“Heather Belle” is a 36 ft cabin launch, built in 1890 by the Marine Engine and Machine Company of Harrison New Jersey, which was owned by E.C. Harrison, a close friend of U.S. President Grover Cleveland. It was this boat which inspired Graeme Ferguson to write the book, The Naphtha Revolution. When “Heather Belle” was delivered to Canada in 1902, she was powered by an alco-vapor engine, invented by Frank Ofeldt, who was also the inventor of naphtha engines. “Heather Belle” resided on Lake Rosseau for many years, before coming to Lake of Bays. She is now powered by an electric motor that delivers an 8 kts cruise.
Additional Information:
Heather Belle has a well documented history beginning with her registration and documentation when she came to Canada in 1902. The boat was restored and professionally maintained by Tim Butson Wooden Boat Builder of Muskoka. The original Compound Motor and a significant collection of photos and documents come with the boat. A current survey is also available.
Short closed fore deck, enclosed main cockpit with the helm forward, bench seats aft port and starboard, aft cockpit with the hardtop extending over the aft cockpit, aft deck, engine compartment under the floor in the aft cockpit. Carvel construction, cedar bottom and top side planking reinforced with white oak 1" by 1" steam bent ribs on 13 inch centers and mahogany partial bulkheads on approximately 26 inch centers, white oak and mahogany decks, white oak and mahogany cabin trunk, mahogany hardtop with a canvas covering, brass hardware.
Electrical and Wiring:
12 and 72 volt. Copper strand wire, insulated, fused. The majority of the wiring is located under the aft deck and appears in good condition, neat and well secured, There is a 12 volt fuse block under the fore deck. The AC panel is located under the aft deck and is fit with copper wire and duplex receptacles. One standard 12 volt battery along with ten 12 volt deep cycle 8D batteries under the main cockpit and aft cockpit floor, two 12 volt deep cycle batteries under the fore deck. One 3000 watt Elco charger and six 30 amp inverters
Boat Info:
Model: 36 Cabin Launch
Year: 1890
Builder: Marine Engine & Machine Co
Designer: E.C. Harrison
Construction: Wood
Length: 36 ft
Length Overall: 36 ft
Beam: 7'4 ft
Max Draft: 2'9 ft
Cabins Count: 1
Engines / Speed
Engines: 1
• Make: SLT Technologies Kostov
• Model: 72 volt
• Fuel: Electric
• Engine Power: 8hp
• Type: Electric
• Propeller Type: 3 Blade Bronze
• Drive Type: Straight