Utility
Sapejo II
Name/Title
UtilityEntry/Object ID
1986.019Description
1986.019 Sapejo II Boat Type: Utility Builder: Shepherd Model: Unknown Length: 21' 10" Beam: 7' 3" Date Built: Serial Number 52-22-196 (Original entry by Jessica Hougen, 2006) Shepherd boats were built in Canada at Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario. By 1951 Jafco Marine in Buffalo became their major United States distributor and played a significant role in building Shepherd's popularity in the American northeast. Shepherd's styling was quite advanced for standardized runabouts providing a very attractive and unique appearance. Rear engine installations with a Vee-drive provided additional interior room in their 22-foot models that created quite a debate about whether it was a runabout or a utility model. Shepherd preferred to say it was a runabout while most others thought it was a utility. Among the styling features that Shepherd emphasized was an attractively curved windshield, an innovative seating arrangement and generous freeboard that resulted in an exceptionally deep cockpit. These features plus excellent workmanship, nicely rounded covering boards and well-designed folding tops began to attract a good number of enthusiasts for these boats. Many people called them Canadian Chris-Crafts as their popularity continued to climb. Shepherds are still frequently seen on both sides of the St. Lawrence River in frequent use as a result of their solid performance and good looks. (Emmett Smith 2008 addition to existing file) The above debate notwithstanding, "Sapejo II" is a utility, being a straight-shaft boat. Her engine is located in the center of the open cockpit under an engine cover. 'Utility' or no, this cover serves as an excellent table for cheese and cocktails. Under it is a Chrysler straight six, probably a Crown, with dual updraft carburetors. Comments by Chris Johnson, ACBS judge, 2010) The original wood is in excellent condition. It has the correct stain color, and the seams were done correctly. The upholstery and the flooring are original!. The engine is the correct 125hp Chrysler Crown Special, however it is painted the wrong color. Hardware is all correct except the chrome vents in the front panels at the front of the back seat and the side of the motor box. None were used originally, and many screws are wrong. Every screw in the boat should be a Robertson square-drive, except for the one at the top of the stern pole which was slotted. The gauges, switches, wheel and controls are correct except for the amp ware(?) is too new and the compass and hour meter wrong. It has aftermarket gas filter, many wrong hose clamps, and some modern wiring. Overall, this is the most original Shepherd I have seen in many years.Collection
BoatsAcquisition
Accession
1986.019Source or Donor
Stahlbrodt, John A.Made/Created
Manufacturer
Shepherd Boats LimitedDate made
1952Place
Location
Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, CANADAEdition
Model: utilityNotes
Early Date: 1952 Propulsion: inboard gasoline Engine: Chrysler 1952 Cylinders: 6 HP: 125Other Names and Numbers
Other Numbers
Number Type
Other NumberOther Number
NY 5570 ADDimensions
Width
7-3/4 ftLength
22 ftLocation
Wall
EastRoom
Bay 5Building
*Don Doebler Collections Storage Facility*Cleveland E. Dodge Memorial Launch Building