Emergency Boatbuilders of WWII

In World War I, the emergency shipbuilding effort in Canada had concentrated on meeting the need for cargo ships: boatbuilders were in much less demand. When World War II came, there was no shortage of large yards that could build cargo ships but the need for large numbers of small craft resulted in the need not only to mobilize active boatbuilders but also to encourage the development of many additional boatbuilding yards. This table provides the construction records of the 34 most significant boatbuilders, those that built tugs, minesweepers, torpedo boats, Fairmiles, crash boats and a variety of harbor craft. Most of these tables are limited to wartime production: an ongoing challenge is to add details of their peacetime production. Finally, please note that there were maybe 70 more companies that built small craft for the war effort, but these were often manufacturing operations rather than boatyards and are beyond the scope of this website.

Canadian Bridge Co.

Windsor ON

Canadian Bridge Company goes back to the beginning of the 20th century and was what it sounds like, a heavy steel fabricator, It apparently only built boats during WWII, becoming part of Dominion Steel & Coal Corp., (DOSCO), which has been gone for some time. The company's address is always given as Hiram Walker's Walkerville, part of Windsor ON, but it seems that the shipyard itself was to the west, between Sandwich and Ojibway, which are also now part of Windsor.

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CN O/N Name Customer Type Tons LOA Built Notes
CT 1 to 27 RN TANAC tugboat 55 60 1942-46
CT 28 RN TANAC tugboat 55 60 1942-46 later Lac Como
CT 29 to 30 RN TANAC tugboat 55 60 1942-46
CT 51 to 60 RN TANAC tugboat 55 60 1942-46
CT 101 to 129 RN TANAC tugboat 55 60 1942-46
450 Dundalk (AOC 501) RCN oiler 13 Nov 1943 sold 1959, fate unknown
451 Dundurn (AOC 502) RCN oiler 25 Nov 1943 sold c1990, breakwater in North Vancouver 1995
762 Riverton (W-47) RCN tugboat 462 5 Aug 1944 later ATA-528, sold
763 Maxwell (W-46) RCN tugboat 462 20 Oct 1944 sold 1947 as Hugh Jones
764 Clifton (W-36) RCN tugboat 462 21 Nov 1944 later ATA-529, sold as Clifton

Canadian Power Boat Co., Ltd.

Montreal QC

Canadian Power Boat Company was set up by Hubert Scott-Paine's British Power Boat Company at the start of WWII, to build their Scott-Paine-designed boats for the Canadian Navy: it closed and was sold in 1947. The yard was on the Lachine Canal, at 4000 Rue St. Patrick, on the site of the old Fraser, Brace shipyard: the main building is still there.

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CN O/N Name Customer Type Tons LOA Built Notes
102 CMTB-01/MTB-332 RN torpedo boat 70 1941 prototype, built in Britain, briefly RCN
103 CMTB-02/MTB-333 RN torpedo boat 70 1941
104 CMTB-03/MTB-334 RN torpedo boat 70 1941
105 CMTB-04/MTB-335 RN torpedo boat 70 1941
106 CMTB-05/MTB-336 RN torpedo boat 70 1941
107 CMTB-06/MTB-337 RN torpedo boat 70 1941
108 CMTB-07/MTB-338 RN torpedo boat 70 1941 lost by explosion 1942
109 CMTB-08/MTB-339 RN torpedo boat 70 1941
110 CMTB-09/MTB-340 RN torpedo boat 70 1941
111 CMTB-10/MTB-341 RN torpedo boat 70 1941
112 CMTB-11/MTB-342 RN torpedo boat 70 1941
113 CMTB-12/MTB-343 RN torpedo boat 70 1941
Nootka (M-208) RCAF HSL/ASR boat 70 1942 to RCN 1952 as HSL 208, sold 1957
310365 Malecite (M-231) RCAF HSL/ASR boat 70 1942 to RCN 1952 as HSL 231, sold 1957 as Malecite
Takuli (M-232) RCAF HSL/ASR boat 70 1942 to RCN 1952 as HSL 232, sold 1957
Abnaki (M-233) RCAF HSL/ASR boat 70 1942 to RCN 1952 as HSL 233, sold 1957
Montagnais (M-234) RCAF HSL/ASR boat 70 1942 to RCN 1952 as HSL 234, sold 1957 as Vancouver Spirit, sank
189288 Huron (M-235) RCAF HSL/ASR boat 70 1942 to RCN 1952 as HSL 235, sold 1957 as Marborene, Seaward
RCAF range boat 40 1942
RCAF range boat 40 1942
RCAF range boat 40 1942
RCAF range boat 40 1942
RCAF range boat 40 1942
RCAF range boat 40 1942
319247 Beaver III 40 1942 one of the above?
176759 Flicker 40 1942 one of the above?
186 TM 22 RNN torpedo boat 70 1942 struck 1947
187 TM 23 RNN torpedo boat 70 1942 damaged and scrapped 1943
188 TM 24 RNN torpedo boat 70 1942 damaged and scrapped 1944
189 TM 25 RNN torpedo boat 70 1942 exploded and sank Feb-43
TM 26 RNN torpedo boat 70 1942 to Australia 1944 as PMB 26
TM 27 RNN torpedo boat 70 1942 exploded and scrapped 1943
TM 28 RNN torpedo boat 70 1942 to Britain 1944
TM 29 RNN torpedo boat 70 1942 to Britain 1944, struck 1946
TM 30 RNN torpedo boat 70 1942 to Britain 1944, struck 1946
TM 31 RNN torpedo boat 70 1942 to Britain 1944, wrecked Sep-44 and scrapped
TM 32 RNN torpedo boat 70 1942 to USN 1943 as PT-368, Oct-44 and scuttled
TM 33 RNN torpedo boat 70 1942 to Australia 1944 as PMB 33, destroyed Nov-45
TM 34 RNN torpedo boat 70 1942 damaged and destroyed
TM 35 RNN torpedo boat 70 1942 to USN 1943 as PT-369, decommissioned Nov-45
TM 36 RNN torpedo boat 70 1942 to USN 1943 as PT-370, decommissioned Nov-45
TM 37 RNN torpedo boat 70 1942 to USN 1943 as PT-371, Sep-44 and scuttled
Kenora (MP 90) RCMP launch 24 1947 sold 1957 as Ambassador
Fort Frances (MP 91) RCMP launch 24 1947 sold 1957

Central Bridge Co., Ltd.

