Hughes Boat Works began its journey in 1963, founded by brothers Howard and Peter Hughes as a partnership in Willowdale, Ontario, a suburb of Toronto, Canada. Their initial vision was focused on smaller craft, starting with the construction of modest dinghies, ranging from 8 to 16 feet in length, including popular designs like El-Toros and 505s.
History and Evolution
The company quickly outgrew its initial home. In 1965, Hughes Boat Works relocated to Scarborough, Ontario, marking a significant step in its expansion. During this period (1965-1967), the company began producing larger fiberglass sailboats. Key early models included the Hughes 24, built using tooling acquired from Tanzer Industries Ltd., the Hughes 27, designed by Howard Hughes himself, and the Hughes 38, a notable design from the renowned firm of Sparkman & Stephens (design #1903).
A pivotal move occurred in 1968 when the company established its operations in Centralia, Ontario, later known as Huron Park, where a significant portion of their production would take place. This new facility enabled the introduction of more models designed by Howard Hughes, such as the Hughes 22, 25, and 29. Production also continued on the Sparkman & Stephens-designed Hughes 38, and a new Sparkman & Stephens collaboration, the Hughes 48, was introduced.
In 1969, a major corporate change reshaped the company's trajectory: Hughes Boat Works was acquired by US Steel. While the Hughes brothers initially remained with the company until 1971, the acquisition led to a renaming of the firm to Northstar Yachts Ltd. Under the Northstar banner, the company continued to build sailboats, predominantly utilizing designs commissioned by Hughes Boat Works, many of which originated from Sparkman & Stephens. This era saw the introduction of models like the Northstar 22, Northstar 500 (S&S design #2135), Northstar 1000 (S&S design #2098-C6), Northstar 1500 (S&S design #2166), Northstar 38, and Northstar 80/20 (S&S design #2134)., 3] A significant collaboration in 1973 brought the talents of rising naval architect Bruce Farr into play, with the introduction of the 24-foot Northstar 727 and the 30-foot Northstar 900., 22]
Howard Hughes re-entered the scene in 1977, repurchasing Northstar Yachts and reverting the company name to Hughes Boatworks Inc. This period saw a revitalization of existing designs and the introduction of new models. The Northstar 600 was modified and re-released as the Hughes 26, and a new Hughes 27 was launched. The Northstar 1000 was restyled into the Hughes 31, while the Northstar 1500 became the Hughes 35. The Northstar 38 was refined with a new interior and rebranded as the Hughes 38-2, and the Northstar 80/20 was re-christened the Hughes 40. A variant of the Northstar 35 was even built by Coronado Yachts as the Coronado 36.
Further expansion occurred in 1979 when Hughes Boatworks Inc. acquired Columbia Yachts. This led to the creation of Hughes-Columbia, with Columbia boats being built at the Huron Park factory in Canada. New models under this joint venture included the Hughes-Columbia 36, 8.3, 8.7 (a motor sailer), 10.7, 11.8, 42, and the 48 (formerly the Seafarer 48). Production of existing Hughes models like the 26, 31, 35, 38, and 40 (ketch) continued alongside the new Columbia lines. Notably, many of these models were available both fully finished and in kit form, appealing to a broader market.
However, this period of rapid expansion was met with economic headwinds. In 1980, Hughes Boat Works went into receivership, leading to the closure of its factory. Columbia Yachts was subsequently sold to Aura Yachts, also based in Huron Park. Aura continued to build its own versions of some Hughes and Columbia designs, including the Hughes 35, 40, Columbia 7.6, 8.7, and 10.7 under the Aura brand. The reach of these designs extended even further, with a version of the Hughes 35/Aura H35 being built in Great Britain by South Hants Engineering, known as the S.H.E. 36. South Hants Engineering also potentially built Northstar 1500 variants as the S.H.E. 1500.
