Tom Adams Philosophy of Boatbuilding 

Tom Adams is an expert craftsman specializing in the restoration and maintenance of antique and classic wooden boats as well as the construction of new wooden boats of classic design.  Tom’s belief in preservation of authentic wooden boating's rich heritage has motivated his work in this niche industry for more than 40 years.

Authenticity defines Tom’s approach to boat restoration as he leads his team of skilled workers to thoughtfully replicate or restore the design and intention of the original boat.  Modern construction details are used or modern materials adapted where time and experience have developed a better or more lasting technique.

Over the years Tom Adams Boatbuilder has worked on an extensive range of wooden boats.  These include the restoration of boats designed and built in Muskoka by such iconic boatbuilding companies as Minett, Ditchburn, Greavette, Duke, or Seabird dating from the early 1900’s. 

Tom’s extensive resume of boat projects includes a complete restoration of the hydroplane race boat MISS CANADA IV built by Greavette in 1948.  MISS CANADA IV was outfitted with a Rolls Royce Griffin engine restoring the boat to its original power. 

​A major restoration of RITA, a 1914, 50’ day cruiser designed and built by Bert Minett  was completed in 2016.  Work included replacement of the bottom in its entirety with new steam bent ribs, floors, stringers, lower portions of planking and transom, keel, stem and forefoot, skeg, shaft log and rudder.   

Client satisfaction is of primary importance at Tom Adams Boatbuilder. Tom strives to carefully assess and define the scope of work and estimated cost and schedule for completion of the project.  The client is kept informed throughout the project of significant new findings discovered during the progress of the work and any changes to cost or schedule are communicated and agreed to by all parties.