1966 20' Grew Cruiser

by Tom WIlson
(Barrie, Ontario, Canada)

We recently obtained this 20' Lapstrake Grew Cruiser with a 170 hp Volvo 6 cylinder engine i/o.

I have no idea why it was called a cruiser but that's what it says on the side of the boat.

It has been sitting in a cottage garage for the last 15 years.

The previous owner had apparently started restoring it by removing the interior and the engine.

The engine looks like it may have been apart and rebuilt but we are unsure.

He then lost interest and the hull, engine and interior spent the rest of the time sitting in different parts of the garage.

The present owner also had no interest in it and when he recently sold the cottage he was looking for someone who would restore it rather than having it go to the landfill.

So we were able to obtain it for free.

The hull appears to be in great condition other than the small hole I put in it while transporting it but lets not talk about that.

All the hardware including the original horn and assorted fittings appear to be with the boat.

The hull appears to have been painted at one time so I have no idea what is underneath.

The gunwales are vinyl and if you imagine it someone has put what appears to be adhesive shelf paper on the bow.

The engine is as I mentioned a volvo 170 hp straight six.

It turns over well but has little compression.

I believe that possibly the rings are seized so I have put kerosene in the cylinders and will turn over the engine by hand over the next several days and see if this will free up the rings.

I have heard of people using diesel or automatic transmission fluid.

I used the kerosene just because it was readily available and after all it is just refined diesel.

Just have to remember to drain the crankcase and add new oil before checking the compression again.

I figured this was possibly a quick fix before tearing down the motor.

Especially if it has been rebuilt.

The problem we are having right from the start is that the Grew Boat company ceased operation quite a few years ago and we have not been able to find pictures of this boat in its original condition.

All the interior is in the boat but just piled up here and there and not an idea how it goes back together.

And it looks like the original finishes have been changed over the years.

There are boats of similar style which I suppose we could use as reference but it would be nice to have it as original as possible.

If anyone has pictures of this boat I would really appreciate seeing them.

This is our first wooden boat restoration so any ideas or advice will be greatly appreciated.


Comments for 1966 20' Grew Cruiser

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Sep 15, 2021
I966 Grew Cruiser Inc.
by: Anonymous

Thanks admin for the posting. The boat is now spoken for.

Aug 30, 2021
Grew Lapstrake
by: Jim

These boats were designed by Cruisers Inc. in the states and built under license, I believe, by Grew Boats in Penetang.
There was and probably still is, a pristine Grew similar to yours but with twin outboards in the Simcoe County Museum in Midhurst.
Hope this helps.

Feb 28, 2021
1964 18' foot crew with 120 Volvo Santa
by: Richard

Hello I am looking for about a 1964 I believe 18 foot grew lap stastreak with a 120 Volvo Stern Dr.

If anyone knows where I can find one please Send pictures to rlawr@telus.net
Richard 250-675-3007 thank you

Feb 13, 2021
1966 Grew Cruiser
by: Bill T Bay

I own 1 of what I believed were 13 only special built 24 foot Grew day cruisers.

Until today I thought 1 had the last one that will still float.

One more is being refurbished in a shop in southern ont. to see it type in 1968 grew cruiser, this leads to the shop doing the work.

I redid my boat several years ago.

All equipment but for the steering system is original.

Grew of this time put a vinyl covering on pretty much everything.

The engine is a 250 cid chev truck motor hooked up to 165 model Mercruiser.

My only issue with the boat is the control cables have seized.

Your boat looks like the younger brother to mine.

The hull design is the same but for 1 more plank than the original hull.

If you would like to see pictures of same I would be happy to send you some when I can get her out of the boat house.

LMK. email lecocq@tbaytel.net.

Oct 16, 2019
parts
by: Brett

I have a bunch of hardware off my dads 1963 crew that may be of some use to you.

I would be glad to give it to you if interested.

Next time I am going by Barrie I could drop it off.

Jun 27, 2019
crus cont
by: Anonymous

Also I once accidentally beached this boat and the waves flipped it twice before another one refloated it- no damage- the hull is STRONG ( and I was lucky that day !

If you want to get rid of that project cheap-contact me-LOL

Jun 27, 2019
cruiser
by: Anonymous

Hello!

I truly hope your resto goes well !!!

That being said I came across this post and thought I would add some info.

The "cruiser" is the manufacturer "cruiser inc.

I used to use an outboard version of this lapstrake boat as a commercial/private clammer/clamdigger (called quehog by indian I think) whatever, my boat had an ancient 90 hp ( that ran on 3 of it's 4 cylinders ;( .

PLEASE DO NOT FILL THE PLANK SEAMS.

THIS BOAT IS MADE TO HAVE SOME FLEX ! And as such will indeed leak upon launch untill the wood swells.

You will need a good bilge pump - AT FIRST- normal for this craft and when u hit a wave u willact actually see water seepage at plank seams/minor

Aug 10, 2018
Grew Cruiser
by: Slim

You did the right thing to add diesel to the cylinders. Volvo parts should be readily available.

Once the hull is solid, get back to the engine.
Good luck.

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