Trenton ON

Central Bridge Co. was a heavy steel fabricator that turned its hand to boats for the war effort. It was sold to Toronto Iron Works in 1950 and has been closed for some time. Can anyone tell me who started it and when; when did it close and why? One source puts it at 300 West Street, where Crawford Metals is today: this site is not right on the river, but it's not far off. Can anyone confirm this location?

CN O/N Name Customer Type Tons LOA Built Notes
CT 31 to 40 RN TANAC tugboat 55 60 1943
169899 CT 41 RN TANAC tugboat 55 60 1943 later Vancouver, Lac Vancouver
CT 42 RN TANAC tugboat 55 60 1943 later Irving Poplar
169901 CT 43 RN TANAC tugboat 55 60 1943 later TANAC-43
CT 44 RN TANAC tugboat 55 60 1943
169902 CT 45 RN TANAC tugboat 55 60 1943 later TANAC-45
CT 66 to 73 RN TANAC tugboat 55 60 1944
169952 CT 74 RN TANAC tugboat 55 60 1944 later Lac Erie
169953 CT 75 RN TANAC tugboat 55 60 1944 later Manitoba, Lac Manitoba
169971 TANAC tugboat 55 60 1944 later Irving Spruce
CT 76 to 85 RN TANAC tugboat 55 60 1944
CT 130 to 221 RN TANAC tugboat 55 60 1944-5
176162 CT 222 RN TANAC tugboat 55 60 1945 later Willa P, TANAC V-222
CT 223 to 250 RN TANAC tugboat 55 60 1945
177311 one of the above TANAC tugboat 55 60 1945 later Bonnie J. B., Roxane D
179278 one of the above TANAC tugboat 55 60 1945 later M. R. Kane
310825 one of the above TANAC tugboat 55 60 1945 later Toronto, Irving Alder
179313 HC-140 RCN water barge 79 1943 sold 1945 as B. D. Renford
179325 HC-141 RCN water barge 79 1943 sold 1946 as I.O. Ltd. No. 7, Charles D, Workboat No. 11, Nimia Tambora
HC-182 RCN water barge 79 1943 sold 1948, fate unknown
178986 HC-203 RCN ammunition lighter 79 1943 sold post-war as Banspray
HC-184 RCN ammunition lighter 79 1943 retained post-war, fate unknown
178981 HC-185 RCN ammunition lighter 79 1943 sold 1948 as DH&PW Work Craft
177944 HC-186 RCN ammunition lighter 79 1943 sold 1947 as Trois Pistoles
HC-204 RCN ammunition lighter 79 1943 retained post-war, fate unknown
329737 HC-205 RCN ammunition lighter 79 1943 sold post-war as J. P. P. No. 3
RCN fire tugboat cancelled but completed and sold
FT 1 RCN fire tugboat 1945 later YTM-556
323459 FT 3 RCN fire tugboat 1945 later YTM-558, sold 1964 as St. John's fireboat
RCN fire tugboat cancelled but completed and sold
FT 2 RCN fire tugboat 1946 later YTM-557
RCN fire tugboat cancelled but completed and sold
175554 H.B.C. Barge No. 211 tank barge 296 115 1946 later Radium 211
175555 H.B.C. Barge No. 212 tank barge 296 115 1946 later Radium 212
175558 Radium 256 barge 449 150 1946 later Radium 701
175559 Radium 257 barge 449 150 1946 later Radium 702
175560 NT 801 barge 596 175 1946 later NT 821
175561 NT 802 barge 596 175 1946 later NT 822
178981 offshore Salvor closed
300791 JD 17 closed
325721 Melita closed
800435 Marc Dean closed
Chief Commands ferry 1946 closed

M. R. Chappell

Sydney NS

M. R. Chappell was an architect and a member of a family which operated a successful construction company in Sydney. I can find no record of the location of his boatyard.

CN O/N Name Customer Type Tons LOA Built Notes
725 FS-1 RCN scow 90 1944 sold post-war, fate unknown
726 FS-2 RCN scow 90 1944 sold post-war, fate unknown
727 FS-3 RCN scow 90 1944 sold post-war, fate unknown
728 FS-4 RCN scow 90 1944 sold post-war, fate unknown
729 FS-5 RCN scow 90 1944 sold post-war, fate unknown
730 FS-6 RCN scow 90 1944 sold post-war, fate unknown
731 FS-7 RCN scow 90 1944 sold post-war, fate unknown
735 RCN ammunition lighter 55 1944 sold post-war, fate unknown
792 FS-11 RCN repair barge 40 1944 sold post-war, fate unknown
793 FS-12 RCN tender Scow 20 1944 sold post-war, fate unknown
987 345796 HC-329 RCN sullage lighter 50 1945 sold post-war as B.S.G.
988 HC-330 RCN sullage lighter 50 1945 sold post-war, fate unknown
989 HC-331 RCN sullage lighter 50 1945 sold post-war, fate unknown
990 HC-332 RCN sullage lighter 50 1945 sold post-war, fate unknown
991 HC-333 RCN sullage lighter 50 1945 sold post-war, fate unknown
1019 HC-334 RCN sullage lighter 50 1945 retained post-war, fate unknown

Clare Shipbuilders Co.

Meteghan NS

(formerly Meteghan Shipbuilding)

Clare Shipbuilders was formed in 1940, but almost immediately sold to Clarke Steamship Co. It was located on the site previously occupied by Meteghan Shipbuilding, which was across Highway 10 from where the A. F. Theriault yard is today.

