The War Years Soon after war was declared in 1939, a call went out from the Canadian government for ships – large and small – for use by the armed forces. Port Carling Boats Works (manufacturer of SeaBirD boats) was one of the first companies to respond. To supply the necessary number of watercraft, staffing […]
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“Wasan” an iconic Ditchburn launch; 27 ft., 1927 Wasan is truly a Muskoka treasure. This rare launch has been featured in Grace and Speed, as well as The Boat Builders of Muskoka. She is truly a collector’s item. Wasan was totally refurbished by Duke Marine in 2016/2017. and comes with a new 1944 Chrysler Crown engine. […]
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Congratulations to the sellers and buyers of the three classics listed below. We hope that the new owners will have many years of trouble-free boating ahead. 1941 Mac Craft: 18 ft. (above) This handsome utility had been in the same Lake Muskoka family since new. The current owner had kept the boat very well maintained […]
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Part One The Port Carling Boat Works, a company which operated from 1925 to 1959, apparently produced more wooden runabouts and launches than any other company in Muskoka, and possibly Canada. The boats squeezed out of the factory were known generally as SeaBirDs, a moniker created when a Muskoka visitor noticed a test model emerging […]
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Shepherd custom runabout; 22 ft. 1953 This handsome classic Shepherd runabout has been very well cared for, with fresh varnish, waterline and copper bottom paint applied in 2017 by professional restorer James Osler. The engine, a 6 cylinder 135 hp. Chrysler Crown, (and Zenith carburetors) were completely rebuilt in early 2019 by Matt Fairbrass, […]
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