My Blog: Latest Boating News & Columns

The annual Muskoka Loppet cross country ski race was held on January 29th. After COVID cancellations and tenuous looking snow conditions, mother nature provided more than enough snow to cover the course. Conditions were slow due to the fresh snow, but smiles were plentiful, even after racing around the course at top speed. The event is very much a mixture of the cross country ski community and the town of Huntsville. Nearly 300 racers competed. The youngest on the podium was 5 and the eldest was nearly 80. The team that organizes the event was headed by Cathie Raynor. Over 70 volunteers co-ordinated effort to pull off a well organized event. The course wound through the trails in Arrowhead Provincial Park to produce routes that were 4km, 15km and 27km in length. Digital copies of the photos are available. Please inquire at duvernetphotography@yahoo.ca. Files are $12 each.

YOUTUBE Video of the day: MuskokaLoppet23

More photos of the race can be found through this link..

Muskoka Loppet 2023

Ian Crowley and the Muskoka Rock Choir presented their December Concert on December 2nd and 3rd. Titled "Human", the selection of music was inspired by the concept of what it is to be "Human". The variety of titles included favourites from Duke Ellington all the way to Bach's Goldberg Variations. It was a fun night filled with harmony, passion and fellowship.
Proceeds went to the Muskoka Hospice.

The Steamships played a critical role in the development of Muskoka and their likeness has been captured in many forms. Countless photographs, paintings, sketches depict the boats in action or at dock. For Chuck Allbon, the interest in the steamships has turned to building scale models of them.

Since 1996, when he retired from teaching, Chuck challenged himself with the technical and artistic process of building models of every public and private service ship or yacht that operated in Muskoka. Chuck’s passion for the process is clear and he has enjoyed problem solving the little details and methods for constructing the boats. Chuck has a well-organized system that has evolved over the more 20 years he has been building the boats. It began as a hobby for the love of the boats and has become an intricate process that includes simple problems such as sourcing storage boxes that will accommodate the boats, but still stack easily.

Chuck’s boats are on display in many cottages throughout Muskoka and James Bartleman purchased one when he was Lt. Governor of Ontario. Chuck feels pride in that many of his boats are purchased by repeat customers as well. His summer season shop is located on the banks of the Indian River, south of Port Carling. Otherwise, you will likely find him at craft shows throughout the season in Muskoka. Chuck and his wife Sandy, especially enjoy the social aspect of the shows and meeting people who are attracted to the boats and their history.

Cranberries Centre Stage

By Tim Du Vernet

The weekend after Thanksgiving is the Cranberry Festival in Muskoka. The rest of Ontario might think of it just as the weekend after the end of the cottaging season, time to wrap up and shutter the summer. But Bala pulls out all the stops to celebrate the cranberry! The two cranberry marshes in Muskoka give reason for this special weekend. Muskoka Lakes Cranberry marsh was centre stage with fresh berries, jams, jellies, juice, wine, chocolates and more. Visitors come by car and bus to the little town and for the three-day event.

The weekend is usually mostly cold, wet and windy. Despite this, crowds lined the streets, filled the restaurants and cued to enter the main show, display and vendor area. The town gave up its arena and community centre to offer something for everyone and including their four legged dependents. Street actors, an art exhibition, crafts-persons, food and a farmers’ market entertained visitors. My favourites were the chocolate coated blueberries and assorted flavours of shortbread cookies.

The event wasn’t without its connection to boating. Boat shaped dishes and servers and small iron scale anchors, rope hooks were some of the nautical items for sale. The Bracebridge Town Crier, Bruce Kruger came out in full garb to share the moment with one of the street actors up on stilts. Bruce has represented Bracebridge for decades. One of the wonderful aspects of an event such as this is the opportunity to meet friends from all over Muskoka and the community connections it represents.

