Mason Boat Works???

[A. Mason]

Does anyone know anything about these builders? MMD sent me the following info: "There is/was a designer-builder in Kingston, Ontario (east end of
Lake Ontario) named David Mason (I believe) that would be a likely candidate. He was originally from Tancook Island - birthplace of Tancook Whalers and David Stevens of Lunenburg schooner fame - but moved to Kingston in the early 'sixties. He passed away a few years ago, but I believe his son is
carrying on the family business. Hope that this helps."

Over the years, many people have gotten naval architect Al Mason confused with designer/builder David Mason. It doesn't help that they were contemporaries during the 1950s.

There is very little info on the web that I could find. I did learn they were known for their I/O boats, but that is about it.

I thought I had a great lead when I saw that WoodenBoat magazine had an article on "Mason Boat Works" in issue #9, March/April 1976. I dug out my copy of the issue and discovered the article was actually about "Manson Boat Works" - different company, different country.

Every now and again I receive a design verification inquiry that I suspect is actually a Mason Boat Works creation, but I really have no idea of the types, sizes, etc. that Mason Boat Works produced. If a design is not Al Mason's, I try to redirect the person to whose design it really is.

I do not charge for verifications. I do it to keep some people honest and to help other people locate the missing provenance of their boat.

Any info on Mason Boat Works would be greatly appreciated. Thank you - Anita

[paladin]

Anita.....Not wishing to create a nasty thread....but curious...I know that Pacific Asian Enterprise used your dad's boat designs and then "Modified" the designs and stop paying royalties (I think I have it right), Has that issue been resolved oris it staus quo..
I have an honest reason for asking.
Best regards.....

[A. Mason]

Hi paladinsfo - the issue was never resolved to our satisfaction. Since the boats were "glass ;0" I sent you a more detailed answer offline. Anita

[Wild Dingo]

Actually interestingly I recently spotted a boat for sale down here as an "Alan Mason" design... now maybe the boat broker new squat and saw Al and assumed Alan or if there is actually an Alan Mason who is/was a designer as well???

Soooo Im also sorta wondering here is there a huge world wide Mason family dynasty in the boat designing field or what??? :eek: ...Just pullin your leg!! :D

Take it easy
Shane

[A. Mason]

There's a Mason 39-foot "GRP Sandwich" sloop for sale in Brisbane that I have yet to identify. The brokerage blurb states that it was launched in 1984 by Marcos, in Vancouver.

On the subject of the name MASON, there is also a Masonboro Boatyard on the US East Coast. I due know that they built a number of Al Mason designs over the years, thus I can document them.

Mason Boat Works of Canada is the real mystery.

Keeping up with all of Al's "children" is a constant challenge. Anita

[James R]

It seems that the Mason name is rather popular in the boat business!

There's a Mason's Chandlery (http://www.thestoremasons.com/) in Mississauga near Toronto and a Mason Boats Ltd. in Smiths Falls, Ontario not too far from Kingston. The latter's # is 613-285-5565 and that's all I know about them.

On the Web site of Inner Bay Boats (http://www.innerbayboats.com/new/index.php) of Langton, Ontario there is a reference to borrowing a mold from Mason Boatworks to create a rowing/sailing skiff. They might be able to shed some light on the matter.

[ 08-27-2002, 03:44 PM: Message edited by: James R ]

[mmd]

The "Mason Boats Ltd." in Smith's Falls would be the one I alluded to in my earlier correspondence with Anita. I couldn't remember the name of the town he was based in.

As for the world-wide plot to have Mason's dominate the boating industry, we're making pretty good headway, eh? :D

[ 08-27-2002, 06:13 PM: Message edited by: mmd ]