CN O/N Name Customer Type Tons LOA Built Notes
Administratrix trawler 120 1930 built by Meteghan Shipbuilding
Beatrice L tugboat 127 1931 built by Meteghan Shipbuilding
Connosseur tugboat 122 1931 built by Meteghan Shipbuilding
Anna D tugboat 122 1932 built by Meteghan Shipbuilding
Aristocrat freighter 122 1932 built by Meteghan Shipbuilding
158 MMS-104 RN minesweeper 225 117 4 Jul 1942 to Italy 1946 as DR 210, sold 1956
159 MMS-105 RN minesweeper 225 117 4 Jul 1942 to Italy 1946 as DR 211, sold 1956
265 MMS-106 RN minesweeper 225 117 4 Jul 1942 to Italy 1946 as DR 216, scrapped 1956
355 MMS-196 RN minesweeper 225 117 15 Dec 1942 sold 1946
356 MMS-197 RN minesweeper 225 117 15 Dec 1942 to Burma 1946
357 MMS-198 RN minesweeper 225 117 15 Dec 1942 sold 1946
358 MMS-199 RN minesweeper 225 117 10 Feb 1943 sold 1946
422 MMS-242 RN minesweeper 225 117 5 May 1943 sold 1946 as Jero
423 MMS-243 RN minesweeper 225 117 12 May 1943 sold 1946
424 MMS-244 RN minesweeper 225 117 14 Jun 1943 sold 1945
425 MMS-245 RN minesweeper 225 117 7 Jun 1943 sold 1946 as Airmoor III
426 MMS-246 RN minesweeper 225 117 29 Jun 1943 sold 1945
427 MMS-247 RN minesweeper 225 117 29 Jun 1943 sold 1946 as Airmoor I
598 MMS-1050 RN minesweeper 225 117 14 Jun 1944 sold 1946 as Elieser 5
599 MMS-1051 RN minesweeper 225 117 18 Jul 1944 sold 1946 as Admiral Blake (ON 197361), Husvik, Timann, Mina C
600 MMS-1052 RN minesweeper 225 117 24 Aug 1944 sold 1946 as Arcus
601 MMS-1053 RN minesweeper 225 117 25 Sep 1944 sold 1946 as Admiral Drake
602 MMS-1054 RN minesweeper 225 117 21 Nov 1944 sold 1946 as Dolphin, Greenland
603 MMS-1055 RN minesweeper 225 117 21 Nov 1944 sold 1946 as Admiral Pound, Havbraut
604 MMS-1056 RN minesweeper 225 117 11 Jan 1945 sold 1946 as Jane Lolk, June
605 MMS-1057 RN minesweeper 225 117 11 Jan 1945 sold 1946
606 MMS-1058 RN minesweeper 225 117 26 Feb 1945 sold 1946 as Jorgen Claus
607 MMS-1059 RN minesweeper 225 117 27 Mar 1945 sold 1946
608 MMS-1060 RN minesweeper 225 117 2 May 1945 to RNVR 1954 as St. Mungo, sold 1958
609 MMS-1061 RN minesweeper 225 117 2 Jun 1945 to RNVR 1954 as Mersey, scrapped 1958

Dartmouth Lumber Company

Dartmouth NS

Dartmouth Lumber Company is a mystery.

CN O/N Name Customer Type Tons LOA Built Notes
206 178091 HDPC-5 RCN harbor craft 1942 to RCMP 1945, sold later as Merlyn F
207 190257 HDPC-6 RCN harbor craft 1942 to RCMP 1945, sold later as David Hubley
208 HDPC-7 RCN harbor craft 1942 to RCMP 1945, fate unknown

John Etherington Co.

Shelburne NS

John Etherington Co. was a long-established boatbuilder in Shelburne.

CN O/N Name Customer Type Tons LOA Built Notes
815 190350 HC-272 RCN harbor craft 46 1944 sold 1948 as Glenantrim
836 HC-224 RCN harbor craft 46 1944 sold post-war, fate unknown

Foundation Maritime Ltd.

Montreal QC

Foundation Maritime was a towing company with its own boatyard.

CN O/N Name Customer Type Tons LOA Built Notes
214 GV-1 RCN gate vessel 1942 sold post-war, fate unknown
215 GV-2 RCN gate vessel 1942 sold post-war, fate unknown
1020 HC-348 RCN tank barge 50 1945 retained post-war, fate unknown

Greavette Boats Ltd.

Gravenhurst ON

Greavette Boats was started by Tom Greavette in 1930 and closed in 1978. Its location is not clear, because different sources describe the yard differently.

CN O/N Name Customer Type Tons LOA Built Notes
130 Q-054 RN fairmile launch 85 112 17 Oct 1941 sold post-war, fate unknown
131 Q-055 RN fairmile launch 85 112 6 Nov 1941 sold post-war, fate unknown
184 Q-056 RN fairmile launch 85 112 24 Nov 1941 sold post-war, fate unknown
193 177961 Q-077 RN fairmile launch 85 112 6 Feb 1942 sold 1947 as Coastal Queen
194 178914 Q-078 RN fairmile launch 85 112 6 Feb 1942 sold 1951 as Louviecourt
407 192332 Q-089 RN fairmile launch 85 112 15 Oct 1942 sold 1949 as Amy May
408 Q-090 RN fairmile launch 85 112 19 Nov 1942 sold post-war, fate unknown
409 175449 Q-091 RN fairmile launch 85 112 17 May 1943 sold 1947 as Nine-One
739 Q-114 RN fairmile launch 85 112 23 Nov 1943 to RCMP 1945 as Fort Selkirk

Grew Boats Ltd.

Penetanguishene ON

Grew Boats had its start as Gidley Boats, in 1882. In 1932, it was taken over and renamed by Arthur Grew. The yard was at the foot of Main Street. After WWII, it was moved to Owen Sound and continues there today.

CN O/N Name Customer Type Tons LOA Built Notes
182 Q-072 RN fairmile launch 85 112 24 Nov 1941 sold post-war, fate unknown
183 Q-073 RN fairmile launch 85 112 24 Nov 1941 sold post-war, fate unknown
416 179262 Q-098 RN fairmile launch 85 112 7 Nov 1942 to Quebec Government 1948 as Le St. Barnabe
417 177801 Q-099 RN fairmile launch 85 112 7 Nov 1942 sold 1948 as Dupedon
418 Q-100 RN fairmile launch 85 112 7 Nov 1942 sold post-war, fate unknown
592 Q-106 RN fairmile launch 85 112 28 Aug 1943 retained as HMCS Beaver (PTC-706), sold 1958
593 173219 Q-107 RN fairmile launch 85 112 9 Nov 1943 sold 1949 as Miss Chevrolet
742 Q-117 RN fairmile launch 85 112 16 Nov 1943 to RCMP 1945 as Fort Steele, sold 1947
917 Hickory Lake (J-488) RCN 360 126 14 Aug 1945 to Russia 1946 as T-194
918 Larch Lake (J-489) RCN 360 126 2 Nov 1945 to Russia 1946 as T-198

Honey Harbour Navigation Co.