Summer Dreams on YouTube



This is one of the coolest boats I've seen in years! It even rivals "Pist-off". Summer Dreams, as she is named, is a very original Classic Glass, 1980 Glastron Carlson Scimitar. She looks as though she came straight from a James Bond movie! Complete with all the most fashionable features in the auto industry of the period. With T-top, outrageous metallic fleck green paint and a powered driver's seat from a 1979 Eldorado. That was class in the excess! Larry has kept her pretty original. Apart from regular maintenance, some servicing of the carburetor and installing a new radio with bluetooth, she is all original, tiny blemishes and all.



Larry Morgan and family continue to enjoy a boat that they have owned since new. He learned to water ski behind this boat and many summer family memories are tied to this green shot from the past. She is a wonderful family treasure that has been enjoyed for over 40 years.

What do you do when you are 99 years old on and its a Saturday? You visit the Muskoka Lakes Association’s bi-annual boat show. Especially since the boat you have given to your grandson is the poster boat and lining the docks in the premier spot.

Alf Mortimer, who started Port Sandfield Marina a life time ago, was watching carefully over his pride and joy, the 1936, Minett-Shields, torpedo stern custom launch named Caprice. She is the last of three boats and the first to be custom ordered. The other two of her kind were destroyed, one by fire and the other by snow.

The show returned to Port Carling after a two years hiatus. The event always feels like a gathering of the boats as though they were old friends, bobbing next to each other at the dock. Over 50 boats were involved and the collection represents some of the most interesting boats in Muskoka. The show is a “must” for anyone interested in wooden boats.

In some years, the boats congregate all at once, causing a bit of a panic for the dock hands, but this year, it was a gradual and graceful affair with only a few moments when the uninitiated would hold their breath. The MLA Boat Show committee spent weeks pulling it all together. All the little details of permits, safety checks, signage and more are all important in making it the success if was. Attendance on the docks was pretty steady through the day, which started out quite cool and wound up being a stellar summer day.

Port Carling is known as the “Hub of the Lakes”, where the Indian River joins Lake Muskoka with Rosseau Joseph. As such the town has played an essential role in the history of the region, being home to at least three major boat builders at one point. It is the natural place to host a show and the boats feel right at home.

]Lake Joseph and the Joe River provides endless scenic routes for wooden boating. About 20 boats traced through the river and the islands and back to Gregory area. Wonderful weather topped it off

YouTube video of the cruise

To see more photos from the day, here is a direct link.

Wooden Boat Cruise

MUSKOKA’S HISTORY OF RECORD-SETTING SPEED



JUNE 30, 2018
The desire to go fast on the water has always been an irresistible goal and Muskoka is experiencing a renewed interest in historic race boats.

In 2013, Miss Canada IV returned to Muskoka. A few years ago, Rainbow III returned from the United States. Rainbow I and Rainbow IV have been recreated. Rainbow IX and X, along with the Gadfly, one of famed boat racer Harry Greening’s earliest boats, are already in Muskoka. Miss Canada III, built new from the original plans in 1987 and now, according to Murray Walker, Miss Supertest III is in Muskoka.

In 1959, Miss Supertest ended 39 years of United States domination in the Harmsworth Trophy series. Miss Supertest III and pilot Bob Hayward defeated Bill Stead and Maverick in two heats out of three on the Detroit River. And Harold Wilson, together with old friend Charlie Volker, were there to cheer Hayward on to victory. Miss Supertest III was on display at the ACBS-Toronto summer show in 2013. She was surrounded by members of the Canadian Motorsports Hall of Fame.

For years, Miss Canada IV sat languishing in different states of hibernation and display. It was a remarkable achievement to restore her aged and race-weathered form and to install a near identical replacement to the original 3000 hp Rolls Royce Griffon engine. The engine was originally designed for aeronautics, not marine applications. It took expertise in many areas; patience and time to pull it all together. With the help of substantial sponsorship and the skilled hands of boat restorer Tom Adams and his crew, Miss Canada IV was the star of the show at the ACBS-Toronto summer show in Gravenhurst in 2013, finding a new permanent home in Muskoka.

Miss Canada IV was designed by Douglas Van Patten, who also designed Miss Canada III, to challenge for the Harmsworth Trophy in 1949. Miss Canada IV set a North American mile straightaway record in 1949, posting an average of 138.865 mph, which bettered Miss America X's record.

