Calvie Meadus’ Motor Boat

Calvie Meadus_Motor Boat

[Download PDF of this Drawing]

Built in 1989 by Calvie Meadus, fisherman and boat builder from St. Jones Within, Trinity Bay, this motorboat measures 19’6” long and just over 6’ beam. “She is quite substantial for a motorboat her length with big flaring on her bows and a wide counter,” says her current owner, Kevin Price. “That gives you a better boat in the wind,” Calvie explained.

Flare on the Bow

WBMNL Director Frank French asks Calvie Meadus about the flare in the bow of this motor boat.

Better in wind

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WBMNL Folklorist Crystal Braye presents boatbuilder Calvie Meadus with lines plans of his 1989 motor boat

Calvie used spruce for timbers and constructed the keel, deadwood, sternpost and counter strakes from juniper. She was planked with spruce from the garboard to just above the waterline, and with fir planks the rest of the way up to the gunwales.

Designed for a three horsepower marine engine, this motorboat has a hull speed of just over five knots. She is outfitted with three horsepower Atlantic make and break spark marine engine built by the Lunenberg Foundry in Nova Scotia. As he does with all his motorboats, Calvie included tiller lines (reins) to allow the boat to be steered while tending to the engine.

Kevin describes the bow as having “a sharp entry and bulge, with big flare above the waterline.” This prevents pounding and causes her to “stop and rise gently” with the waves. She’s built with little deadrise in her transom, which prevents the boat from “squatting”, a term used to describe when a boat sinks down in the stern and causes the bow to rise when under power.

This is the second to last motorboat built by Calvie. Since 1989, he’s built many speedboats and rodneys, helped with the construction of his son’s Wilf’s fifty-eight foot longliner, and repaired boats of all kinds.

6 thoughts on “Calvie Meadus’ Motor Boat

  • September 2, 2019 at 2:22 pm
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    great site! thank you.

    Reply
  • March 4, 2020 at 6:39 pm
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    Are plans of the motor boat for sale

    Reply
    • March 9, 2020 at 4:05 pm
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      Hello Terry, We presently only have the lines plans you see here. However, creating building plans for our documented boats is something the Museum is working towards. Perhaps you can try checking back with us later in the year if you’re still looking for some. All the best with building!

      Reply
  • June 27, 2021 at 3:52 pm
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    We have 1 left put put boat left here Tuktoyaktuk, Nt., X0E- 1C0. Canada. The put put boat was stored on the shore since 1974. Afraid tte high water might take her away, including a good shape one lunget make and break. The daughter won’t let anyone to place it higher on high ground.

    Reply
  • August 8, 2022 at 12:27 am
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    Wonderful boat, any update on plans for purchase, thank you

    Reply

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