Town of Clark's Harbour :  Boatbuilding

Clark's Harbour is the home of the world famous "Cape Islander".  The Cape Island boat is a familiar sight all over Nova Scotia and in many other fishing communities.  This well known boat was first built in Clark's Harbour around the year of 1905.  It was made totally of wood and was twenty to twenty two feet in length.  In 1971, the first fibreglass fishing boat was constructed and, from then on, most would made from fibreglass, made in various lengths and very wide, to carry more lobster traps.

The Cape Island boat has gone through many changes since the first one in 1905 but the overall hull model is the same.  These boats are still used all over the world today because of their shape and great design.  These boats are made to be tough and strong and it is not uncommon for these boats to be used for up to twenty years.

You can find a number of boat builders right here in Clark's Harbour.


Greg Symonds Boatbuilders Ltd.:  745-3392

Sea Pride Boat Works: 902-745-3110

Laying up the fiberglass mold.

Boatbuilding: old method

(used with permission from Clark Swimm, Sr.)