​The owner originally brought this boat to The Boat Shop for an estimate to repair its fiberglass bottom, which was badly delaminating. He was considering making it water-worthy enough to sell. After inspecting the boat, John explained that the repairs required to make it “sellable” wouldn’t justify the cost. Instead, he suggested turning it into something truly special—a unique, one-of-a-kind vessel. John encouraged the owner to take some time to consider his options and get back to us once he’d made a decision.

A few weeks later, the owner called back, inspired by John’s vision and excited to move forward with a full restoration. And so, the project began.

The old polyester fiberglass bottom was completely removed, and more than half of the ribs were replaced with new ones. A West System epoxy bottom was installed with two layers of cloth, then primed and painted in rich Epifanes red. Before varnishing the interior, the inside of the hull was fully encapsulated with S1 penetrating epoxy for added protection.

The transformation didn’t stop there. The original top framing and plywood decking were removed, and the shear was lowered on both sides for a sleeker profile. New mahogany decks and ash covering boards were built with enhanced curvature, giving the boat a more contoured, elegant look. The deck was also extended by two feet, further refining its proportions.

Additional upgrades included a built-in forward gas tank, ash grated flooring, a modern Teleflex steering system, a redesigned dash with new gauges, and custom-built seat frames and upholstery.

To complete this remarkable restoration, the boat was paired with a beautifully restored vintage Teeny trailer and powered by an iconic 1961 Mercury 850 “Tower of Power” motor. The result: a one-of-a-kind Peterborough Royal, brought back to life in style.

Such a dramatic transformation required a few water tests and adjustments, but it now performs flawlessly. (It's the fastest cedar strip ever!)