Historic Muskoka Motor Yacht Part of Women on the Water Exhibit atthe...

Originally built by the Ditchburn Boat Company of Gravenhurst, Ontario in 1922 for Lady Eaton of the prominent Eaton department store family, Sevlo, a 37's Ditchburn Sedan Motor Yacht, was used to transport family and friends to the Eaton cottage near Cognashene, on Georgian Bay just north of Honey Harbour, Ontario. Today, Sevlo is still in service. Its present day owners, Severn Lodge (http://www.severnlodge.on.ca), a Muskoka resort that has been serving Muskoka vacationers for four generations, offer their resort guests scenic cruises on Gloucester Pool aboard this classic Muskoka boat. Lovingly maintained by the Breckbill family who own Severn Lodge, Sevlo is currently featured in a display called Women on the Water at the Muskoka Boat 's38; Heritage Centre in Gravenhurst, honouring women that played a significant role in boating in Ontario.

I have been working to supply information and display items of the Sevlo that will be displayed through to the end of September, states Severn Lodge'ss Rick Breckbill, present co-owner of the Selvo. The Toronto chapter of the Antique 's38; Classic Boating Society (ACBS) will be hosting the annual international meeting of this organization, so there will be hundreds of members of this society here from all over North America. We are pleased that the Selvo is part of this exhibit. It is a fine example of the beautiful wooden boats that Muskoka is famous for, adds Breckbill.

After the Selvo was sold by the Eaton family to Mr and Mrs Norman Gray, she was moved to the Gray'ss cottage Glen Ness at the south end of Gloucester Pool near Port Severn, Ontario. Mrs. Gray was a cousin to Lady Eaton. When her husband died in 1941, the boat was sold to William H. Breckbill for $600, to transport guests and supplies into and out of Severn Lodge from Port Severn, the nearest road access at that time. William Breckbill renamed the boat Sevlo which was short for Severn Lodge. Although her original hull number (#2522) is known, her original name has been lost. After the road a built into Severn Lodge, the Selvo'ss service was changed from that of a water taxi to a cruise boat. The yacht has remained in the family and is co-owned by Rick Breckbill and his brother Ron.

Over the years there have been many significant repairs to boat. She was originally powered by 6 cylinder Sterling marine engine of approximately 250 hp. This motor was replaced in 1946 with a 100 hp Buchanan 6 cylinder Meteor marine engine. Then, in 1968, a 230 hp Buchannan V8 (Chevy 327 block) marine engine was installed which still powers the Sevlo today.The original cabin was furnished with an attached driver and passenger seat and 4 movable wicker chairs. In 1946, the cabin was replaced with a larger cabin that increased seating capacity to 18 passengers under roof. Fortunately, several of the wicker chairs, the original dashboard, and parts of the original cabin were kept and stored in the attic of the boathouse at Severn Lodge. The new cabin matches the style of boat and has 6 Model T type roll down windows, a light, a sign, and a luggage rack on the roof. Many have said that these modifications made the boat very handsome. In 1970 a new keel was installed. In 1982 minor plank replacement was done and in 2001 major work was done that included a complete re-ribbing with a new bottom, a new keel, a new transom, new motor beds, and new mahogany planking up approximately 1/3 of the sides of the hull.

The Sevlo really is our pride and joy. Not only is it an important piece of Muskoka history, it'ss an important piece of our family history as well, states Rick Breckbill. Over the years we'sve hosted many weddings at Severn Lodge. Brides love to incorporate our historic motor yacht into their wedding, adding a touch of class to the festivities. Some beautiful wedding photos have been taken on the Sevlo. I am unaware of any other Ontario resort in Ontario that continues to run a vintage boat for cruises, adds Breckbill.

About Severn Lodge: Since the 1930'ss, Severn Lodge has been a favourite Muskoka family resort for memorable family vacations, couple'ss romantic getaways, business conferences and weddings. With 700 metres of private shoreline on the Trent Severn Waterway near Georgian Bay at Gloucester Pool, Severn Lodge offers 46 luxury lakeside rooms and suites, waterfront housekeeping cottages, fine dining and a wealth of recreational activities. For information on Muskoka resort family vacations and affordable getaway packages, call Severn Lodge toll free 1-800-461-5817 or visit their website http://www.severnlodge.on.ca.

Contact Information:

Rick Breckbill - Owner

Severn Lodge

116 Gloucester Trail

PO Box 250

Port Severn, OntarioL0K 1S0

Toll free: 1-800-461-5817

Local: 705-756-2722

http://www.severnlodge.on.ca

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