January 27, 2019 in Uncategorized
There never seems to be a shortage of activity at the shop of Tim Butson, Boat Builder, in Bracebridge, Ontario. Tim, Jurgen and Andrew are nearing completion of a top-to-bottom restoration of a beautiful Grew Day Cruiser. A Butson Gentleman’s racer, a Chris-Craft Sportsman, A Century Resorter and a Duke Playmate are all benefitting from some tender loving care at Butson’s. Enjoy the video below.
January 18, 2019 in Uncategorized
Duke Playmates are no longer just the “everyman” boat.Both the staff at Butson Boats in Bracebridge and Brackley Boats in Gravenhurst have exciting projects on the go. Of particular interest at Butson’s is a Grew Day cruiser, nearing completion after a top-to-bottom restoration. Meanwhile, Paul Brackley and his “cohorts” are tackling a mammoth Minett-Shields. Enjoy the photos below and stay tuned for the video!.
Butson Boats photos
Grew Day Cruiser nearing completion.
This really was a top to bottom restoration.
The beautfiul sleek lines on this Grew really add to its character.
A fresh coat of varnish on a cureved deck works wonders.
The “lowly” Duke Paymate is becoming far less lowly as time passes.
Gypsy II is an orginal Butson Gentleman’s racer back for a refresh.
Bottom’s up.
This runabout should be shortly ready to go!
This beamy Shepherd will enjoy some fresh varnish, new upholstery, rechroming and other enhancements.
This Minett-Shields takes extra care as her hull construction is complex and intricate.
Wimur II features a two step hull
Mahogany bottom work procedes on Wimur II
February 14, 2018 in Uncategorized
THis Greavette Executive was once owned by Ted Turner
Tim Butson and his staff have their hands full this winter, with restoration projects flying out of their steam-box (so to speak)! The shop currently hosts two Greavette Executives, a custom ski/speed boat, a Shepherd prototype, a Grew Overnighter, a two masted ketch and a Duke Playmate.
Enjoy the photos and video below.
Tim estimates that this ski/speed boat will reach 70 mph.
The Grew Overnighter, seen in this photo, is undergoing a top to bottom restoration. (See the photo below.)
The Grew has been strengthened with thicker lap planks, a reinforced transom and beefier ribs. When installed, the superstructure will provide additional support.
This Shepherd prototype design later appeared as a ski boat in Florida
The second Greavette Executive, early 1970s. rests beside a very substantial ketch
This 34 ft. two masted East Coast ketch, also from the 1970s, is in for some major bottom work and other repairs..
Note the massive rudder.
“Pip Pip” a charming 1949 Duke Playmate (an “everyman” boat built by the hundreds) awaits major work before returning to Magnetewan, Ontario.
With their Buchan midget engines (see photo below) these Playmates sip gas so gently that a day long excursion on one tank is taken for granted.
Hundreds of these small, reliable engines were built by Buchanan Marine in Orilla, Ontario
December 11, 2015 in Uncategorized
A visit to Butson Boats; Bracebridge, Ontario
The Butson family has a storied history of boat building and restoration in Muskoka. Tim Butson’s Bracebridge shop currently houses vessels in for restoration, as well as a stunning “new build”. Enjoy the video below.
March 23, 2014 in Uncategorized
Tim Butson’s boat shop in Bracebridge, Ontario, is humming with activity. Lots of new bottoms (pardon the expression) are in the works! Current projects include a 32 foot Minett, an 18 foot Billy Johnson and a Greavette Executive from the 1970’s. Viewers can also oogle a Butson Gentleman’s Racer. Enjoy!
