This boat was originally owned by a cottager on Clear Lake. The McWilliams bought the boat in 1984, and used it for a few years,   but decided it should have a full restoration. After a brief hiatus in storage, Dan contacted John to investigate the possibility of
 John taking on the project.
  The Shepherd was brought to the shop in September of 2001. The (original) engine, a 6 cyl. Chrysler Marine, was shipped out to   Peterborough Automotive for a complete rebuild. You will see in the pictures below the extensive restoration done by John. Channel Cat, now a show quality runabout, resides at the McWilliams' summer home at Crowe’s Landing on Stoney Lake.

All deck seams were removed as the seam lines weren't very straight and were puttied in a yellow colour. The earlier Shepherds did not have the yellow putty colour in the seams, so when John constructed new deck planks (duplicating the originals), it was done by v-grooving with a spline. One strip of yellow caulking was done around the perimeter of the boat.

9 Coats of Petit varnish - this Shepherd has a mirror finish!

After 6 coats of varnish.... After 9 coats....

Engine rebuilt and installed - almost ready for the water!

Sent to Ship n Shore Upholstery in Dunsford for complete upholstery. Ready for the water in July 2002

Channel Cat was launched in early August of 2002 at the family's summer home on Stony Lake. What a head-turner!

That summer, the McWilliams' took in the Manotick Boat Club's Antique Boat Show (Aug. 10th), and the Peterborough Antique Boat Show (Aug. 17th). She was the proud recipient of the "Captain's Choice" Award at the show in Peterborough. What an honour!

At an antique boat rendezvous on Stoney Lake - 2003

Back to HOME page

 

John's Little Boat Shop
1195 Meadowview Rd.   R. R. # 2
Omemee, Ont.       K0L 2W0
705.799.2222
toll free 1.877.750.2189
email: antiqueboats@hughes.net

Maintained by The Hendrens