Description

CHARLES D MOWER BOAT NUMBER 22

FULLY BUILT AND READY TO DISPLAY MUSEUM QUALITY SHIP MODEL

Dimension approx.: 33.5″ (long) x 6.5″ (wide) x 6″ (high)
The model is already built. THIS IS NOT A MODEL SHIP KIT

The story of Number Boat 22 begins not with the boat itself, but with the designer whose ideas shaped an entire chapter of St. Lawrence River boating culture: Charles D. Mower (1875–1942). A prominent New York naval architect, Mower was known for his elegant, efficient small‑craft designs and for his influence on early 20th‑century racing and family boating. Among his many contributions, one of the most enduring was a 1909 concept that blended speed, accessibility, and community spirit—the Number Boat.

Mower’s original 1909 Number Boat was conceived as a dual‑purpose craft: fast enough for spirited racing, yet stable and comfortable enough for family outings on the St. Lawrence River. Built by Leyare Boat Works in Ogdensburg, New York, the first twenty boats were sold on a subscription basis to local enthusiasts. Each hull was assigned a number in the order it was purchased, and that number was painted boldly on the bow so spectators could easily identify the boats during races. Over time, these sleek wooden runabouts became known simply as the “Number Boats,” a name that stuck for more than a century.

Number Boat 22, however, is not one of those original Leyare‑built hulls. Instead, it represents a modern gentleman’s launch inspired by Mower’s 1909 design philosophy. It captures the long‑deck elegance of the early boats while embracing the reliability and practicality expected by contemporary owners. Its construction blends varnished solid mahogany and Spanish cedar, paired with soft leather upholstery and a Marine Power 4‑cylinder 140 hp engine capable of pushing the boat to about 30 mph. The result is a vessel designed not for competition, but for conversation—ideal for touring, casual cruising, and enjoying the river at a relaxed, dignified pace.

The revival of the Number Boat tradition has been fueled by a renewed appreciation for Mower’s work and the cultural heritage of the Thousand Islands region. Events such as the 100th anniversary of the first official T.I. One‑Design races in 2010 brought original and modern Number Boats together on the St. Lawrence River, celebrating a design that once united local families in friendly competition. Organizations like the Antique Boat Museum and the Thousand Islands Yacht Club have played key roles in preserving this legacy, ensuring that Mower’s contributions remain visible on the water.

Today, Number Boat 22 stands as both a tribute and a continuation—a modern interpretation that honors the spirit of the 1909 originals while offering the comfort and dependability expected by today’s boating enthusiasts. It is a living link between past and present, carrying forward the elegance, simplicity, and river‑born heritage that Charles D. Mower envisioned more than a century ago.