Greavette Boats was the chosen builder of Harold Wilson’s Miss Canada series boats and Ditchburn built the famous Rainbow series for Harry Greening. These are two historic and best known of many drivers who enjoyed the thrills and challenges of racing boats. This period of building race boats in Muskoka began in the early 1920s and continued in the 1940s with hydroplanes built by Minett-Shields under contract for Ventnor Boats.

During the height of his racing period, the Greening family rented a cottage on Chief Island, Lake Muskoka, but he did his testing on Lake Rosseau. Greening, of Hamilton, Ontario, got the speedboat bug at an early age. Greening’s interest is fast running boats is believed to have started with his tinkering with power boats around 1903 when as a young man, he installed a home-made 3-horsepower motor in a canoe. Greening built the engine on a foot lathe in the attic of his home. The result was a canoe that could travel at 9 mph in the rough waters of Lake Rosseau.

Greening’s experimenting with his race boats, the speed trials and endurance runs are still within reach of the living memory of a few boat experts and historians. Ed Skinner, former co-owner of Duke Boats in Port Carling, remembers his father telling him about the days when Greening would dock at Wigwassin for refueling and ran the races in September or October to avoid the tourist season, explains Skinner. Seems as though Harry was more thoughtful of seasonal residents than some boaters are today! Imagine running a course around Lake Rosseau for 24 hours straight.

Rainbow III returned to Muskoka from the U.S., a few years ago. After suffering a disappointing loss in her Gold Cup races of 1923, she was brought back to Muskoka to challenge the 24-hour endurance record. A 19-mile course was set up on Lake Rosseau and she ran 1064 miles in 24 hours, which set a new record and she was the first power boat to travel more than 1000 miles in 24 hours. The 200 hp Packard engine reportedly performed flawlessly.

Harry Greening, both a legend and pioneer in the annals of racing history, won the Fischer Trophy twice in Rainbow I in 1920 and 1921. Built by Ditchburn Boats of Muskoka, Rainbow I was proclaimed by contemporary press as one of the finest race boats ever built, at least until she was destroyed racing in Buffalo in the 1950s.

Rainbow 1, originally built by Ditchburn boats in 1920, was recreated by Gary Clark and his team.

“This was definitely one of our bigger accomplishments,” said Gary Clark of Clark Wooden Boats, who has spent countless hours pouring over historic photographs to replicate every detail as accurately as possible.

Muskoka boat restoration shops are intimately familiar with Ditchburn boats, one of the great names in vintage launches but Rainbow I turned to be a very special replica to construct. Her hull design was a blend of modern and traditional construction methods. Original bills showed the engine hatches alone cost $1,200 in 1920 values. The hardware needed to be cast from specially-made hand-carved patterns. A custom built 750 hp, V-12 BPM engine was installed, while the original was powered by a 275 hp Sterling V-6 engine.

The 1922 Rainbow IX, originally named Miss Packard Chris Craft, was once powered by a Packard engine. The old Packard engine had long since been replaced with a BPM motor by her previous owner, John Blair. BPM engines are renowned in nautical racing circles for their capability to produce huge amounts of horsepower. In Rainbow IX, she puts outs about 650 hp, but could be modified to make as much as 3000 hp in other configurations. Owner Murray Walker considers her “the ultimate gentleman’s racer for her speed, nautical legacy and being a thrill to drive.”

Not everyone, who desires speed on the water, needs a record-setting race craft to enjoy the thrill in a wooden boat of historic origins. Boats like Whippet, Cricket and B-IV were Ditchburn-built boats that were battling it out in the mid and late thirties with specialty engines and the competition of circuit races to spur them on.

The early 1930s was a great period for the gentleman’s sports runabout. All the major builders were constructing versions of an 18 or 19 foot runabout, designed by John Hacker, a famous naval designer. Altair, built in 1933, is a Minett-Shields with a John Hacker hull and the first in a series of six Minett-Shields sports runabouts. These little 18’ 6” boats were the hot rods of the water for young gentlemen of means. They would compete at races organized by the Muskoka Lakes Association, Foot’s Bay series and others. Altair competed in races on the Lake of Bays.

