All Along The Waterfront: Pleasure Crafts
A brief look at the pleasure craft boat industry in Niagara-on-the-Lake (NOTL).
The shipbuilding industry in NOTL was revived with the advent of the pleasure craft. Companies like Shepherd Boats Works, C&C Yachts, and Hinterhoeller Ltd. brought significant economic activity and employment to our small quiet town
Shepherd Boats c.1950Niagara-on-the-Lake Museum
Shepherd Boat Works
Shepherd Boats, founded by Lloyd H. Shepherd and his son, Howard, moved their plant to NOTL in 1940. They built custom, quality mahogany boats that became popular in North America during the 1950s.
Shepherd Boats, c.1956-1970 1968 50' Shepherd Motor Yacht c.1968-1970Niagara-on-the-Lake Museum
Becoming a leader in the manufacture and sale of pleasure boats, the company saw a major boom in production with a yearly output exceeding 400 vessles.
Shepherd Boats, c.1956-1970 1968 50' Shepherd Motor Yacht c.1968-1970Niagara-on-the-Lake Museum
In the 1960s, the plant began to produce large motor yachts. Even though business increased, production moved to the United States in 1978 to save money. The last Shepherd boat built in Town was a 54-foot yacht called "The Ozark Star".
Here are some plans for their 28' Cruiser, which was one of Shepherd's popular models.
Shepherd Boat's even sponsored a local women's baseball team!
Hinterhoeller Plaque, c.1960-1989Niagara-on-the-Lake Museum
Hinterhoeller Ltd.
George Hinterhoeller, who initially worked for Shepherd Boats, enjoyed designing and building small sailboats in his backyard during his spare time. In partnership with Gordon Brinsmead, they created Hinterhoeller Ltd. in 1959.
Shark 24 Model, 1959Niagara-on-the-Lake Museum
Hinterhoeller prospered with the production of the sailboat known as "The Shark". This boat became an affordable option that helped change the culture of sailing in NOTL.
Shark Blueprint, c.1959Niagara-on-the-Lake Museum
The Shark was built specifically for Lake Ontario and was considered a family boat that was still capable of racing. Now anyone could enjoy sailing!
C&C Logo, c.1970-1980Niagara-on-the-Lake Museum
C&C Yachts
George Cuthbertson and George Cassain, the two Cs of the company, made custom sailboats. Their designs were for the cruising sailor who enjoyed the odd race, but in 1968, their boat "Red Jacket’ was the first non-American boat to win the Southern Ocean Racing Conference (SORC).
C&C 27Niagara-on-the-Lake Museum
Their boats were known to be fast and dependable, and in 1964, they were one of the first companies to design a boat made of fibreglass. After merging with Hinterhoeller Ltd., they built the Redwing 30, 35, and the Invader series. The merge resulted in C&C Yachts Limited.
C&C Yachts, c.1980Niagara-on-the-Lake Museum
Hinterhoeller Ltd. joined C&C Yachts from 1969-1976. George was President for a time, but he preferred designing and building boats. He left C&C and created Hinterhoeller Yachts Ltd.
Shark Advertisments. c.1960s-1980s 22nd Shark World, c.1960s-1980sNiagara-on-the-Lake Museum
After Hinterhoeller and C&C split, C&C continued to produce "The Shark".
24' - 0" L.W.L. Auxiliary Sloop, 1963Niagara-on-the-Lake Museum
In the 1970s, C&C was one of the largest sailboat builders in the world. In 1973, they sold 480 boats.
C&C images C&C fire, 1994Niagara-on-the-Lake Museum
By 1986 the company went into bankruptcy. New owners tried to revive the company, but the local plant suffered a major setback. In 1994, the plant caught on fire and caused millions in damages. The plant closed in 1996 and C&C was sold to Tartan Yachts in Ohio.
C&C 30, c.1960sNiagara-on-the-Lake Museum
Today, the Pillar and Post Inn gardens stand where the C&C factory was.
Sailing Club Basin, c.1960sNiagara-on-the-Lake Museum
The pleasure craft industry expanded the leisure pursuits of NOTL beyond its shores and brought prosperity to NOTL.
