Gord Hooker Is Hooked On Shepherds

WOW!

This past week we had aa wonderful report in from our Canadian pals and in there with some very cool boats was an amazing large Shepherd called “Kinsale Boy.” Folks asked about it, and so an internet star is born. Meet Gord Hooker and his amazing 27 ft Shepherd. And more.

For me, being the custodian of a family cottage that your family built in 1954 on Balsam Lake in the Kawartha Region is important and is much like being the custodian of a classic wood boat.  The history traditions and family ties must be preserved and maintained for others to enjoy in the future.

Kinsale Boy is a 1954 27-ft Shepherd hardtop runabout ser#54-27-31 that spent most of its life touring iconic Lake Temagami in Northern Ontario. The original owners were believed to be American cottagers in the area. The second owner purchased the American’s cottage in the mid-60’s, only to discover after they took possession, they also owned a boathouse in the nearby town with a 27-ft Shepherd in it!

Most cottages on Lake Temagami are water access only at the time.  In 2007, the boat received an extensive restoration by the second owner’s family.  Restoration included necessary woodwork, period-correct engine rebuilt by Parry Automotive, Orillia and completely new leather interior. No matter how small, every piece of chrome was also replated.

Three years ago I was fortunate enough to become the third owner, when I purchased the boat through broker Duke Boats in Port Carling, Ontario.  As a reminiscent  person, I decided to name the boat Kinsale Boy in honor of my family and childhood growing up in the small hamlet of Kinsale in Southern Ontario.

Designed to be enjoyed in larger waters, Kinsale Boy comes equipped with a host of unique features, including roll-up side windows, pump-out head, cuddy cabin, icebox, sink with fresh water system and provisions for a stove.  Twin 125 hp 6-cylinder single carburetor Chrysler Crown engines power the boat with ease.

Although a labour of love, it has been quite a challenge to complete the project, as I have resealed and painted the bottom, repaired all electrical wiring (nothing worked), many control and safety issues, repainted the sides and varnished exterior brightwork.

For now, this is a turnkey and daily go-anywhere boat, as everything works as it should and is very reliable.  It will run along at 2600 rpm at 25 mph on the gps, no matter if it is being enjoyed by ten people or two.  It is a pleasure to own and operate Kinsale Boy.

Photos Gord and Dianne Hooker and family.

WAIT, there is more! Gord is seriously into Shepherds and has TWO more!

Two of Gords herd of Shepherds! The one on the left is Midway is a 1949 vdrive which he restored 5 years ago.

At the moment he’s setting up to make Florence a rat rod shoehorning in a 331 hemi vdrive.

Thank you Gord, right now across the globe, jaws have dropped and there is drool messing up everyones computers. Woody Boater Drool cups..mmm, there is an idea!