For over seven decades, Philbrook's Boatyard has stood as a beacon of marine excellence on Canada's West Coast. From its humble beginnings in Victoria to its current status as a premier full-service facility in Sidney, British Columbia, Philbrook's has consistently delivered unparalleled craftsmanship, innovative design, and comprehensive service, cementing its reputation as a cornerstone of the Pacific Northwest yachting industry.
The Origin Story
The story of Philbrook's Boatyard begins in the post-World War II era, specifically around 1947, when Eric Philbrook and Ernie Butler first established their woodworking business in Victoria, British Columbia. Initially focusing on cabinet making, Eric Philbrook's passion for the sea soon led him to boatbuilding. His inaugural vessel, the 31-foot Bonnie Lou, was constructed in 1947 and gained recognition as one of the first notable boats of its kind in the Northwest. While Ernie Butler eventually retired early, Eric Philbrook continued his dedication to the yard, working long days almost until the end of his life.
By 1959, the growing reputation of Philbrook's prompted an invitation from Van Isle Marina to relocate its operations further north to Sidney, British Columbia. This strategic move positioned the boatyard in Tsehum Harbour, where it has continued to thrive and expand its capabilities.
History and Evolution
Since its founding in 1950, Philbrook's Boatyard has maintained continuous operation, demonstrating a remarkable ability to adapt to changing market demands and evolving marine technologies. The company quickly established itself as a full-service yard, proficient in everything from intricate interior wood joinery—a particular distinguishing skill—to prop alignment and electronics.
Over the years, Philbrook's has undergone several ownership transitions, each contributing to its rich history. At one point, businessmen Bill Fryer and Donald Dobie acquired the yard, leveraging its expertise to build the popular production sailboat, the Fast Passage 39. A significant change occurred in 1987 when Hal Irwin purchased Philbrook's Boatyard. Today, the boatyard remains family-owned and operated by Hal Irwin and his son, Drew Irwin, who continue to uphold the yard's esteemed traditions.
The boatyard has consistently embraced new materials and construction techniques. While renowned for its history of large custom yacht construction in wood, Philbrook's has seamlessly transitioned to working with composite and fiberglass, undertaking custom, composite cruiser-trawler builds. The facility itself has also expanded to include two marine railways capable of handling vessels up to 220 tons, enhancing its capacity for major projects.
Design Philosophy and Identity
Philbrook's Boatyard has cultivated a formidable reputation as the Pacific Northwest's premier full-service boatyard. It is celebrated for its commitment to high-quality craftsmanship, attention to detail, and a comprehensive suite of services that can address any marine need, "from new boat construction to any form of repair." The builder is recognized for constructing elegant custom motor and sailing yachts, whether they are truly one-of-a-kind creations or semi-custom designs.
The company's ethos revolves around delivering exceptional quality and ensuring a positive customer experience for every project. This commitment to excellence has led to collaborations with distinguished naval architects. Notably, Bill Garden designed the "Post Class" fisheries patrol vessels in the 1970s, which became a significant series for the yard. More recently, Philbrook's has engaged with designers such as Greg Marshall for initial drawings on custom projects, demonstrating their integration of modern computer-aided design technologies. Additionally, they collaborate with Tad Roberts for designs like their Express series.
Iconic Models and Legacy
From its earliest days, boatbuilding has been a primary achievement for Philbrook's. Beyond Eric Philbrook's pioneering 31-foot Bonnie Lou, the yard gained recognition for building the Fast Passage 39 under previous ownership.
A truly iconic series for Philbrook's emerged in the 1970s with the construction of Bill Garden-designed "Post Class" fisheries patrol vessels. These rugged and distinctive vessels, along with their evolution into the "Post Class" trawlers and expedition boats, are a testament to the yard's enduring build quality, with many still in service today.
The boatyard has also been responsible for numerous high-profile custom projects, including the Garden-designed motor yachts Ding Ho and Palamar, as well as the 69-foot custom yacht Tango. In recent years, Philbrook's has ventured into building purpose-built, semi-custom composite cruiser-trawlers and passagemakers, exemplified by models like the Philbrook's Express 47. Their extensive portfolio also includes refits and repairs for a wide array of commercial vessels, such as fishing boats, tugs, patrol vessels, passenger ferries, and even naval and cruise line vessels.
The Builder Today
Today, Philbrook's Boatyard continues its legacy as the Pacific Northwest's premier full-service marine facility. Owned and operated by Hal and Drew Irwin, the yard remains a bustling hub of activity in Sidney, BC, situated alongside Van Isle Marina.
The yard offers a comprehensive range of services, including custom design and construction, yacht refits, painting, carpentry, mechanical and electrical work, and general boat repairs. Philbrook's modern vessels, such as the Express series, appeal to discerning owners seeking robust, capable, and elegantly designed passage makers for long-range cruising.
Beyond its main Sidney location, Philbrook's also extends its reach with marine services and parts available in Roche Harbor, Washington, catering to the broader Pacific Northwest boating community. The company prides itself on its "Ways of Work," emphasizing clear communication, high-quality standards, and a customer-centric approach to ensure a positive experience for every boat owner. Philbrook's Boatyard remains a vibrant and respected institution, upholding its long-standing tradition of excellence in the marine industry.