Midland ON

Honey Harbour was a wartime joint venture of Port Carling Boat Works and Minett-Shields.

CN O/N Name Customer Type Tons LOA Built Notes
126 176991 Q-050 RN fairmile launch 85 112 18 Nov 1941 sold 1945 as Stanba
127 192751 Q-051 RN fairmile launch 85 112 24 Nov 1941 sold 1945 as Radel II
197 175447 Q-081 RN fairmile launch 85 112 27 May 1942 sold 1947 as Ernext G
198 Q-082 RN fairmile launch 85 112 27 May 1942 damaged and disposed-of 1945

Hunter Boats

Orillia ON

Hunter Boats was created by Alastair Hunter in 1931, when he acquired the former Ditchburn Boats: it closed in 1976. The yard was at the foot of Colborne Street: it is a waterfront park today.

CN O/N Name Customer Type Tons LOA Built Notes
134 Q-060 RN fairmile launch 85 112 1 Nov 1941 sold post-war, fate unknown
135 Q-061 RN fairmile launch 85 112 11 Nov 1941 sold post-war, fate unknown
201 177908 Q-085 RN fairmile launch 85 112 13 Jun 1942 sold 1951 as Suzette No. 1
410 Q-092 RN fairmile launch 85 112 11 Feb 1942 sold post-war, fate unknown
411 Q-093 RN fairmile launch 85 112 11 Feb 1942 sold post-war, fate unknown
595 173498 Q-109 RN fairmile launch 85 112 23 Aug 1943 sold 1948 as Quetzal II
741 195981 Q-116 RN fairmile launch 85 112 7 Dec 1944 HMCS Reindeer (PTC-716), sold 1957 as Supertrader
865 198166 HC-313 RCN harbor craft 46 1944 sold 1945 as Kanata
866 HC-314 RCN harbor craft 46 1944 sold post-war, fate unknown
946 179177 HC-327 RCN passenger craft 72 1945 sold 1945 as Rayola Jean
947 HC-328 RCN passenger craft 72 1945 sold post-war, fate unknown

J. H. LeBlanc Shipbuilding Co.

Weymouth NS

John LeBlanc started J. H. LeBlanc Shipbuilding Company at the beginning of WWII. It was located (we think) at the end of Moody's Lane, on a site that had been a shipyard since 1786. It continued after the war, under the name of Weymouth Industries, until destroyed by fire in 1958.

CN O/N Name Customer Type Tons LOA Built Notes
136 175446 Q-064 RN fairmile motor launch 85 112 15 May 1942 sold 1947 as Six-Four
137 177628 Q-065 RN fairmile motor launch 85 112 15 May 1942 sold 1946 as Nelvana
199 174987 Q-083 RN fairmile motor launch 85 112 25 May 1942 sold 1946 as Nadine II
200 175448 Q-084 RN fairmile motor launch 85 112 18 Jun 1942 sold 1946 as Lazy Mariner
202 HDPC-1 RCN harbor defense patrol craft 1942 to RCMP
203 HDPC-2 RCN harbor defense patrol craft 1942 to RCMP
204 HDPC-3 RCN harbor defense patrol craft 1942 to RCMP
205 HDPC-4 RCN harbor defense patrol craft 1942 to RCMP
237 150636 HC-1 RCN harbor craft 46 1942 sold 1946 as Annette Allard
238 177539 HC-2 RCN harbor craft 46 1942 sold 1946 as Ray Tibbo
239 191277 HC-3 RCN harbor craft 46 1942 sold 1946 as Sea Craft
240 177430 HC-4 RCN harbor craft 46 1942 sold 1946 as W.A.C. 7
280 Q-392 USN fairmile motor launch 85 112 26 Sep 1942 to USN as SC-1466, to Mexico 1943
281 Q-393 USN fairmile motor launch 85 112 26 Jun 1942 to USN as SC-1467, scrapped 1948
282 Q-394 USN fairmile motor launch 85 112 1 Oct 1942 to USN as SC-1468, scrapped 1948
283 Q-395 USN fairmile motor launch 85 112 26 Sep 1942 to USN as SC-1469, to Mexico 1943
284 190908 Q-396 USN fairmile motor launch 85 112 23 Oct 1942 to USN as SC-1470, Panther (IX-105), sold 1947 as Mohawk II
285 Q-397 USN fairmile motor launch 85 112 23 Oct 1942 to USN as SC-1471, to Mexico 1943
286 Q-398 USN fairmile motor launch 85 112 5 Dec 1942 to USN as SC-1472, scrapped 1948
287 Q-399 USN fairmile motor launch 85 112 5 Dec 1942 to USN as SC-1473, scrapped 1948
436 MMS-252 RN tugboat 225 117 7 Sep 1943 sold 1946
437 MMS-253 RN tugboat 225 117 7 Sep 1943 sold 1946
476 326036 HC-156 RCN boom tender 46 1943 sold 1965 as Towadon
477 177439 HC-163 RCN boom tender 46 1943 sold 1946 as Enterprise E
478 197586 HC-208 RCN boom tender 46 1943 sold 1946 as James E
479 HC-209 RCN boom tender 46 1943 sold post-war, fate unknown
480 HC-210 RCN boom tender 46 1943 sold post-war, fate unknown
597 Q-111 RN fairmile motor launch 85 112 9 Sep 1943 sold 1945, reaccquired 1951 as HMCS Moose (PTC-711), retird 1956
745 190893 Q-120 RN fairmile motor launch 85 112 27 Jan 1944 sold 1946 as Nelvana II
746 192093 Q-121 RN fairmile motor launch 85 112 17 Apr 1944 retained as PTC-721, sold 1953 as Inshore Fisherman
781 HC-232 RCN boom tender 46 1944 sold post-war, fate unknown
782 HC-233 RCN boom tender 46 1944 sold post-war, fate unknown
783 192521 HC-234 RCN boom tender 46 1944 sold 1946 as Harbour Craft 234
784 HC-235 RCN boom tender 46 1944 sold post-war, fate unknown
49 818 178093 Atwood (Z.47) RCN target Towing Vessel 60 1944 sold 1948 as Atwood
50 819 192842 Brentwood (Z.48) RCN target Towing Vessel 60 1944 sold 1948 as La Sardiniere
51 820 Eastwood (Z.49) RCN target Towing Vessel 60 1944 retained as YMT 550
52 821 Greenwood (Z.50) RCN target Towing Vessel 60 1944 retained as YMT 551
871 HC-294 RCN boom tender 46 1944 sold post-war, fate unknown
872 HC-295 RCN boom tender 46 1944 sold post-war, fate unknown
873 HC-299 RCN boom tender 46 1944 sold post-war, fate unknown
892 Glenwood (W-45) RCN tugboat 155 cancelled but completed and sold as Ocean Weka
943 HC-324 RCN passenger craft 72 1945 sold post-war, fate unknown
944 310123 HC-325 RCN passenger craft 72 1945 sold 1946 as Car-Shar, Jean Kathleen II
945 179268 HC-326 RCN passenger craft 72 1945 sold 1946 as Laurentia No. 1

