|
Northern
Pride (22-2)
Built To Last - Part I
|
Canadian boat builders are making a strong presence
in the recreational marine industry with cutting-edge
designs, optimum comfort and performance. Power Boating
Canada presents the first segment of a profile on some
of the most popular marine manufacturers north of the
border.
HARBERCRAFT
VERNON, BRITISH COLUMBIA
Designing a boat to take on the rigors of the Canadian
climate is no easy feat. But for Harbercraft Boats,
it's just comes naturally. Fish Northern Ontario. Explore
the Atlantic and Pacific coasts. Or cruise the ultra-shallow
waters of a remote river. No matter the demand, this
Canadian-bred builder offers a boat line for it all.
Harbercraft was launched on the boating scene in 1959,
along the shores of the Niagara River, when the Harber
family began manufacturing car top aluminum boats. Following
a strong market demand in the 1970s, a push for its
product resulted in the expansion of a second manufacturing
facility near Vernon, British Columbia, which ultimately
resulted in a larger dealer network across the country
and the Pacific Northwest.
(Shown here is the 2525 Kingfisher, which is part of
the company's Ocean Series - a tough and dependable
model line that can easily brave the strong elements
of Mother Nature.)
In the mid-1980s, Harbercraft adopted one of North America's
first robotic welders for small-components and in 1996,
they began launching fully-welded aluminum models, using
computer numeric controlled (CNC) technology, along
with its Pre-Flex Hull technology, featuring hulls with
clean lines, proven performance, optimum strength and
durability. In 1998, the company expanded once again
with a new manufacturing facility.
Today, Harbercraft offers three model lines, the Jetcraft
Series, Recreational Series and Ocean Series, which
also are commonly utilized for various government agencies
such as the police, fish and wildlife, search and rescue,
and commercial charters.
Sleek, strong, and durable, its Jetcraft series ranges
from 17 to 22 feet and designed to take on shallow water
excursions, from rough rivers to remote lakes. Reflecting
the rest of the Harbercraft lines, all Jet Craft models
incorporate the company's proven Pre-Flex technology,
thus ensuring longevity and strength. Its Pre-Flex technology
has also earned several bragging rights on the international
whitewater racing circuit, as well as in short-track
sprint boat racing arena, winning 13 World Championship
whitewater titles.
Its Recreational Series is also impressive. Strong,
dependable and easily trailerable for serious anglers
and families, the series ranges from 17 to a little
more than 21 feet. Each model is also unique - whether
it's the bracketed hard-topped 20 Discovery series or
the reliable Adventurer models, which are designed to
offer optimum stability, ample interior space and a
long list of functional and practical standards.
Rounding out its offerings is the Ocean Series, ranging
from 24 to 30 feet. Claimed as the last model you'll
ever need, each entry is thoroughly tested in the waters
of Alaska to ensure its cabins, durable hull and array
of appointments can stand up to nearly task thrown its
way. All models are backed with a lifetime, transferable
warranty built to NMMA standards.
For more information go to harbercraft.com
MALIBU BOATS VERNON, BRITISH
COLUMBIA
Many boat builders believe in quality, not quantity.
Malibu Boats of Vernon, British Columbia, is one of
them. Launched by industry veteran Baxter Wareham in
1976, the interior-B.C. builder has maintained its adage
to this day and continues to meet the demands of discerning
boating enthusiasts by offering a unique, customary
approach to every model they build.
Its model line includes its Classic Cuddy models, the
182 and 185; 1700, 1800, and 1900 Sport Bowriders; 1900
Sport Walk-Thru; 2100 Sport Bowrider and Cuddy; 2200
Sport Cuddy; 2200 Sport Walk-Thru and a fishing model,
the Tyee Classic Fisherman.
(The 2200 Sport Cuddy is just one of the impressive
entries from Malibu Boats. In all, the company's line
offers 10 models, including a fishing powerhouse, the
Tyee Classic Fisherman.)
Quality (on all its models) starts from the inside out
as the hulls and high-stress deck areas are cored with
3/8-inch end-grain, sealed balsa, which are completely
enclosed with fibreglass. Additionally, the stringer
systems are fully encapsulated with fiberglass, topped
with knitted fabric - the same material used to reinforce
the decks.
What's more is high-density urethane foam is sprayed
between the stringers for optimum floatation, thus creating
an optimal surface to embed a one-piece fiberglass liner.
Rounding out the process is a thick layer of what is
called Maxguard gelcoat, which is applied to the exterior.
It's then skin-coated using a vinyl ester resin to preserve
the finish. While this is not a short process, expanding
to four days for each hull, and three days for each
deck, all materials are given sufficient time to cure
during the vital period when parts are still in the
mold. The result is a tough, well-constructed model
that's reliable for every outing on the water.
Inside, the attention to fit and finish is even more
impressive. For starters, ample storage is commonly
found throughout its models, all electrical components
have independently fused rocker switches with its own
circuits, instrument panels are pre-wired with top-mounted
circuit breakers, and all upholstery is precisely designed
in-house.