In a testament to his enduring commitment, Howard Hughes once again repurchased his company in 1986, establishing operations in Orangeville, Ontario. During this final phase, a model known as the Hughes 41 was advertised or produced. The company's long and eventful history, however, came to an abrupt and final end in 1991 when a fire tragically destroyed the factory, ceasing all production of Hughes and Columbia boats., 6]
Design Philosophy and Identity
Hughes Boat Works carved out a reputation as a significant fiberglass sailboat manufacturer in Canada. They were known for producing a wide range of vessels, from smaller cruisers to larger bluewater yachts, appealing to both performance-oriented sailors and those seeking comfortable family cruising. The company's ability to offer boats in kit form also made sailing more accessible to DIY enthusiasts.
A hallmark of their success was their frequent collaboration with some of the most respected names in naval architecture. The foundational involvement of Sparkman & Stephens, a firm synonymous with elegant and performant yacht design, provided a strong backbone to many of Hughes's most successful models, particularly evident in the Northstar lines. The designs from Sparkman & Stephens, such as the Hughes 38 (design #1903), were known for adhering to the Cruising Club of America (CCA) Rule, indicating a focus on both cruising comfort and racing potential. Later, the company embraced the fresh and innovative designs of Bruce Farr, a New Zealand designer who would go on to become one of the world's foremost names in racing and cruising yacht design. Farr's designs for Northstar, like the 727 and 900, introduced a more modern, performance-oriented aesthetic. Howard Hughes himself also contributed significantly to the company's design portfolio, responsible for models like the Hughes 22, 25, 27, and 29., 14]
Iconic Models and Legacy
Throughout its history, Hughes Boat Works, including its Northstar and Hughes-Columbia iterations, produced approximately 3,500 boats, establishing itself as the largest sailboat manufacturer in Canada for several years.
Some of their most significant models include:
- Hughes 38 (Sparkman & Stephens design #1903): This early model set a standard for cruising performance and was a robust design that saw continued production and evolution through the Northstar 38 and Hughes 38-2 iterations., 9, 10]
- Northstar Series (Sparkman & Stephens designs): Models like the Northstar 500, 1000, and 1500, designed by Sparkman & Stephens, formed the core of the product line during the US Steel ownership. These boats were well-regarded for their strong construction and balanced sailing characteristics.
- Northstar 727 and N900 (Bruce Farr designs): These models marked a shift towards more contemporary performance designs and highlighted Hughes's willingness to embrace cutting-edge naval architecture., 22]
- Hughes 26, 31, 35, and 40: These models, largely refined versions of earlier Northstar designs, demonstrated the company's commitment to improving and adapting its popular offerings, providing comfortable and capable cruisers for a wide audience.
- Hughes-Columbia Series: The acquisition of Columbia Yachts diversified the product line significantly, allowing Hughes to offer a broader range of sizes and styles, from the compact 8.3 to the larger 48-foot cruiser.
The legacy of Hughes Boat Works lies in its significant contribution to Canadian boat building. They were instrumental in making fiberglass sailboats accessible to a wider market, offering a diverse range of models and even providing kit boats for those who wished to undertake their own construction. Their collaborations with world-class designers like Sparkman & Stephens and Bruce Farr ensured that their boats were not only well-built but also well-designed, leaving behind a fleet of vessels that continue to be sailed and enjoyed today by a dedicated community of owners.
The Builder Today
Sadly, Hughes Boat Works no longer exists as an active boat builder, having ceased operations after the devastating factory fire in 1991. While there is no corporate entity producing new Hughes boats today, the spirit of the brand lives on through the numerous vessels they built. These boats, found in harbors and cruising grounds across North America and beyond, speak to the enduring quality and design prowess that characterized Hughes Boat Works. Ownership of a Hughes boat today often comes with a sense of connection to Canadian marine history. Owners are typically enthusiasts who appreciate the solid construction, classic lines, and capable performance of these older fiberglass yachts. While no formal company structure exists, online forums, owner groups, and sailing communities often serve as vibrant hubs for Hughes and Northstar owners to share knowledge, experiences, and maintain the legacy of these remarkable Canadian-built vessels.