Kenneth McAlpine & Son

Shelburne NS

Kenneth McAlpine's yard was started in 1908 and was a highly regarded builder of fishing vessels and yachts, located on Water Street in downtown Shelburne.

CN O/N Name Customer Type Tons LOA Built Notes
528 177877 HC-192 RCN harbor craft 46 1943 sold 1945 as Diana Lisa
791 192817 HC-231 RCN harbor craft 46 1944 sold 1945 as Mary Belle
816 322552 HC-273 RCN harbor craft 46 1944 sold 1964 as Busby
817 HC-274 RCN harbor craft 46 1944 sold post-war, fate unknown
906 HC-290 RCN boom tender 46 1944 sold post-war, fate unknown

Mac-Craft Ltd.

Sarnia ON

Mac-Craft was started in 1938, in Wallaceburg ON, but moved to Sarnia in 1941.

CN O/N Name Customer Type Tons LOA Built Notes
156 Q-062 RN fairmile launch 85 112 18 Apr 1942 sold 1946 but reacquired 1954 as HMCS Wolf
157 173491 Q-063 RN fairmile launch 85 112 18 Apr 1942 sold 1947 as Quetzal
419 173183 Q-101 RN fairmile launch 85 112 7 Nov 1942 sold 1945 as Edmar
420 Q-102 RN fairmile launch 85 112 14 Nov 1942 sold post-war, fate unknown
421 173650 Q-103 RN fairmile launch 85 112 18 Nov 1942 sold 1947 as One-O-Three
590 Q-104 RN fairmile launch 85 112 8 Apr 1943 sold 1946 but reacquired 1954 as HMCS Cougar (PTC-704)
591 Q-105 RN fairmile launch 85 112 9 May 1943 sold post-war, fate unknown
740 179271 Q-115 RN fairmile launch 85 112 16 Nov 1943 sold 1948 as Duc d'Orleans
915 Elm Lake (J-486) RCN 360 126 18 Nov 1945 to Russia 1946 as T-193
916 Fir Lake (J-487) RCN 360 126 cancelled, completed as Regina Polaris
Tagish 1 1950s
Tagish 2 1950s

S. G. Mason

Tancook NS

Stanley Mason was the leading builder of schooners on Tancook Island, in business since 1907. The yard, which closed in 1952, was on the north side of Southeast Cove, in the Canvas Town section of Tancook.

CN O/N Name Customer Type Tons LOA Built Notes
243 170467 HC-7 RCN harbor craft 46 1942 sold 1945 as Gay Rambler
245 173538 HC-9 RCN harbor craft 46 1942 sold 1945 as Brigadier Macdonald
246 170466 HC-10 RCN harbor craft 46 1942 sold 1945 as Gay Rover
247 177502 HC-11 RCN harbor craft 46 1942 sold 1945 as Joe Ann
248 178930 HC-12 RCN harbor craft 46 1942 sold 1945 as Theo Meo II
461 189145 HC-181 RCN harbor craft 46 1943 sold 1945 as Hyster
462 HC-155 RCN harbor craft 46 1943 sold post-war, fate unknown
463 HC-161 RCN harbor craft 46 1943 sold post-war, fate unknown
464 HC-162 RCN harbor craft 46 1943 sold post-war, fate unknown
465 HC-170 RCN harbor craft 46 1943 sold post-war, fate unknown
466 HC-177 RCN harbor craft 46 1943 sold post-war, fate unknown
765 HC-237 RCN harbor craft 46 1944 sold post-war, fate unknown
766 191251 HC-246 RCN harbor craft 46 1944 sold 1945 as Parr
834 HC-214 RCN harbor craft 46 1944 sold post-war, fate unknown
835 320040 HC-215 RCN harbor craft 46 1944 sold 1945 as Jason
902 HC-284 RCN boom tender 46 1944 sold post-war, fate unknown
903 178907 HC-285 RCN boom tender 46 1944 sold 1945 as Neige Oie
984 HC-291 RCN harbor craft 46 1945 sold post-war, fate unknown
985 310820 HC-292 RCN harbor craft 46 1945 sold 1945 as Ocean Teal
986 318294 HC-293 RCN harbor craft 46 1945 sold 1945 as Towapat

W. C. McKay & Sons

Shelburne NS

W. C. McKay, son of the legendary Donald McKay, was a Shelburne shipbuilder of long standing and high reputation.

CN O/N Name Customer Type Tons LOA Built Notes
908 FS-25 RCN scow 30 1944 sold post-war, fate unknown

Midland Boat Works

Midland ON

Midland Boat Works was at the foot of King Street, in downtown Midland.