For more information visit www.malibuboats.ca (Page
Top)
SVFARA MARINE CALGARY,
ALBERTA, KELOWNA, BRITISH COLUMBIA
With corporate headquarters based in Calgary, Alberta,
and a 45,000 square-foot manufacturing facility located
in Kelowna, British Columbia, Svfara Marine turns heads
every season around the world in the pro and recreational
water sport arenas with its impressive SV series of
performance towboats.
 (Svfara
SV609)
This line consists of four models, the SV609, SV696
and the recently introduced SV 2 and three-event tournament
weapon, the SV One, which was designed and inspired
by the works of industry legend Rob Shirley. These sleek,
dynamic, and performance-bred towing machines are designed
by a team of engineers and expert marine-architects
recruited from Canada, New Zealand and Singapore, using
current CADD systems and advanced 5-axis routers to
ensure the most accurate and precise hull moulds. For
longevity, the hull, floor and stringer system are joined
together to form one, integral structure, and the hull
and deck are screwed and riveted every six inches. What's
more is the addition of Sikaflex, which is used around
the joints to prevent leaks and provide additional strength.
Additionally, each hull is completely poured with closed-cell
flotation foam, to ensure safe, quiet rides. Every model
is also hand-laid (and completely wood-free) for uniformed
thickness and weight.
The interiors of all models shine as well. The creative
cockpits boast the seating and cockpit space riders
require, and whether it's such standards as the digital
and Faria analogue gauges, stylish Dino wheel, plush
34-ounce upholstery, 40-ounce carpeting, and most ideal
power options, riders are set for a day on the water
no matter how serious they are about water sports.
For more information about Svfara's model line, visit
www.svafra.com
MEDEIROS BOAT WORKS LTD.
OAKVILLE, ONTARIO
Since 1985, Medeiros has been crafting boats that embody
the durability, ruggedness and exceptional seaworthiness
that serious boaters require. While early Limestone
models carried the family name Medeiros, the boats were
renamed to reflect the rugged beauty of the Limestone
Islands of Ontario's Georgian Bay. The corporate philosophy
says it all - these boats are designed to give recreational
and working mariners the ability to safely go wherever
they wish - with passengers and with cargo.
Owned and operated by Sergio, Al and Lucy Medeiros in
Oakville, Ontario, Limestone models have evolved into
a household name among boaters who appreciate well-made
vessels with an extra touch of class. The series includes
more than nine models ranging from 17 to 26 feet-plus,
and each boast classic styling, graceful lines, deep,
self-bailing cockpits, and comfort fit for a king.
(A Limestone model in action in the heart of Georgian
Bay.)
Designed by Canada's foremost naval architect, Mark
Ellis, each Limestone stands true to its name. They
are as solid as a rock with the added benefits of smooth,
reliable and stable rides - thanks to the generous forward
flairs of the hull. What's more is its construction
process includes alternate layers of hand-laid fiberglass
to the hull and deck, which are hand-sealed and fastened
together with stainless steel hardware, and are finished
off hefty stainless hardware, aluminum-backed and glassed
into the deck.
A testament to their excellence, Limestones have been
selected by The Royal Canadian Mounted Police, The Ontario
Provincial Police, Metro Toronto Police, the Ontario
Ministry of Natural Resources and the Canadian Coast
Guard. Few feelings are as comforting as setting out
on open water in a Limestone, knowing that the brawny
deep-V hull will slice through the heavy seas that leave
lesser boats stranded at the dock.
Medeiros Boat Works' model line also includes the 28
Hunt (Hunt By Medeiros), which comes in at an LOA of
27 feet, six inches, has maximum beam of 10 feet, four
inches and a displacement of 8,500 pounds. It's built
using a single-piece, balsa cored, hand lay-up fiberglass
construction process, and comes well-appointed with
diamond teak capped toe rails, ample storage space,
stainless steel hardware (all cleats are thru-bolted
with backup plates), and an aluminum framed windshield
with tempered glass. There's also plenty of seating
thanks to the forward removable upholstered motor box
cushion and port jump seat, upholstered forward seats
(with stowage) and adjustable port and starboard forward
seats.
For more information on the Medeiros line, please visit
the website at www.medeiros-boatworks.com
WEST BAY SONSHIP DELTA,
BRITISH COLUMBIA
West Bay SonShip of Delta, British Columbia, brings
more than 40 years of experience to the semi-custom
yacht business, creating vessels ranging from 54 to
110 feet. Respected throughout the world for their construction,
West Bay SonShip has been Canada's premiere builder
of luxury custom fiberglass motoryachts.
West Bay's yacht construction complex includes over
100,000 square feet of climate-controlled design, office
and production space on 6.5 acres of land, with a full
service shipyard including concrete floats and a floating
boathouse, and a 250-ton marine ways. Facilities include
a 35,100 square-foot F-1 class building, completed in
mid-2003, which serves as West Bay's principal fiberglass
shop.
West Bay believes in continually fine-tuning and improving
design, responding to the needs if individual customers,
and crafting vessels with the highest quality materials
and the finest workmanship. A blend of old-world craftsmanship
and modern joinery techniques, the West Bay yachts are
built with the latest in modern technology, and backed
by the highest level of customer service.
