set on Sunday after the rain.
It was wonderful to see the silhouettes of such a variety of boats. Long deck launches and I could catch a glimpse of at least one Minett with its inset side running light. There were a few sport runabouts, utilities and more. Perhaps picking up on the momentum from last Saturday, when upwards of 80 boats celebrated National Vintage Boating Day. The rumbles and waves went as they came, disappearing into the reddening sunset. A spectacular sight of wooden boats. No blaring music required. Certainly, the cruise last weekend will likely be the highlight of this summer.
All these wooden boats eventually need professional attention whether it is a touch up on varnish and chrome or more involved repairs to planking or the engine. One of the most visible shops in Muskoka has recently had a change of management. The shop just south west of Port Carling, at the turn off for Foreman Road, is now being managed by Robert Gerigs. Many of us will remember it as the shop that restored Miss Canada IV, when managed by Tom Adams.
When the opportunity presented itself, Robert decided to take the plunge to take control over re-developing the business and running the facility. Built in a traditional format with three separate spaces, Robert represents considerable and varied experience in many facets of boat restoration.
Robert first touched wood working in a serious and competent manner when he was 10. Since then he has had the opportunity to work with experienced builders such as Tom Adams and Paul Brackley.
When reflecting on some of the more memorable projects, Robert believes the most notable was of course Rita, 50 foot, 1914 Minett. Robert notes that some of the others were during times at Dukes and Brackleys, such as "Little One", "Rambler", "Red Witch", "Carry-All", "Memphis 5", "Big Boy", among others. It takes many skills to run a shop and Robert feels confident that his varied experiences and skills will provide him the foundation needed for success. At one point early in his career, Robert spent about 5 years learning metal working and body repair on big rig trucks. This experience proved to be a serious asset when it comes to fairing, as applied to wooden boats. Certainly these are challenging times and it will take a bit of drumming to get the shop humming again. With his passion and determination Robert hopes work will start to flow in. Look for the sign, “The Boat Builder” and you will have found his shop.
By Tim Du Vernet
When the rain stops and the setting sun begins to poke through the clouds, a distant engine rumble can be heard. It gets louder and louder as it comes closer. A combination of different pitches, low rumbles and burbles. The first boat appears and then more. A fleet of perhaps 15 boats wound its way around the shores of Lake Rosseau as the sun set on Sunday after the rain.
It was wonderful to see the silhouettes of such a variety of boats. Long deck launches and I could catch a glimpse of at least one Minett with its inset side running light. There were a few sport runabouts, utilities and more. Perhaps picking up on the momentum from last Saturday, when upwards of 80 boats celebrated National Vintage Boating Day. The rumbles and waves went as they came, disappearing into the reddening sunset. A spectacular sight of wooden boats. No blaring music required. Certainly, the cruise last weekend will likely be the highlight of this summer.
All these wooden boats eventually need professional attention whether it is a touch up on varnish and chrome or more involved repairs to planking or the engine. One of the most visible shops in Muskoka has recently had a change of management. The shop just south west of Port Carling, at the turn off for Foreman Road, is now being managed by Robert Gerigs. Many of us will remember it as the shop that restored Miss Canada IV, when managed by Tom Adams.
When the opportunity presented itself, Robert decided to take the plunge to take control over re-developing the business and running the facility. Built in a traditional format with three separate spaces, Robert represents considerable and varied experience in many facets of boat restoration.
Robert first touched wood working in a serious and competent manner when he was 10. Since then he has had the opportunity to work with experienced builders such as Tom Adams and Paul Brackley.
When reflecting on some of the more memorable projects, Robert believes the most notable was of course Rita, 50 foot, 1914 Minett. Robert notes that some of the others were during times at Dukes and Brackleys, such as "Little One", "Rambler", "Red Witch", "Carry-All", "Memphis 5", "Big Boy", among others. It takes many skills to run a shop and Robert feels confident that his varied experiences and skills will provide him the foundation needed for success. At one point early in his career, Robert spent about 5 years learning metal working and body repair on big rig trucks. This experience proved to be a serious asset when it comes to fairing, as applied to wooden boats. Certainly these are challenging times and it will take a bit of drumming to get the shop humming again. With his passion and determination Robert hopes work will start to flow in. Look for the sign, “The Boat Builder” and you will have found his shop.