“Altair was built for my father, Edson Peck, on his 18th birthday,” explains John Peck, her current owner, and she could be considered the prototype for the series. Altair sits low in the water with an outboard rudder and a cockpit located very near the transom. There are two upholstered deck seats for a more wind-in-your face experience.

The Hacker design is a planing hull that moves quite well for a small boat. Peck explains that she has had different engines over the years. “Her original engine was, I believe, a Gray Marine engine of modest horsepower. My uncle, Cameron Peck, conspired to install a 90 horsepower V-8 truck engine in the 1940s which made the boat fairly fast. In fact we have a trophy for a race Cameron won with her during a Lake of Bays event. Altair was restored in 1968, at which time the engine was upgraded to a 289 Interceptor.”

These early days of racing and sport runabouts set the tone and the standard for the style and character of the sport boats we enjoy today. The period continues to resonate with collectors as replicas and updated versions are commissioned each year by Muskoka’s boat builders.

For those wanting even more thrill in a small package, the sea flea could be the answer. Ten horsepower would be enough to propel these tiny plywood craft to speeds fast enough to thrill but in a package easily lifted on to a roof or a trailer by two people. While the days of competitive sea flea races is well past, the Muskoka Sea Flea club does an admirable job of keeping the sport alive and family oriented.

Each year, the club hosts its annual Sea Flea Fest, usually on Kahshe Lake, where most of the founding members have summered for years. The event is very much a family weekend with boats ranging in size from the tiny four horsepower outboards to two seaters with 25 hp hung on the transom. There is a strong connection with the Muskoka Sea Flea group and the Maple Leaf chapter of the Outboard Motor Club, since many of the little plywood craft are vintage and powered by vintage engines.

Speed on the water can take many forms today and those passionate enough about it will find a club or association with more like-minded folk. Circuit races on the main lakes of Muskoka don’t fit modern summer trends with increased boat traffic, an increased summer population and boats that are far faster on average than the vintage craft enjoyed at boat shows. Reviving historic craft and enjoying vintage engines reminds us of the days before sound systems were commonplace in a boat.

Two pieces of plywood and a small outboard are all it takes to be screaming across, over and under the waves. The simple sea flea was celebrated in all his forms on Saturday, July 23rd. Sea Flea Fest 22 took place at Rockhaven Inn, on the shores of Kashe Lake. The location was perfect with its large, sandy beach area and nearby launch ramp. Chris Taylor, chief organizer and driving force behind Muskoka Sea Flea club had set up for a well organized day of chaos.

Sea fleas come in many different sizes, designs and matching performance expectations. In its purest form, it is a wooden wedge with an outboard. Simple plans conform to the dimensions of two pieces of plywood and horse power needs are very modest. Less than 10 HP will provide a youth more smiles than ice cream.



The attraction of the “Fest” is the draw for full involvement of all ages and a wonderful gathering of community. In the aggressive marketing of Muskoka, the humble origins of engaging hobbies such as the Sea Flea get lost in the world of wake boats and jet skis. Chris and his team proved once again that family fun can come first and be more rewarding than the most expensive modern power boat.



I watched a little boy about 6 beaming from ear to ear as he was placed in his father’s lap to go out for a spin in the “mini most”. He wanted to get his hands on that steering wheel and feel the speed and spray, at maybe 12 mph.

It’s official. This may be the summer of the Sea Flea. The Muskoka Seaflea club is planning the largest in-water regatta of home built and vintage seafleas in Canada. Period, full stop! Mark your calendar. Saturday, July 23rd at Rock Haven Inn on Kashe Lake, from 10am to 4pm.



Chris Taylor, one of the front line representatives of the club and serious flag bearer for the cause of seafleas, believes this summer’s event will truly be unlike any other, with the pent-up interest and need for a bit of excitement.



The poster outlines a long list of events that will be sure to attract a big crowd. Beyond the obvious expectations of demonstration runs, land displays of all manner historic and new seafleas, there will also be RC seaflea racing, building tips, construction displays, model boat building for displays and much more!



