Readers Write…Absolute Classics Marine

Aug 7, 2024

Recently, we wrote in Boating Industry Canada News Week Digest, that concerning levels of fiberglass had been discovered in edible marine life in the UK near a harbour where derelict boats were disposed of. We suggested that this and other aspects of fiberglass might someday be restricted and that it would be at least wise and proactive for some builders to return to wooden boat building.

This drew a response from Andrew Middleton from Absolute Classics in Kelowna, BC. Here we share his letter and his story.

Reprinted with permission from the Chris Craft club magazine, The Brass Bell.

Hi Andy – thought you might find the article I wrote for the Chris-Craft members magazine “Brass Bell”, of interest. I was asked to chat about the Classic boating lifestyle, Absolute Classics Marine, the Company I created nearly 4o years ago and a commentary about where this was all going in the future.

More needs to be published about those involved in preserving what was once highly regarded because of the talent and dedication to quality and design. If the youth of today realized they could make use of their intellect and their hands to create something out of nothing instead of relying on a button to call google or social media for answers or gratification , I think we could get them involved in changing the tide, inputting their opinions on sustainability and altering the industry in a new direction.

Cheers, Andrew

Andrew Middleton
Master Boat Builder

Toll Free: (833) 762-0001 – Local: (250) 762-0001
Andrew@absoluteclassicsmarine.com – www.absoluteclassics.com
3 – 821 McCurdy Pl, Kelowna BC V1X 8C8

I was recently asked by Steven Lapkin, Managing Editor of The Brass Bell, to submit a story about our Company, Absolute Classics Marine, and comment on why our approach to the Classic boating market is unique and why we have been successful in this niche, boating lifestyle.  What was true some 30 years ago, when the company began, remains today but the market is in transition as tastes change, access to suitable classic boats dwindle and demand moves from baby boomers to a younger demographic. Regardless, as a company, we know what we stand for, we are cognizant of the impact we have on the market, and we have a perspective of where this lifestyle is going.  This vision forms the basis of how we do business and our plan for success.

First off, I think the results we see today are based on honoring traditional values and moving that ethos forward. I am intrigued by what is remarkable from the past and have acknowledged the characteristics and values of those that precede us. I truly honor those things that are timeless in design, have inherent style and are coveted over time. In my life’s journey, I have come to realize Serendipity is an elusive concept and when it appears, provenance moves, though not by ordinary means. It has intervened in my life on occasion, and each time my path and story are altered, more often than not, in a beneficial way.

I grew up on Okanagan Lake in Kelowna, B.C., a small city in Western Canada. From an early age I believed wood boats represented the epitome of design and function, ensconced in a unique style. Summers were water based and I was soon intoxicated with the sound, smell and tactile feel of these iconic watercraft.  Like any young lad, I sought direction and purpose in life. Having graduated from University, I began to plot my course.  My mantra was to set sail through unchartered waters, behold sites unseen and find passion in life, without compromise.  In the mid-eighties, I began a journey of discovery. My Port of Call was England, a place I could study just about anything that expanded my inherent interests. I was based out of London and decided to take the day train to Lowestoft and visit the International Boat Building Training Centre, a world-renowned College for wood boat building.  Without expectation, I approached the open doors of Boat College on the water and was overwhelmed by the graceful lines of the boats inside, the smell of the glistening varnish and the curled shavings that carpeted the floor.  The sights and smells returned from my youth. I had an epiphany and realized I had arrived where I was meant to be. I enrolled in the full-time apprenticeship program and studied Wood boat building and design at City and Guilds.  I was in my element, I had found a catalyst to foster talents I did not know I had and for the first time in my life, passion and purpose appeared.

In my free time I‘d scour the English countryside in my Morris Minor, for sites of interest. Clearly, every small village on the seaside was oriented to watercraft, not for pleasure but out of necessity, it seemed. I happened upon the Lake District and toured the Lake Windermere Steamboat Museum, which is now the Windermere Jetty.  The museum had amassed a collection of Steam powered Launches and documented the history of the local Motorboat Racing Club.  On display was a legendary icon of American boating.  The name “Jane” was hand painted on the transom of this 16-foot Chris-Craft Special Race Boat. It was first featured in the 1938 New York Motorboat show where it won Boat of the Year.  Shortly afterward it was imported into the UK by Arthur Bray, the British agent for Chris-Craft at that time.  In the following years many Chris-Crafts graced the waters on Lake Windermere, including a very rare 1955, Hemi powered, Chris-Craft Cobra, Hull number BR-21-050.   (This Cobra is now under restoration at Absolute Classics Marine).