CN O/N Name Customer Type Tons LOA Built Notes
412 Q-094 RN fairmile launch 85 112 19 Nov 1942 sold post-war, fate unknown
413 178706 Q-095 RN fairmile launch 85 112 5 Dec 1943 sold 1947 as Machigonne II
594 Q-108 RN fairmile launch 85 112 13 Aug 1943 sold post-war, fate unknown
743 Q-118 RN fairmile launch 85 112 11 Jun 1943 to Belgium 1945
909 Alder Lake (J-480) RCN 360 126 22 Sep 1945 to Russia 1946 as T-196
910 Ash Lake (J-481) RCN 360 126 cancelled, completed as Cartier

Minett-Shields, Ltd.

Bracebridge ON

Bert Minett started building boats in the 1890s. He went bankrupt in 1923 and in 1925 his yard was bought by Bryson Shields, who renamed it Minett-Shields. It closed for good in 1947. The yard was located on Wharf Road, at the foot of Bracebridge Falls.

CN O/N Name Customer Type Tons LOA Built Notes
132 Q-057 RN fairmile launch 85 112 28 Oct 1941 sold post-war, fate unknown
133 178095 Q-058 RN fairmile launch 85 112 4 Nov 1941 sold 1945 as Katherine G
185 176579 Q-059 RN fairmile launch 85 112 26 May 1942 sold 1945 as Rodeo
190 Q-074 RN fairmile launch 85 112 26 May 1942 sold post-war, fate unknown
191 Q-075 RN fairmile launch 85 112 22 Jun 1942 sold post-war, fate unknown
192 Q-076 RN fairmile launch 85 112 22 Jun 1942 sold post-war, fate unknown
414 Q-096 RN fairmile launch 85 112 9 Nov 1942 sold post-war, fate unknown
415 Q-097 RN fairmile launch 85 112 16 Nov 1942 sold post-war, fate unknown
596 177959 Q-110 RN fairmile launch 85 112 8 Jul 1943 sold 1951 as Roseline
744 Q-119 RN fairmile launch 85 112 16 Nov 1943 to RCMP 1945 as Fort Pitt
863 HC-311 RCN harbor craft 46 1944 sold post-war, fate unknown
864 HC-312 RCN harbor craft 46 1944 sold post-war, fate unknown

Montreal Drydocks

Montreal QC

Montreal Drydocks was set up by Hall Engineering at the start of WWI. It was a repair yard, located on the site of the former Tate Bros. shipyard. It was bought by Canadian Vickers in 1928 and was still operating in the 1960s, but why it closed and when are also unknown. Can anyone please enlighten me? The yard was located on the south side of the Wellington Basin, west of Mill Street: the site is now being redeveloped.

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CN O/N Name Customer Type Tons LOA Built Notes
1 473 HC-183 RCN stores lighter 79 1943 retained post-war, fate unknown
2 474 177948 HC-187 RCN stores lighter 79 1943 sold 1948 as Reno L, Jeannot D
3 475 HC-188 RCN stores lighter 79 1943 retained post-war as YSF 203, fate unknown
4 537 368343 Heatherton (W-22) RCN tugboat 462 1 Jun 1944 later ATA-527, sold as Robert H
5 538 Beaverton (W-23) RCN tugboat 462 27 May 1944 collision and sank 1947
6 539 175492 Norton (W-31) RCN tugboat 462 1944 sold 1945 as W.A.C. No. 1, Peninsula
7 540 172246 Alberton (W-48) RCN tugboat 462 3 Oct 1944 sold 1947 as Alberton, Averio
8 541 172245 Birchton (W-35) RCN tugboat 462 4 Nov 1944 sold 1947 as Capitaine Simard
9 893 310539 HC-276 RCN stores lighter 79 23 Jul 1944 sold 1957 as Canapro II, Tomcod
10 894 329819 HC-277 RCN stores lighter 79 23 Jul 1944 sold post-war as J.P.P. No. 5
11 898 HC-279 RCN water barge 79 23 Jul 1944 sold 1947, fate unknown
12 899 HC-280 RCN water barge 79 23 Jul 1944 retained post-war as YSO 207, fate unknown
13 941 178996 HC-278 RCN ammunition lighter 79 1944 sold 1948 as Atlantic Salvage No. 1
154478 later M-88
319258 N.H.B.M. No. 70 barge 168 100 1962 later Raymond D
319259 N.H.B.M. No. 79 barge 168 100 1962 later Iqaluk II
821873 barge 76 66 later VM/S 488

Newcastle Shipbuilding Co.

Nanaimo BC

Newcastle Shipbuilding was a true "emergency" yard, only in operation from 1943 through 1947. If was located on Stewart Avenue, where the marina at the foot of Larch Street is today.

CN O/N Name Customer Type Tons LOA Built Notes
487 St. Joseph (J-359) RCN minesweeper 228 105 24 May 1944 sold 1947, to Mexican interests
488 Coquitlam (J-364) RCN minesweeper 228 105 25 Jul 1944 sold 1947 as Wilcox, wrecked 1954
924 Willow Lake (J-495) RCN minesweeper 360 126 11 Mar 1946 to Russia 1946 as T-201
176519 D. H. McDougall tugboat 1944 later Sea Foam II
176891 Hesquiat RCAF supply boat 167 100 1944 as f/v
176896 Kimsquit RCAF supply boat 167 100 1944 Demolished
177594 F.D. 1 RCAF patrol boat 48 54 1944 later Sooke Post, Kilslai, Lorinda B
177593 F.D. 2 RCAF patrol boat 48 54 1944 later Babine Post
177753 F.D. 3 RCAF patrol boat 48 54 1944 later Stuart Post, Northern Mist
177995 Storm III trawler 15 40 1947
178680 Chemainus

Palmer & Williams

Summerside PE

E. A. Chappelle was a small boatbuilder in Summerside who won a contract for ten harbor craft but had difficulty performing. The contract was taken over by Palmer & Williams, a local engineering company, which built a new facility for the purpose on the railway wharf.