The Sea Flea is one of the simplest and most rewarding watercraft children of all ages can enjoy. They come in a variety of forms from the easy to build kits that only need a single sheet of plywood to full-blown racing craft that look like small hydroplanes.



Outboard motors have always been a big part of the seaflea experience and this event will certainly not disappoint. Chris explained that good friend, Ron Stevenson, of the Maple Leaf Chapter of the Outboard Motor Club, will be represented with his big tent filled with vintage outboards.

One item that should be especially interesting to see is the “dogs with seafleas race”. Chris has recently become the unexpected co-owner of 8 doodle puppies so the dogs with seafleas race will be well represented with canine drivers. The Muskokaseaflea website will have the latest details. A long list of sponsors have made this event feasible. Be sure to attend!

The Muskoka bush in June is sometimes best avoided, due to the hungry nature of the bugs. But for those who venture, with bug hat and shirt and some insect repellent, they can be rewarded with the occasional surprise.

The Pink Lady Orchid was one such find. It has been a long time since I had seen one before. They are obviously a very delicate flower. They are described as endangered and uncommon for obvious reasons.

Wild flowers, especially like this Orchid are best viewed in place without any attempt to transplant. They will not survive. One of Muskoka's marvels of spring.

Boats of the ACBS Show July 9

By Tim Du Vernet

It has been a while since we saw these boats in person. It is always a special experience to see them arrive and take off. The anticipation is especially high with the two year hiatus. It hardly seems possible that boats and people might gather again.

I will review some of the boats you will hopefully be able to see at the show. Upwards of 100 or more boats in all their varieties arrive in different ways, so it won’t be a complete run down.

The big names of Ditchburn and Minet are naturally also big draws. Many of the boats will have special family significance as well. Alan Weisberg’s “On Behalf of Sam” . She is the family’s long deck launch was named in honour of Allan’s father, who died about 50 years ago, before his children were born. Allan, who founded a successful meat purveyor business “The Butcher Shoppe”, finds joy in the daily care of the boat because it is “like a final hug, like personally connecting with him again.” Such is the passion of owning a wooden boat.

She is a 1929, 31’ Commodore model of Ditchburn. This model is the ideal family boat. Long enough to give lots of seating, but not a difficult to maneuver as the longest of the launches at 36’. With all the details and special features that make a Ditchburn a unique and distinctive craft, On Behalf of Sam will be one of many treasures to see. The cup shaped engine vents running along the side of the raised engine hatch is a particularly distinctive feature of Ditchburns of the period.

These two souls were enjoying the spring sun along the trail. It was a pleasure to meet fellow sun and trail seekers.

By Tim Du Vernet

The International Vintage Boating day challenge over took the lakes of Muskoka this morning, Saturday, August 21. At approximately 10:30, wooden boats gathered at three different points in Muskoka.

I was joined the Lake Muskoka cruise with John and Mary Storey as my gracious boat hosts. Their Greavette powered by its numbered and original Scripps was smooth sailing all the way from their home near Gravenhurst to the gathering point south of Horseshoe Island, Lake Muskoka.

Driving around the highways of Muskoka, it is easy to forget just how much water there is. It took nearly an hour to drive this distance, even in the most direct route. When we arrived, many boats had already gathered and more were accumulating. It was fun to see them all and to feel the excitement build.

Then in some almost religious like devotion, all the boats gradually pointed in the same direction, following Chris Vandergrift whose launch was flying the biggest flags possible, so there wouldn’t be any question about who to follow. It was an exceptionally steamy day, with burning sun and the only wind was that which we created, then off we went.

Nearly 30 boats participated on Lake Muskoka. The boats varied from a small plywood outboard to the biggest long deck launches. The waves compounding here and there were a bit of a nuisance until the flow of the boats got sorted out. It is always a challenge to pick a speed and a route that will create the smoothest sailing. Next up are the highlights of the route and faces along the way.

For some of the video fun, here is a link..

