Sirens Boatworks is Passionate about Watercraft Restoration
MERRICKVILLE - Andrew Lee understands how much people love their boats.
That's why he and his growing team at Sirens Boatworks are dedicated to rebuilding and restoring boats of all types and sizes to their full glory with a focus on wood vessels. Customers come from across Canada and the US. for Sirens craftsmanship.
"I admit we're very passionate about it," says Andrew, who relocated his business to Merrickville overlooking the Rideau Canal waterway 8 years ago.
"It has always been my dream to be the mecca of wooden boats," he says. "There are huge heartstrings between people and their boats. We have so many customers who won't let anyone but us touch their boats."
Because of the diverse talents of Andrew and his crew, Sirens Boatworks has become one of the largest boat restoration companies in Ontario and eastern Canada. There is no part of a vessel they can't restore, including vintage craft. They specialize in full watercraft rebuilding and restoration, high-detail diagnostics, custom mechanical work and so much more.
Andrew started his company in Montreal 15 years ago, not long after graduating from cabinet making. At the time, Andrew's dad, Jim, had a friend who was fixing up a 1920s tugboat. That's when Andrew got the bug for restoring heritage vessels.
"That was my first intro to "the scene." It opened my eyes to the fact there are a lot of boats and a lot of wood out there," he says. Soon he was getting calls to do on-site work on vessels in Ontario and eventually Andrew set up shop in Brighton. "I just kept getting great jobs," he says, including unique watercraft from a large New Hampshire boat collector. He also began doing a lot of work for Merrickville's landmark Aylings Marina and eventually moved to set up shop next door.
Today, Andrew operates more than 400 feet of dock space and offers a lounge and showers for his marina customers. Sirens is expanding its boat winterization service as well as yard and covered storage.
They are known for buying, selling and brokering wooden boats of all sizes, from canoes to 60-foot and larger yachts. They work with yacht designers and customers to create high-end watercraft using modern technologies while retaining the real wooden boat look and feel.
Andrew's business is growing and he continues to recruit new staff to his existing 10-member team. It's also a family affair. His dad is the company's administrator / buyer and mom Cheryl Lee is head of all upholstery restoration.
"I love being in Merrickville and it's great to see more people interested in what we do and in vintage watercraft," says Andrew.
Learn more about Sirens Boatworks by visiting their website, check out their Facebook page, send them an email or give them a call at 613-661-6964. Sirens is located at 253 Amelia Street in Merrickville, right on the north bank of the Rideau waterway.
Photo below: Project Manager Spartan Rubacha installs the forward cabin ceiling in Skipper, a custom built replica of a 1930s Norse, a build that has brought Sirens national and international acclaim.
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