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Pukaskwa

Hull #1084. Leigh Cossey writes (April 25, 2017): 52' yacht Pukaskwa built in 1956 by Russel Hipwell Engines Ltd. for Marathon Corporation of Canada Ltd., at a cost of $90,000. Designed by Stanley Thomas Cossey (who left Russel Brothers about Feb 1956). Launched May 1956. On its maiden voyage in June 1956, she tied up for the night at the company log booming camp at the mouth of the Pic River at 6pm, a short distance from Marathon. The crew went to Marathon for the night and were to return the next morning to sail her into Marathon harbour in daylight but she burned up at 5am. The fire was caused by an electrical short. The burned out hull was purchased by someone and was converted into a fishboat. We have been unable to find a registration number. Mike Scruton commented (April 2017): "She was cut up a few years ago, here in Port Dover. It sat inside a building near the lift bridge for many years. Doug Gamble may have photos. It wasn't fish tug style, more like a tug style pilothouse, it was not finished.

 

Pukaskwa photos courtesy of Marathon and District Historical Society, via Leigh Cossey, Dec. 2, 2017.

 

Pukaskwa photos courtesy of Marathon and District Historical Society, via Leigh Cossey, Dec. 2, 2017.

 

Letter found with the large scale blueprints of Pukaskwa and Arbee II, in a drawer in Parry Sound's Sound Boat Works by Gerry Shipman, in Jan. 2019. Gerry comments (Jan. 2019): "So when we bought Sound Boat Works (Parry Sound, ON) in 1973 there was a drawer full of folded drawings and plans, this letter was among them. Today was the first time I've unfolded it." Dated April 28, 1961, the letter is addressed to Mr. Carl L. Groskorth of Sound Boat Works, and signed by C. A. Rollings, Vice-President, Sales, Russel Brothers Ltd. It appears Groskorth was considering having RBL provide the hull of a 55' cruiser, which he would finish himself, and Rollings had included plans for a couple of similar boats RBL had built in past, the Arbee II from 1948, and the Pukaswa from 1956. Here is the text of the letter:

 
Reference: 55' Cruiser Hull - Inquiry No. 5-61031

Dear Mr. Groskorth: Thank you for your inquiry of April 24th re prices on a 55' Steel Motor Cruiser Hull to be completed by you. For your information we are enclosing our Drawing No. 307 and 522-B of two cruisers which we built, and which are equal to the size which you specify. You will note that Drawing 307 is a round bilge while Drawing 522-B is a modified V bottom. Also enclosed is our general circular giving details on some of the close to 1200 marine vessels which we have constructed.

It has been our experience that purchasers of pleasure craft are particular about the finish and appearance as well as insistent upon high quality and good construction. Our prices are based on producing a hull that will not only look good, but will be of high quality and give many years of service to the customer's complete satisfaction.

A 55' x 15' hull with bow side and after decks, built-in fuel tanks, built-in water tanks,two main propulsion engine beds, two propeller shaft tubes, two rudders,and approximately ten hull outlets with bronze seacocks and finished by sandblasting and metallizing inside and out, then fairing the hull exterior with vinyl based trowel cement, and the interior with cork insulation, painted to specifications would be $25,000.00 f.o.b. our Yard. Unless weight is a factor we would recommend 3/16 plate but 10 gauge could be used and this would reduce the price slightly. Framing would be as shown on the enclosed drawings with the longitudinal frames being 2" channels. This price is for a modified V-bottom design. If a round bilge is desired, the price would be $31,000.00.

 
C. A. Rollings photo source
Transport and insurance to Parry Sound would be $350.00

Delivery could be made within two to three months after decision re design.

Our normal terms on an order of this size are 25% with order, 25% when 90% of the materials are on hand and 50% of work is completed, 25% when the vessel is launched and the balance of 25% net 30 days after acceptance by the owner. However, other terms might be arranged.

All of the above prices of course are approximate and are subject to revision upon receipt of drawings and specifications. One expensive item in the price is metallizing which we estimate would cost about $5,000.00 including the blasting. The metallizing would certainly increase the life of the vessel and perhaps allow for the use of light sheeting, but we would suggest that its value depends upon the use to which the boat is to be put. Perhaps an aluminum vessel might also have merits. Aluminum is being used more and more quite satisfactorily. There is quite a saving in weight, but of course the cost is 35% to 50% higher than steel not including metallizing.

We appreciate the opportunity of sending you the above information and trust that it may be of assistance to you. If you would like to discuss this proposal with us we would be pleased to either visit you or have you visit us in Owen Sound at your convenience. Thank you for your inquiry and if we can be further assistance please do not hesitate to contact us. Yours very truly, RUSSEL BROTHERS LIMITED.

 

Plans courtesy of Gerry Shipman, Jan. 2019. Design #522-B drawn by Stan T. Cossey June 6, 1955. Gerry comments (Jan. 2019): "So when we bought Sound Boat Works (Parry Sound, ON) in 1973 there was a drawer full of folded drawings and plans, this sheet was among them. Today was the first time I've unfolded it."

 

Design #307 Rogers Cruiser Jan. 1946 (Arbee II), Hull 1084 Frames plans from Aug. 1955.

 

Scan of the plan provided by Gerry Shipman Jan. 22, 2019.
Enlarge to: 2048 pixels wide (jpg 369kb)       9677 pixels wide (jpg 7887kb)       PDF document (692kb)

 

Scan of the plan provided by Gerry Shipman Jan. 29, 2019.
Enlarge to: 2048 pixels wide (jpg 213kb)             PDF document (374kb)

 

Scan of the plan provided by Gerry Shipman Jan. 29, 2019.
Enlarge to: 2048 pixels wide (jpg 395kb)             PDF document (755kb)

 

For more Russel exhibits visit Owen Sound Marine & Rail Museum 1165 1st Ave West, Owen Sound, ON N4K 4K8
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