Little One Launched Anew
21st June 2011
In 1919, an island cottager whose identity eludes current and previous owners, ordered a custom launch for the sole purpose of going to and from the island.
And so it was, that Little One was built. In every way a long deck launch with an open cockpit and straight windscreen, just like her siblings, but only 21 feet long. In all respects a scaled down version, Little One performs with the stability of a big much bigger than her wee transom and delicate foredeck wood suggest.
Jim Minett chose to give her a refreshed presence on the waters of Lake Joseph as a time marking gift to himself. Turning 65, Jim wanted to enjoy this special boat in its best condition for as long as he would be able.
Acquired by his uncle, Bill Minett, who acquired her from his father Bert , this is a boat well-treasured by now three generations. Little One had survived six owners and 90 years in admirable condition, but her bottom had developed serious problems and her engine was suffering too.
So off to Paul Brackley Boats she went for refinishing and a new bottom. Her engine too, would be overhauled.
Jim just took delivery of Little One as she was launched freshly from her restoration and testing. It was quite a site. Amidst the chaos of Muskoka industry at the Appian Way launching, she was quietly slipped into the water.
Wood was being loaded onto a huge barge and the fork lift doing its best to spew diesel fragrance into the air and to stir up dust while Little One was assembled for her take off.
Jim Stepped into her like a person putting on a favourite shoe. She just fit. He turned the windscreens forward, as usual, set all her gear in place and then readied himself to fire her up. With Brackley’s crew fending her off and keeping an eye on the construction loading crew, it was time to get her underway.
Without hesitation, Little One’s restored engine roared to life. Excessive exuberance was soon put in check with an adjustment to the throttle. It was interesting to hear Jim speak about sounds he remembered, vibrations and throttle action, some of which have been retained and others changed. Certainly the restored Buchanan engine had a lot more power Jim felt.
So Jim and Eileen Minett made the first cruise in their renewed Minett, to return her to her place of honour at the family cottage.
And so it was, that Little One was built. In every way a long deck launch with an open cockpit and straight windscreen, just like her siblings, but only 21 feet long. In all respects a scaled down version, Little One performs with the stability of a big much bigger than her wee transom and delicate foredeck wood suggest.
Jim Minett chose to give her a refreshed presence on the waters of Lake Joseph as a time marking gift to himself. Turning 65, Jim wanted to enjoy this special boat in its best condition for as long as he would be able.
Acquired by his uncle, Bill Minett, who acquired her from his father Bert , this is a boat well-treasured by now three generations. Little One had survived six owners and 90 years in admirable condition, but her bottom had developed serious problems and her engine was suffering too.
So off to Paul Brackley Boats she went for refinishing and a new bottom. Her engine too, would be overhauled.
Jim just took delivery of Little One as she was launched freshly from her restoration and testing. It was quite a site. Amidst the chaos of Muskoka industry at the Appian Way launching, she was quietly slipped into the water.
Wood was being loaded onto a huge barge and the fork lift doing its best to spew diesel fragrance into the air and to stir up dust while Little One was assembled for her take off.
Jim Stepped into her like a person putting on a favourite shoe. She just fit. He turned the windscreens forward, as usual, set all her gear in place and then readied himself to fire her up. With Brackley’s crew fending her off and keeping an eye on the construction loading crew, it was time to get her underway.
Without hesitation, Little One’s restored engine roared to life. Excessive exuberance was soon put in check with an adjustment to the throttle. It was interesting to hear Jim speak about sounds he remembered, vibrations and throttle action, some of which have been retained and others changed. Certainly the restored Buchanan engine had a lot more power Jim felt.
So Jim and Eileen Minett made the first cruise in their renewed Minett, to return her to her place of honour at the family cottage.