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History/Mission StatementH The question is often asked, "How did you get into wooden boat-building and restoration"? Honestly,...... it was by chance!

Vic's lessons extended outside the shop. Unfortunately, after suffering a stroke, Vic Carpenter was forced to retire. I regard Vic very much a friend, and thank him for the experience he gave me.

In the early 1980's, I was employed as a deck officer on a Great Lakes ship. At the time, I was living in Midland Ontario. Work was in short supply, and winter was coming, which meant a lay-up for Great Lakes shipping. A friend suggested that I visit Vic Carpenter at Superior Sailboats in Port McNicol. I had a hobby interest in woodworking, and a lifelong love of boats and water. My curiosity was piqued. Upon investigation, I learned that Vic had a reputation of being a taskmaster, to say the least. I walked into Vic's shop and, like most people who entered the first time, stood there in shock! He was building a 65 foot racing sailboat in mahogany. Conventional opinion would have one believe that wood boats just couldn't compete in this day of modern composite construction. Vic, over the course of the next five years, would teach me differently. That first day I walked out of his shop shaking my head and thinking to myself, "What have I gotten myself into? Did I just beg for a minimum wage job"?!

Over time I came to realize a simple truth. A lot of boat builders claim to be the best, but Vic was the "real deal". In a lot of ways he was a "father" of modern wood boat building. Many of us, including Jan Gougeon, cofounder of West System Epoxy, had our start in this very shop. The Gougeons went on to develop and market an epoxy system, and to educate the public on how to use epoxies. There is no denying that this spirit of experimentation had its roots in Jan's time spent at Superior Sailboats.

My time in this shop was like the story of "Camelot". Ideas were allowed to flow freely. Vic had the final say in all things, but at times would allow a certain amount of creativity to flow out of his staff. Vic wasn't one to turn down a good idea. Under this atmosphere my skill and knowledge quickly grew. This at first, was a job, and much was expected of you. However, if you were willing to listen, Vic was a masterful teacher.

His lessons in boat design and naval architecture have been invaluable to me over the years. Some of us came away with the best schooling in wood boat design and construction available anywhere. It cost nothing but sweat, time, patience and the occasional bruised ego when an "idea" was shown to be flawed.

Unfortunately, like Camelot, jobs like this don't last forever. While first it was a job, eventually I came to regard my time as an informal apprenticeship. Eventually it came time to take on the role of "journeyman". When I looked around, this shop had taken me to a level of skill not matched in any other shop here in Ontario. I came to the realization that I was at a turning point in my career; at any other shop I would be held back. The only thing left was to venture off and start my own business.

With a heavy heart and many good memories I gave notice in the autumn of 1991. With the five years' experience at Superior Sailboats, and the financial help of two good friends, (Doug Inglis, Ed Wojtecki) Lyons Marine was born.

From the very beginning, my belief has been to produce uncompromising work on whatever crosses my door! It doesn't matter whether it is a plywood skiff, Seabird or Minett. My best efforts go into each boat!

I despise the idea of disposable consumerism. Wood boats, when properly maintained, can last almost indefinitely! In my restoration work, I ask my clients to forget about "present market value". Instead, I remind them to focus on the good service and value these boats have brought to their families. Many times these are boats that have been handed down through generations. They are full of memories that demand my respect, and deserve to be repaired properly.

My new construction is also uncompromising. I use the finest materials available, and every thought is given towards creating a product that is safe, beautiful, and will have a long life. My boats are tomorrow's heirlooms.

What brought on these obsessions with quality?

Early on in my business career, I became concerned about the plight of the tropical rainforest. I began to wonder about my place in this new, emerging world. It became clear to me that my fate was tied to the forest! We both must survive together. Wood is a renewable resource that requires very little energy input to produce a boat. My boats are "hand-built", and custom ordered. I make a point to make the best possible use of materials and waste nothing. Sometimes to watch me cut a board is like watching a diamond cutter at work. By building boats whose life span may exceed considerably my own life, I am making the best possible use of materials. Placing value in the wood means value in the trees, resulting in the forests' ultimate survival.

Are you ready for a boat built or restored by Lyons Marine?