[url= https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmpe2EBlkHHdybkXjEdLS5g]Youtude Channel Videos

Numb Bum on Lake Muskoka

By Tim Du Vernet

Saturday, August 14th was a typical weekend on Lake Muskoka- wake boats and jet skis cris-crossing the lake and a few sailboats taking advantage of the howling wind, on an otherwise sunny, but cool day.

Until a strange, soft and persistent motor noise gently rose out of the background din. It was the sound of 16 one and two cylinder Dispro engines being piloted by their owners, who are members of the Dispro Owners Association, out for an UUMMT. These 16 putt putts, or Disappearing Propeller Boats, cruised the Bracebridge area of Lake Muskoka, with a lunch stop at Johnston’s Park on Eilean Gowan Island.

These 18’ powered dories originated Port Carling more than 100 years ago and at least one boat on the cruise was over 90 years old. One of the most remarkable features of the DOA and these little boats is their ability to put a smile on your face, whether a spectator or owner. It was great fun to receive waves and to be captured by cellphones as we went by. The boats also have the unique ability to draw diverse walks of life together for outings such at this. The Dispro has the power to draw together many walks of life and from great distances as well. Participants came from as far as Niagara-on-the-lake.

Highlights of the tour included Strawberry Point, Browning Island and Baxter and Wilson island shores.

Despite the near gale force winds, these little boats are well-equipped to handle surprisingly rough seas and have been known to challenge Georgian Bay and even the Mackenzie River. Everyone arrived safety and it was great to see friends again, after such a long break.

I photographed a very stylish Duke runabout yesterday called Vagabond II. At nearly 22' long and powered by a GreyMarine, of Detroit, Michigan, six cylinder engine with twin carbs, she is a real statement of Duke power and styling. I'm guessing the engine would put out around 130+HP if it is anything like the Buchanan of the same period, especially with the twin carbs.

But what makes this boat particularly dramatic are her curves. Sweeping from her bow to a tapering stern deck while the transom flares toward the waterline. If you mention Duke Boats, most of us will immediately think of a Duke Playmate or a similar utility. This forward drive is a utility layout, but with the added drama in her lines. The owner, Peter Stringham, says she is a late 1930's model. From what I have seen, for that time period, she is quite striking for a Duke. Greavette Boats are also well-known for their curves, especially in the form of a Streamliner and Vagabond II makes a similar statement, perhaps not as in pronounced a form.

Peter says she was in the Bassett collection at one point and he acquired her through John Blair, of Port Sandfield Marina. She is in very nice shape, having been restored by Ron Butson and then a few minor issues resolved through James Osler. Her engine might need the right touch for a tune-up, but otherwise, she runs well and at a good speed, with all that power. Sadly, Peter has no space for her anymore and is hoping she will find a worthy new home.

With boat shows being put on hold and cancelled, the boat tour is a solution. Last summer there were at least two organized wooden boat tours. I wonder if there would be interest in a human-powered "cruise"? Canoes, rowboats and kayaks coming together (of course with proper social distancing) to paddle or row around a pleasant route such as the Joe River, part of the Muskoka River, Kashe Lake or the Shadow River. What are your thoughts? Summer is finally fast approaching!

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

A Sunday Afternoon in Muskoka

By Tim Du Vernet

Sunday afternoon on a long weekend brings many things to this lakeside play land. In a region where it is possible to see countless Lamborghini, Bentleys and Range Rovers in a day, speed limits are a mere suggestion for sport bikes and cars, jet skis leaping over wakes, helicopter landing pads that would put an airport to shame and beautiful points obscured with another real estate investment, there is the legacy of wooden boats.

Spanning generations and coming in a variety of forms and sizes, the wooden boats of Muskoka continue to be a dependable constant in our history. Acting as current custodians, wooden boat owners come and go, but there is a duty to ensure a boat will survive in an authentic form.

I understand that John Bosomworth had the good idea to inspire a Sunday afternoon cruise on Lake Joseph. There had been two cruises on National Vintage Boating Day on the lakes of Muskoka, one on Lake Muskoka and one on Lake Rosseau, but nothing had been organized for Lake Joseph.

