PETER BREEN ANTIQUE & CLASSIC BOAT CO. – SAILING IN NAUTICAL LEGENDS

  • 5 minute read
Peter Breen Antique and Classic Boat Company Ltd. specializes in the restoration and reproduction of Muskoka-built boats. Over the past 45 years, they have completed 46 complete restorations, 19 new builds and countless repairs and refurbishments.
  • 29 January 2024

We’ve all dreamed of those Formula 1s cruising at top speed on Canadian lakes. Those nautical cigars of the ’30s, tapered like hilltops splitting the water in two, the varnish on the mahogany decks gleaming in the sun’s golden glare.

They paved the way for runabouts like Riva in Italy and on the French Riviera, an invitation to the dream of being like an aviator flying over water.

In Canada, near Toronto, there’s an exceptional boatyard where you can either have your boat restored, or have a brand-new model hand-built to your exact specifications ! This is the Peter & Jeffrey Breen shipyard. The Peter Breen Antique & Classic Boat Co. is located near Rockwood, Ontario.

When you enter the boatyard’s workshops, the scent of varnish and mahogany invites you on a journey of “handmade” craftsmanship: sanding, screwing, nailing and gluing with a meticulousness worthy of the masters of marine carpentry.

Templates and plans on the wall, bronze or chrome parts, bows, multitudes of parts awaiting their moment of glory by being deposited on boat models, each more marvelous than the last. Each carpenter knows exactly how to make the gestures, to feel the boat taking shape under his fingers, moving towards perfection.

Peter Breen Antique and Classic Boat Company Ltd. specializes in the restoration and reproduction of Muskoka-built boats. Over the past 45 years, they have completed 46 complete restorations, 19 new builds and countless repairs and refurbishments. From launchers to race boats, Ditchburns to Baby Gars, multi-year projects to routine varnish and engine installations, they offer a wide range of services to the wooden boat community. Their reputation as a premier builder and restorer extends across North America, and their boats can be found in many provinces and states.

In addition to models undergoing restoration, we’ve chosen to show you 3 models made in Peter Breen’s yard. Welcome to the imaginary world of Gatsby the Magnificent, but this time in a boat, not a car !

The Apprenticeship

Jeffrey Breen built this boat on his spare time between 2013 and 2016. The hull design is based off Ditchburn’s Rainbow 3, which was one of the most successful raceboats of the 1920’s. It was built to serve as a Sales Tool to show potential clients the end result of having a custom boat created.

At 25′ overall, this boat features an extended rear deck, covered forward cockpit, curved engine hatches with arrow-ended hinges, and crocodile upholstery. An outboard rudder assembly with drag-link steering gives ‘sports car’ maneuverability. The goal was to create a sports car on water. Powered with a Entec Racing 350 cu. in. V-8, the Apprenticeship cruises effortlessly well into the 55 mph range.

The hardware and styles are blends of new and old, both borrowed from the past and fabricated from scratch with wood patterns and bronze castings. Jeffrey’s first ground-up build took top honours on a North America boatshow tour including wins in Tavares, Florida, and Geneva Lake, Wisconsin, and was featured in many publications including the cover boat for the 2020 Classic Boating Calendar.

Margaret Shirley

Allan & T.C. Weisberg commisonned this 30- month project in 2017. After owning 2 original Muskoka boats, they decided they’d like a custom boat, fully suited to all their needs.

At 31′ overall, this modified John Hacker designed hull cruises beautifully at all speeds. Dual gas tanks provide long range for excursions, and her elegant design carries six passengers comfortably.

This high-out 570 HP Ilmor MV8 provides plenty of power, regardless of the load. Every aspect of this craft is custom. From the sand-casted bronze hardware, to the book-matched mahogany deck with exposed copper screw heads, to the “bobtail” transom.

Thunder

This “gentleman’s racer” was custom ordered by the late, great Michael J. Thompson in 1999. Mike wanted a fast wooden boat with sex appeal, and Thunder  provides both. Thunder has participated in Boat shows across North America from Florida to Idaho. These boats are made to use, and this boat is proof of that.

At 27.5′ overall, Thunder is based off Ditchburn’s ”Ranbow III” which was one of the most successful and iconic raceboats of the era.

Built in a 4-seat cockpit configuration, with a forward additonal cockpit, Thunder can carry 5-6 passengers with ease. Powered with a 502 cu. in. V-8, Thunder ‘s performance matches her appearance.

Notable hardware includes an outboard rudder assembly, a vernier aircraft throttle, & tilting period steering wheel. At 20 years old, and having been used as much or more than any boat in Muskoka, this boat’s perfect condition is a testament to their construction method and uncompromising level of workmanship.

like Icar, sailing towards a dream.

Website : https://www.breenboats.com/

Contact :

Photo Credits : © Peter Breen Antique & Classic Boat Co. Ltd. – © Patrice Anderson

Selection by : Alexandre Joulia-Helou, photographer and deputy editor of AMILCAR MAGAZINE GROUP.

AMILCAR MAGAZINE to discover on Linktr.ee :   https://linktr.ee/amilcarmagazine

Publishers:

  • Rachel Joulia-Helou, editor-in-chief of AMILCAR MAGAZINE GROUP.
  • Alexandre Joulia, photographer and deputy editor of AMILCAR MAGAZINE GROUP.

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