This cruiser was built in North Tonawanda, N.Y. by the Richardson Boat Company. All Richardson cruisers were more or less custom ordered, and built from 1909 to 1962. The hulls of the various models were constructed, and potential owners could browse a brochure, and select the profile of the craft (side image, # of windows, portholes, etc.), and the interior configuration. (See a copy of the original brochure at the bottom of this page).
The Richardson factory would then build the boats over the fall and winter, and new owners were invited in the spring to pilot their newly acquired cruisers on a 7 day “Sailaway” from North Tonawanda, along the Erie Canal, down the Hudson River, to New York City. These Richardson Sailaways were a popular and festive event along the Canal. Many towns along the way welcomed the Richardson boats, and planned waterfront events, carnivals, and festive events during the boats' overnight stay at their docks.
It was the charm and charisma of the history of these fabulous boats that drew John and Cindy to acquire this Little Giant, and to devote a full two years to giving her a total restoration.

John had spied the boat in a Marina's shop near Peterborough, and 'worked on the owner' to part with it for well over a year. Finally, the timing was right, the elderly owner admitted that such an extensive restoration was, in all probability, not about to happen. The next hurdle was to convince Cindy. Once Cindy read about the history of the Richardson Boat Company she, too, wanted to save this boat, and return it to its original grandeur.

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   It had been in the Marina's shop for well over 18 years, which was its lifesaver. Upon inspection of the Little Giant, John was pleased to discover that most of the hull was is excellent repair, other than a few planks which needed to be replaced. Previous owners, in the 70's had 'renovated' the interior.... complete with fir plywood helm, cupboards, spindles, shag carpet and 8 track cassette player. They had also altered the sides of the (exterior) salon, which was the worst area to repair. This alteration had caused quite a bit of dry rot. In July of 1998, the project began.

As found at Marina on Chemong Lake

The trip home

Within a week John had the interior stripped, and the bad planks removed. The original Chrysler Marine Ace 6 Cyl. Flathead was sent out for a full rebuild and overhaul.

..... The next step was repairing 3 ribs, strengthening the floor gussets, cleaning the bilge, & repainting.

What a difference!

Caulking and cotton was removed and replaced between the planks/ 1 1/2 planks on the bottom were replaced, and one plank along the hull ...... .... A couple of coats of paint - wow!

The mahogany on the superstructure was all replaced with new:

The new helm was constructed, and the formation of the new interior starts to take shape:

.....

The layout of the cabin was designed by ideas obtained from the original 1935 Richardson Little Giant Brochure. What a FIND this brochure was when John & Cindy visited the Clayton, N.Y. Antique Boat show in August! Research through the Richardson Boat Owners Association, and pictures of various Little Giants gave John the inspiration to create the roof over the salon area. These roofs were an option on the Little Giant. Whether or not this boat ever had one was unknown, but by looking at the brochure, and following the same curvature of the cabin's roof line, John constructed a salon roof:

         Front deck was done in mahogany (epoxied, not fastened):

Nine coats of Petit varnish on the mahogany, 3 coats of white Interlux Marine paint on the hull, and 2 coats of anti-fouling bottom paint later, the "new" Little Giant was loaded up on June 15th, 2000, ready to take to her new summer home on Lower Buckhorn Lake.

Beautiful new interior, and full canvas make this boat a pleasure to take out for a day cruise, or to take on a summer's vacation:

The following shots are of "Meandering On" being enjoyed by the Hendrens. True to its name, this Little Giant has it all - comfort, stability, unbelievable roominess for a 25ft. cruiser, and obvious looks! Whether put on show with numerous other antique beauties, or anchored in the still waters of the Kawarthas and being used as a home base for a swimming party, Meandering On commands continuous looks of admiration.

Winner of the following awards:

People's Choice - Trent-Severn Millennium Show - Peterborough- August 2000
Best Antique Cruiser - Manotick / Westport Show - July 2001
People's Choice - Richardson Boat Club's Rendezvous - Picton - July 2002
Best of Show - Richardson Boat Club's Rendezvous - Picton - July 2002
Best Antique Cruiser - Richardson Boat Club's Rendezvous - Seneca Falls - July 2003
People's Choice- Cruiser- Trent-Severn Lift Lock Centennial Show - Peterborough - July 2004
Best Antique Cruiser - Clayton Antique Boat Museum Show - Clayton, N.Y. - Aug. 2004

In 2001 John customized a trailer to fit Meandering On... which enabled them to save travel time by towing!

At the Richardson Boat Owners Rendezvous in Seneca Falls (back on the Erie canal where she was built in 1935!)

An antique boat Rendezvous, Stony Lake:

The 2004 Antique Boat Show, Peterborough, Ont.:

Have a look at the amazing original 1935 Little Giant Brochure:

While tearing away the floor way back in July of 1998... John found a few treasures...
If you've stuck with the story this long, we feel it's only fitting that these treasures be shared:

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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