On graduation, I was taken under the tutelage of Jack Chippendale, a well-known British wood Boatbuilder.  He would prove to be my mentor.  This sage, upstanding Englishman, set the stage for my work in the years to come.  When it came time for me to return to Canada, I asked him what formed the basis of his philosophy in life and work.  He told me we are all blessed with a unique set of talents and attributes and our role is to express those, in a suitable medium, that creates meaning and impact.  He made it clear, one’s reputation was paramount, and every boat I built or restored should have quality and authenticity at the core.  He said I would eat beans for a long time, but someday my efforts would be rewarded.

Full of youthful optimism and against all odds, Middleton Boat Works was launched in 1989 in Kelowna, BC.  I had beans on the menu and my workspace was an unheated lean-to off the side of a warehouse. I quicky realized Kelowna had a rich history in Motor Boating and classic speedboats soon appeared on my doorstep, owned by the “Who’s who” of the community.  With every boat restored, another appeared.  Each had a story linked to the past, present and future.  I soon realized the boats were more than simple objects.  They formed the basis of a unique lifestyle and were part of the owner’s soul. I learned my responsibility was to recognize the boats’ provenance, protect the legacy and craftsmanship of builders before me and ensure the boat would go on.

Business grew exponentially and in 2006, Absolute Classics Marine was formed. My brothers, Bruce and Peter came on board and changed the face of the Company.  With their background in sales and management, they set the stage for growth.  We were appointed the West Coast dealer for Chris-Craft Corporation, imported Contemporary Classic speedboats from Europe and expanded our role in Classic Boat brokerage to satisfy a growing demand for unique pleasure boats.

Restorations remained a significant part of the business with a waiting list of eager collectors.

Today, a Company that was born out of the aspirations and intentions of a young lad, still holds the inherent values and ethics set forth decades before.   Absolute Classics Marine may be based on restoring and brokering boats from the past, but it is firmly set in the modern day. We have learned to adapt to the needs of the clients, the onslaught of technology and the challenges associated with a changing market.  We have maintained high standards by implementing tried and tested methodology.  Our crew forms the backbone of those processes.  They are hand-picked, not as artisans that exercise their creativity but as individuals who are dedicated to honor the work of those that came before.  They are trained to restore each boat as if it were coming off the production line in the year it was built.

Before any project begins, formal Estimates are issued for the requested upgrades and are compiled using a significant database for reference. Once the project begins, the Crew completes the work as set out in the work order and is challenged to exceed expectations within the time allotted, without compromise.  Each crew member knows their name is on the boat as it leaves the Boat Works, and they take pride in that.

Absolute Classics Marine is proud to be one of the premier boat restoration companies in North America.  We attract and restore some of the most iconic boats ever made.  Countless Chris-Crafts, including Barrelbacks, Special Race boats, Capris, Rivieras, and Cobras have been restored here, many of which have been award winners.  Dodges, Rivas, Hacker Crafts, Greavettes and Ditchburns have graced the Boat Works as well.  We are a Canadian company that is represented worldwide.  Our American clients see the value having their boat restored here.  We are highly competitive, handle all the documentation and shipping details and many benefit from the favorable exchange rate.

Brokerage sales are at an all-time high thanks to our dynamic web site and knowledgeable sales crew.  They are equipped with a massive database of contacts and network connections.  Each listing is created through a direct, personal connection with the seller or the buyer.  The sales staff have direct knowledge of each boat, a working relationship with the client, access to inhouse knowledge regarding boat specification and condition, and are dedicated to placing the boat in the right hands.

Success does not occur without giving gratitude to those that have contributed to this lifestyle.  We do our part to give back to the local boating community.  Bruce and I are founding members of the Okanagan ACBS, are active members of the board, and participate in Classic Boat Shows to foster relationships.  We look forward to our growing association with the Chris-Craft Antique Boat Club and taken the initiative to include the cost of a one-year membership in the Club for anyone buying a Chris-Craft through Absolute Classics Marine.

Please visit our website at www.absoluteclassicsmarine.com

Absolute Classics Marine
Kelowna, BC, Canada
(250) 762-0001