For additional information, please visit the website
at www.west-bay.com. (Page
Top)
DORAL BOATS, GRAND MERE,
QUEBEC / MIDLAND, ONTARIO
The history of Doral is just as interesting as its extensive
model line that exists today. Doral surfaced on the
boating scene in 1972 in Grand Mere, Quebec, with a
series of runabouts that included the 153, followed
by four other models, the 147, 156, 166, and its flagship,
the 178. The line soon expanded with three additional
runabouts, the TRX, 164, 190 and 227, and by the mid-1980s,
during a boom in the Canadian Boating industry, Doral
introduced its cruiser class, consisting of the 22'
Tara, the Cavalier, and 25' Citation, which in turn,
made Doral a nationally recognized brand in the Canadian
boating industry.
In the late 1980s, amidst a recession in the Canadian
marketplace, Doral joined forces with two well-known
boat builders, Thundercraft and Canot Cadorette, and
continued to press on with its strong position in the
marine market place.
(Since 1972, Doral has been capturing plenty of attention
on the Canadian boating scene. This trend continues
to this day with several impressive launches including
its Flagship, the Alegria Sport Yacht.)
At the turn of the decade, in 1989, Doral acquired a
manufacturing facility in Grand Mere (that still stands
today), which created the ideal launch pad to build
larger cruisers. Its series soon expanded with the impressive
Prestancia 300, Monticello 270 and the Boca Grande 350,
which not only created a strong impression in Canada,
but opened the door to the vast American marine marketplace.
In the mid-1990s, following a short acquisition by French
boat builder, Jeanneau, Doral once again changed hands,
this time with Canadian entrepreneur Erwin Zecha. With
a new direction and keen eye to the future, the company,
once again, began to reach new heights.
Following the turn of the new millennium, the marine
industry was introduced to the Alegria Sport Yacht,
Doral's new, 45-foot flagship. Complete with European-styling,
teak appointments and array of impressive power options,
boaters across Canada, the United States and even Europe,
were given an entirely new option to enjoy the boating
lifestyle at its finest.
Many aspects of these stylish appointments is now a
fixture on its current cruiser series and in the fall
of 2004, the Elite series of bowriders and cuddy cabins
was launched, starting with 265 BR/CU. Following similar
footsteps as the Alegria, with chic appointments, rounded
hulls, and stylish interiors, the Elite series is designed
for serious boaters who appreciate stable platforms
with optimum comfort and performance.
For 2007, Doral continues with its impressive sport
boats and cruisers with the new 235 BR Elite, (a sistership
of the Alegria), the 40 Mediterra Sport Yacht as well
a handful of stylish sportboats and runabouts.
Rounding out the company's achievements are a handful
of accolades including an award for exportation from
Economic Development of Canada in 2003 and the Plastics
Galea Award - Category Exportation in 2004. The company
also gained notoriety from Boating Magazine for its
Alegria Sport Yacht after being crowned the best new
boat for 2004.
For more information visit www.doralboat.com
TALON CUSTOM BOATS, SCHOMBERG,
ONTARIO
When you think of performance boating, perhaps Donzi
or Cigarette comes to mind. However, let it be known
that performance boats are not only limited to the companies
that were born and bred on performance alley. Enter
Talon Custom Boats of Schomberg, Ontario, located at
highway 9 and 27, just west of Highway 400, north of
Toronto.
(Talon Custom Boats' 22 boasts a performance-bred platform,
sporting an entirely new interior, complete with top-of-the-line
appointments, amenities and of course, power that won't
quit.)
Formerly known as Talon, the creator of a handful of
performance boats, ranging from 18 to approximately
37 feet, Talon Custom Boats was introduced to the Canadian
boating scene in 2004, following the purchase of the
22-foot mould by Ted McNab and Ted Gryguc. And with
the assistance of Canadian boat builder John Spaeth,
the concept was to retrofit the previous models to today's
consumer standards. And they did exactly that with the
22. The performance-bred platform sports an entirely
new interior, complete with top-of-the-line appointments,
amenities and of course, power that won't quit.
The backbone of the 22 Talon starts with a construction
process that includes hand-laid fiberglass that's vacuum-bagged
to improve the hardness and reduce weight, using AME
5000. In fact, when fully rigged (without power), the
22 tips the scales at 1,240 pounds. Add the performance-oriented,
air entrapment hull, designed to offer top, exhilarating
speeds, and this design is claimed to ensure optimum
performance at all speeds and conditions, comfortably
and confidently, without cavitation or low speed porpoising.
According to company test reports with a 300 hp outboard,
the 22 can achieve a top end speed of 102 mph (on a
GPS) in flat, calm conditions. Other test reports revealed
speeds of 81 mph with a 225 hp and 91 mph with a 250
hp.
While the company currently has a handful of models
available that were built on spec, customized models
are available, complete with many options including
customize colours, rigging, and of course, power, to
suit your performance boating lifestyle.
For more information visit www.talon22.com. (Page
Top) |
|
|
|
