General Information

Serial #

6E4385

Part Number

1

Total Parts

11

AKA

N/A

Patents

N/A

General Description

HULL- CYPRESS; FRAMES & KING PLANK- WHITE OAK; DECKS- RED CEDAR

Dimensions

Note: These reflect the general size for storage and are not necessarily representative of the object's true dimensions.

Length

6.1 m

Width

1.4 m

Height

N/A

Thickness

N/A

Weight

N/A

Diameter

N/A

Volume

N/A

Lexicon

Group

Marine Transportation

Category

Vessels

Sub-Category

N/A

Manufacturer

AKA

GIDLEY

Country

Canada

State/Province

Ontario

City

Penetanguishene

Context

Country

Unknown

State/Province

Unknown

Period

This boat used c. 1904+

Canada

Henry Gidley began building steam launches in the 1880s and was therefore well able to take advantage of the introduction of the gasoline marine engine around the turn of the century. This boat is a very good example of the type and style of gasoline pleasure launch used in the early part of the century. Gidley firm was once one of the largest designers & builders in Canada. In 1939 Gidley was bought by another famous Canadian boat builder, Grew boats & equipment, also of Penetanguishene.

Function

To provide transportation, primarily of people, over water.

Technical

The WIP'POORWILL was built in 1904, and is powered by a 2-cylinder Canadian Fairbanks Morse gasoline engine. It displays many of the classic features of an early gasoline launch: a long & relatively narrow hull (to derive maximum speed & efficiency from limited power source), a side-mounted steering wheel, and a canvas canopy.

Area Notes

Unknown

Details

Markings

Print on port and starboard sides "WHIP POORWILL" and "6E4385". Mfr's plate reads "MANUFACTURERED/ BY/ H. E. GIDLEY & Co/ PENETANGUISHENE/ ONTARIO/ CANADA".

Missing

N/A

Finish

Boat is painted white and green and primarily has clear lacquered wood. Fabric canopy is white and green. Brass hardware throughout the boat.

Decoration

N/A