CN O/N Name Customer Type Tons LOA Built Notes
253 172510 HC-17 RCN harbor craft 46 1942 sold post-war as Doreen D
254 179652 HC-18 RCN harbor craft 46 1942 sold post-war as Nordee
255 179653 HC-19 RCN harbor craft 46 1942 sold post-war as Norga
256 193288 HC-20 RCN harbor craft 46 1942 sold post-war as Myrnancy
257 193295 HC-21 RCN harbor craft 46 1942 sold post-war as Nora Lynne
258 177769 HC-22 RCN harbor craft 46 1942 sold post-war as Russ Norman
259 177806 HC-23 RCN harbor craft 46 1942 sold post-war as Rugged Water
260 178244 HC-24 RCN harbor craft 46 1942 sold post-war as Vyroya
261 178983 HC-25 RCN harbor craft 46 1942 sold post-war as Atom
262 178994 HC-26 RCN harbor craft 46 1942 sold post-war as Gerald M
263 RCN floating dock 1942 sold post-war, fate unknown
244 190241 HC-8 RCN harbor craft 46 1942 sold 1945 as Sea Mate
467 172510 HC-151 RCN harbor craft 46 1943 sold 1945 as Robert H
468 179223 HC-152 RCN harbor craft 46 1943 sold 1945 as Chanticleer
469 190377 HC-153 RCN harbor craft 46 1943 sold 1945 as Albatross IV
470 178590 HC-197 RCN harbor craft 46 1943 sold 1945 as Uptop
471 179358 HC-154 RCN harbor craft 46 1943 sold 1945 as Francis Courtney
472 193648 HC-169 RCN harbor craft 46 1943 sold 1945 as Adastra IV
529 156429 HC-211 RCN harbor craft 46 1943 sold 1945 as Tagish 1st
530 323138 HC-212 RCN harbor craft 46 1943 sold 1945 as L.E.P. 29
531 HC-213 RCN harbor craft 46 1943 sold post-war, fate unknown
767 HC-258 RCN harbor craft 46 1944 sold post-war, fate unknown
768 HC-259 RCN harbor craft 46 1944 sold post-war, fate unknown
789 HPC aa RCN harbor craft 48 1944 sold post-war, fate unknown
790 HPC aa RCN harbor craft 48 1944 sold post-war, fate unknown
811 HC-268 RCN harbor craft 46 1944 sold post-war, fate unknown
812 HC-269 RCN harbor craft 46 1944 sold post-war, fate unknown
813 HC-270 RCN harbor craft 46 1944 sold post-war, fate unknown
814 372260 HC-271 RCN harbor craft 46 1944 sold 1947 as Towapat II
33 822 190343 Inglewood (Z.51) RCN target Vessel 60 1944 sold 1947 as Sphinx II, Pilot Boat No. 2
34 823 178908 Kirkwood (Z.53) RCN target Vessel 60 1944 sold 1947 as Kirkwood II
904 179143 HC-286 RCN boom tender 46 1944 sold 1947 as Ruth J
905 194450 HC-287 RCN boom tender 46 1944 sold 1947 as Thomas Dampier
tugboat 1945

Port Carling Boat Works

Port Carling ON

Port Carling Boat Works was started by Billy Johnston in 1926 and is still going. The yard is at 3 Lock Street East, just east of the Highway 118 bridge in Port Carling./p>

CN O/N Name Customer Type Tons LOA Built Notes
912 Birch Lake (J-483) RCN 360 126 cancelled, completed as Aspy III
921 Pine Lake (J-492) RCN 360 126 22 Sep 1945 to Russia 1946 as T-195

S. S. Rafuse

Bridgewater NS

The Rafuse family were boatbuilders in Bridgewater for several generations.

CN O/N Name Customer Type Tons LOA Built Notes
526 195988 HC-178 RCN harbor craft 46 1943 sold post-war as Miami
527 HC-179 RCN harbor craft 46 1943 sold post-war, fate unknown
769 HC-247 RCN harbor craft 46 1944 sold post-war, fate unknown
770 HC-248 RCN harbor craft 46 1944 sold post-war, fate unknown
771 HC-253 RCN harbor craft 46 1944 sold post-war, fate unknown
772 HC-260 RCN harbor craft 46 1944 sold post-war, fate unknown
867 HC-315 RCN harbor craft 46 1944 sold post-war, fate unknown
868 HC-316 RCN harbor craft 46 1944 sold post-war, fate unknown
897 HC-275 RCN ammunition lighter 1944 sold post-war, fate unknown

Chantier Maritime de Saint-Laurent

Saint-Laurent QC

Chantier Maritime de Saint-Laurent was started by Philias Fillion in 1908: it closed in 1967. It was located on the south shore of the Ile d'Orleans and is now home to the Parc Maritime de Saint-Laurent.

[Google] [Bing] [Reset Map] ( 46.86012, -71.00440 )
CN O/N Name Customer Type Tons LOA Built Notes
1 276 Llewellyn (J-278) RCN minesweeper 228 24 Aug 1942 sold 1957 as Llewellyn II, sank 1960 off Cape Breton
2 277 Lloyd George (J-279) RCN minesweeper 228 24 Aug 1942 sold 1951 as a floating restaurant, abandoned 1961
164 MMS-107 RN minesweeper 225 117 25 Aug 1942 sold 1947
165 MMS-108 RN minesweeper 225 117 26 Aug 1942 sold 1947
434 MMS-254 RN minesweeper 225 117 23 Jun 1943 sold 1946
435 MMS-255 RN minesweeper 225 117 23 Jun 1943 sold 1946 as Protector III
732 FS-8 RCN scow 90 1944 sold 1946 as R.A. 2
733 178937 FS-9 RCN scow 90 1944 sold 1946 as C.D. 128
734 FS-10 RCN scow 90 1944 sold post-war, fate unknown
761 GV aa RCN gate vessel 1944 sold post-war, fate unknown
983 Listowel RCN examination vessel 84 1945 sold 1947 as C. & E. Burke
192846 Grosse Ile recreational 58 55 1951
192850 Feu Follet Other 68 65 1951
193828 Banfield Lifeboat closed
313948 Charlevoix ferry 666 178 1962 later Frontenac II
814274 Atlantic Angel suspended

Silver's Agencies Ltd.

Halifax NS

Silver's started out in 1897 as an import/export company and grew to cover a variety of fields, including being a marine agency.