All it took was a couple of emails and at Sunday afternoon at 2:00, approximately 30 participants gathered on the Rosseau side of the Joe River to begin the cruise. Long deck launches, sport runabouts, utilities and a cabin launch made their way into the Joe River for the cruise up the river, into Lake Joe and the return to Port Sandfield.

There was a festive spirit in many of the filled boats, with hands waving and cheers as they travelled under the bridges. It was the opportunity to be seen and to share wooden boating fun.

Many well-known boats came out such as Wiggwassan III, a 1924 Ditchburn owned for many years by Rick and Karen Terry. Her distinctive lines accented with the white oak gunwales, was clearly visible from the bridges. The 1928, 34’ triple cockpit Minett-Shields, Flying Lady was another one of my favourite boats. Ian and Dianne Turnbull came in their 1960 Duke Utility. I also caught site of WASAN, a 1927, 27’ Ditchburn. There was also a Riva, a Greavette sport utility, a triple cockpit Gar Wood sport runabout, what I think was a Century utility style with bright turquoise green upholstery and a Greavette Streamliner or two. A quick account would suggest around 30 boats had joined in.

It is always impressive to see an armada such as this from a distance. The boats in great numbers, moving along gracefully and politely navigating channels and their wakes and waves. I heard that another cruise may be planned for later in September. It might be the perfect way to enjoy autumn’s colours.

By Tim Du Vernet

Imagine a material that is strong, relatively light for its strength and easily shaped. Fiberglass and similar materials, such as Kevlar and carbon fiber have revolutionized boating and so many other industries as well.

Boating styles have always closely followed the auto industry and the invention of fiberglass made it even easier to keep up with the stylistic trends. Fins of all sizes and shapes, outboard motors grew in power and the planing hull became more advanced. Reds, yellows and all kinds of bright colours turned boating from a conservative choice of wooden stain colours to an intense expression of style.

The Stevenson’s have been passionate about outboards and performance classic glass for decades. Ron Stevenson specializes in the collecting and restoration of vintage and rare outboard motors and fiberglass hulls, especially racy ones with crazy speed.

Jeff Steveson, Ron’s son, is particularly passionate about his recently restored 1979, 17’ 6” King Craft. She is now powered by a Mercruiser stern drive with a GM small block that produces roughly 350hp. Jeff explains that he bought the boat from a very good friend. The boat was originally bright yellow powered by an early Volvo stern drive. Some elements of the restoration had already been started by his friend, but family commitments got in the way the King Craft was sold to Jeff. With the hull gutted and the transom, floor and stringers already replaced, the restoration project was already well underway.

Jeff had set the 2018 ACBS Gravenhurst boat show as his target deadline for completing the restoration. Ron Stevenson had already restored the GM small block, as part of a different project that wasn’t completed. Nevertheless, getting the King Craft ready for the show turned into a night and day challenge. With just days to go, a new house under his belt and working as a marine mechanic, Jeff was able to get her ready on time for the show.

Finished in military gray, the 350 HP makes for an especially responsive boat that is practically dancing on its transom at top speed. She turns on a dime, leaps into action with the slightest throttle and goes like stink. The exhaust roar is very motivating as well. You would never know this hull design is now more than 40 years old. The development of the planing hull is generally credited to John Hacker, nearly 100 years ago.

Jeff notes that The hull is an interesting design and has been a lot of fun to get to learn to drive, especially at higher speeds. It is a very deep "V” hull, but at the centre keel it becomes very rounded. It makes the boat extremely effective in rough chop and big waves, but a bit more of a handful to drive at high speeds as there is no flat “pad” to balance the boat on. The boat starts to chine walk at 60mph, requiring driver input to flatten the boat out and keep it stable to continue to accelerate. The boat performs best with positive trim, which allows me to hang bow high and ride on the rear portion of the hull, reducing drag from the water.

There is no question this is one spirited boat to enjoy. Who knew that 40 year old fiberglass could be so much fun! Jeff enjoys piloting his King Craft with his fiancée Michelle at his side.