18 Canadian Yachting JUNE 2017PortsToronto Presents AUGUST 17-19, 2017
http://www.sailincinema.comlocally, the covers and Biminis made by third generation seam-
stresses in Parry Sound, and handmade oars coming from
Western Canada. The resins, glass cloth, hardware, plumbing,
and electrical components are all sourced from the United
States.
When all of the processes are complete, typically four to six
weeks from the inception of the process, the boat is sent to Sean
for quality control. The rigorous tests that the boats are put
through are meticulously completed using a 6-16 page checklist,
and can sometimes take as long as four days to complete for a
single boat. “The best part about semi-
custom boats,” Sean happily tells us “is
that there is something new every time.”
Even with the 60 rowboats and 200
plus powerboats they are currently pro-
ducing out of this factory on a yearly
basis, each and every boat receives care-
ful attention to detail and customizations
based on customer requests. Scott esti-
mates that the infrastructure of the facil-
ity could accommodate an increase that is
three to four times what they currently
produce while still maintaining the dedication to quality and
craftsmanship that the business was founded on. “We’re a very
different company now in terms of size, but we’re no different
in terms of George’s commitment to quality, performance, and
building boats one at a time.” This historic dedication shows.
Each boat - very much a unique vessel at the intersection of cus-
tomer input and handcrafted skill - is a product of the extended
Rossiter family.
They are pieces of art, testaments to craftsmanship, and a
new symbol of Canadian boatbuilding. •The new facility in Markdale, Ontario
accommodates top quality molds and
glass work.