CN O/N Name Customer Type Tons LOA Built Notes
535 HPC-19 RCN harbor craft 48 1943 sold post-war, fate unknown
536 HPC-20 RCN harbor craft 48 1943 sold post-war, fate unknown
629 312696 DT 3 RCN diving tender 64 1944 sold 1959 as W.K.
869 HC-317 RCN harbor craft 46 1944 sold post-war, fate unknown
870 HC-318 RCN harbor craft 46 1944 sold post-war, fate unknown

Malcolm L. Spears

Sheet Harbour NS

Malcolm Spears' boatyard is a mystery.

CN O/N Name Customer Type Tons LOA Built Notes
241 HC-5 RCN harbor craft 46 1942 sold post-war, fate unknown
242 HC-6 RCN harbor craft 46 1942 sold post-war, fate unknown

Steers Shipbuilding

St. John's NL

Steers Ltd. has been an institution in Newfoundland since 1976. Best known as a home furnishings retailer, it nevertheless operated a Marine Department during WWII to build boats for the war effort.

CN O/N Name Customer Type Tons LOA Built Notes
224 MMS-141 RN minesweeper 225 117 12 Jan 1943 Danlayer 1944, sold 1947
225 MMS-142 RN minesweeper 225 117 12 Jan 1943 Danlayer 1944, sold 1947
226 RCN boom tender 46 1942 sold post-war, fate unknown
227 RCN boom tender 46 1942 sold post-war, fate unknown
228 RCN boom tender 46 1942 sold post-war, fate unknown
392 MMS-238 RN minesweeper 225 117 17 Nov 1943 ex-Fichot, Danlayer 1944, sold 1946
393 MMS-239 RN minesweeper 225 117 17 Nov 1943 ex-Jude, Danlayer 1944, to the Netherlands 1947, sold 1950
394 MMS-241 RN minesweeper 225 117 13 Dec 1943 ex-Quinpon, Danlayer 1944, sold 1946
395 MMS-242 RN minesweeper 225 117 13 Dec 1943 ex-St. Babbe, Danlayer 1944, sold 1946, Soloy

J. J. Taylor & Sons

Toronto ON

J. J. Taylor was an English boatbuilder who started a yard in Toronto Harbour's Western Gap in 1914. The site was later taken over by the National and Alexandra Yacht Clubs, when Taylor moved to an inland manufacturing facility. He produced hundreds of small boats but few of any size, and the company is now a part of Saga Yachts.

CN O/N Name Customer Type Tons LOA Built Notes
128 190476 Q-052 RN fairmile motor launch 85 112 31 Oct 1941 sold 1949 as Cyrius
129 178975 Q-053 RN fairmile motor launch 85 112 17 Nov 1941 sold post-war as Aloma III
195 310616 Q-079 RN fairmile motor launch 85 112 27 May 1942 sold post-war, reaccquired
196 178622 Q-080 RN fairmile motor launch 85 112 17 Jun 1942 sold post-war as Almeta Queen
404 174988 Q-086 RN fairmile motor launch 85 112 26 Oct 1942 sold 1946 as Nancy Grace
405 156658 Q-087 RN fairmile motor launch 85 112 9 Nov 1942 sold 1948 as Chef Tek8erimat
406 174989 Q-088 RN fairmile motor launch 85 112 5 Oct 1943 sold 1946 as Eighty-Eight
737 Q-112 RN fairmile motor launch 85 112 25 Oct 1943 to RCMP 1945 as Fort Walsh
738 176139 Q-113 RN fairmile motor launch 85 112 20 Nov 1943 sold 1947 as Laverniere
913 Cedar Lake (J-484) RCN 360 126 4 Nov 1945 to Russia 1946 as T-197
914 Cherry Lake (J-485) RCN 360 126 cancelled, completed as ?

Thompson Bros. Machinery Co. Ltd.

Liverpool NS

Thompson Bros. was started in 1900 and became a significant ship repair yard and distributor of diesel engines and other machinery. In WWII, it devoted a portion of its facility, which was on the northeast side of the Mersey River bridge in downtown Liverpool, to boatbuilding. After the war, it continued as Steel & Engine Products, Ltd., (STENPRO), but closed in 2003.

CN O/N Name Customer Type Tons LOA Built Notes
209 HDPC-8 RCN harbor craft 1942 to RCMP 1945, fate unknown
210 HDPC-9 RCN harbor craft 1942 lost Fire 1943
211 HDPC-10 RCN harbor craft 1942 to RCMP 1945, fate unknown

Vaughan Shipbuilding Co.

St. Andrews NB

W. E. Vaughan, a car dealer and part-time boatbuilder in Fredericton NB, started this yard for the war effort but it burned down in 1944, forcing the cancellation of the last three boats. It was located on the stretch between the lighthouse and the pier, but exactly where is not clear.

CN O/N Name Customer Type Tons LOA Built Notes
431 MMS-257 RCN minesweeper 225 117 9 Oct 1943 mined and sunk in the Schelde 1944
616 MMS-1068 RCN minesweeper 360 126 17 Jul 1944 sold 1946
617 MMS-1069 RCN minesweeper 360 126 23 Sep 1944 to France 1945 as D 341, sold 1947
618 MMS-1070 RCN minesweeper 360 126 25 Oct 1944 to France 1945 as D 345, sold 1947 as Admiral Grenville, Polarfisk

Victoria Motor Boat & Repair Works Ltd.

Victoria BC

Victoria Motor Boat's history is a mystery. Its yard was on Bay Street, between Bridge Street and Pleasant Street, facing the Upper Harbour: it appears to be a cement plant today.

CN O/N Name Customer Type Tons LOA Built Notes
222 Leelo RCN 15 Nov 1941 sold 1948 as Cape ?
223 Moolock RCN 2 Dec 1941 sold 1948 as Western Crusader
850 177783 HPC-38 RCN harbor craft 48 1944 sold post-war as Smuggler II
851 178232 HPC-39 RCN harbor craft 48 1944 sold post-war as Smitty, recently restored
852 195237 HPC-40 RCN harbor craft 48 1944 sold post-war as Standoff
853 HPC-41 RCN harbor craft 48 1944 sold post-war, fate unknown

Printed from shipbuildinghistory.njscuba.net