After meeting with some rocks in Stony Lake with the family's Lakefield cedar strip in 1956, the Richardsons began to consider a new boat. In 1957 this Shepherd was purchased and brought to the family's island near Crowe's Landing. Peter Richardson's father had always been a great fan of the Shepherds,
and the family is quite sure that he welcomed the excuse to acquire one. In the early years, it was
used extensively by the five boys in the family as a ski boat. By the early
1970s it was not used much at all. With the death of Mr. Richardson (senior) in 1974 the boat was
laid up for five years or more. Peter and his wife Nancy built a cottage on the same island,
beside the family cottage, and soon after they acquired the ownership of the Shepherd. With continual use, this little runabout has served the family well. When Peter's son Jonathan attended the 2004 Antique Boat show in Peterborough, and saw similar boats to the family's Shepherd, they contacted John to make arrangements to have the boat restored to her original beauty. Work began in the early winter of 2005, and by July it was looking pretty good, although not quite completed. The Richardsons decided to take the boat to use during the summer, then brough her back to the shop in April of 2006 for completion. For power, a Merc 78 is remembered as being the best engine, but in more recent years Evinrudes have been used. Upon delivery in July, she was sporting a brand new (2005) Evinrude 75hp Etech... Reliable, fast, and attractive!

Shepherd Hull # 57 15-6 157

Taken some years ago at the family's cottage on Stony Lake, it's easy to see why the Richardsons were attracted to this beautiful boat.......

Brought to the shop for a complete assessment in January 2005:

Once in the shop John discovered the underlying problems of rot and decay, which were the results of poor work done years before by another boat restorer. It had been poorly fibreglassed, and held water, causing a lot of decay.

New frames and transom were constructed, as well as 2 side planks - which replaced any boards that had rotted.

The deck was in pretty good shape - just a few planks needed replacing, just some minor repairs, and new plugs...

A new bottom was constructed, using 1/2" marine ply....

2 coats anti-foul bottom paint

new bottom epoxied (inside) and new 20" transom made

5 Coats of varnish gave the boat enough protection for a few months of enjoyment...

Water tested - mid July in Little Lake, before heading up to Stoney for a few month's usage:

John equipped her with new teleflex steering cable to connect the new eTech 75hp... the original seats were re-installed for the 2005 season, but the boat will be back 'in the shop' in at a later date for the finishing touches which will make her a superb little vessel!

Spring 2007 - back in for final touches

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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