The narrative of Wiggers Custom Yachts Ltd. begins with its founder, Andy Wiggers, born in Groenlo, Holland, in 1950. The youngest of eleven children, Wiggers was introduced to the intricacies of woodworking at an early age through his father, a master craftsman who owned and managed a local furniture and wooden shoe factory. This formative experience laid the foundation for his exceptional skills.
In 1960, the Wiggers family immigrated to Canada, settling in Oshawa, Ontario. Following his studies, Andy Wiggers honed his craft further as a finish woodworker at the esteemed Whitby Boat Works. After a brief period diversifying into home building in the early 1970s, his passion for woodworking and the marine industry drew him back. He initiated his entrepreneurial journey by offering mobile woodworking repair and replacement services for boats of all sizes. This humble, diligent beginning rapidly prospered, leading to the establishment of Wiggers Custom Yachts Ltd. in 1978. The business first opened a shop in Oshawa before relocating to its current, more expansive quarters in Bowmanville, where a significant portion of its acclaimed accomplishments have since materialized.
History and Evolution
Wiggers Custom Yachts Ltd. has evolved significantly from its origins as a mobile woodworking service. The move to a dedicated shop in Oshawa, and subsequently to Bowmanville, marked pivotal expansions in the company's capabilities and capacity. By 1988, the quality of Wiggers' work had garnered such acclaim that newspapers hailed Andy Wiggers as "the best boat builder in Canada," a testament to his unparalleled skill and dedication.
Located at Port Darlington Harbour in Bowmanville, Ontario, the company has maintained a strong presence in the Canadian marine industry for decades. While the provided information indicates the company has been operational in Bowmanville since at least 2006, continuing through 2019, its founding year of 1978 underscores a much longer and continuous history of boat building and repair [3,. This longevity is attributed to Andy Wiggers' ongoing leadership and the expertise of his long-term employees, forming a talented team across all specialized fields crucial to a viable boat building and repair business.
Design Philosophy and Identity
Wiggers Custom Yachts has cultivated a distinguished reputation in the marine world, primarily known for its commitment to custom builds and its "craftsman extraordinaire" approach. The company's identity is deeply rooted in delivering a high standard of quality workmanship, offering comprehensive services ranging from cosmetic refurbishing to addressing complex structural damage.
Their design philosophy revolves around bespoke solutions, tailoring each project to the specific needs and desires of their clients. This flexibility has allowed them to produce a diverse range of vessels, including high-performance racing boats and luxurious cruising yachts. Wiggers has a history of collaborating with renowned naval architects and designers to bring these custom visions to life. Notable collaborations include projects with Allen Andrews, responsible for a 65-foot cruising yacht, and Mark Ellis, who designed a 54-foot cruising yacht built by Wiggers. They have also built designs by Doug Peterson, such as the Wiggers 37.
Iconic Models and Legacy
Throughout its history, Wiggers Custom Yachts has left an indelible mark with a series of significant and successful custom builds. The company is particularly recognized for building racing yachts that achieved notable victories, including winning the prestigious Canada's Cup in both 1981 and 1984.
Among the vessels built from start to finish by Wiggers Custom Yachts, several models stand out:
- Lager 40 (1984): A custom sailboat noted in the company's build history.
- Nonsuch 33 (1988) and Nonsuch 40 (1988): These models indicate Wiggers' involvement in building or custom finishing popular designs, expanding their portfolio beyond purely custom one-offs.
- Wiggers 37 (Peterson Design): A 37-foot sailboat attributed to the collaboration with naval architect Doug Peterson.
- Wiggers Custom Yachts J/N 39 (1984): A 39.7-foot fiberglass monohull racer.
- Wiggers Custom Yachts Andrews 30 MORC Custom (1989): A 29.91-foot fiberglass monohull racer designed by Andrews.
- Custom Cruising Yachts: The company has built luxurious cruising yachts, including a 65-foot design by Allen Andrews and a 54-foot design by Mark Ellis.
- The "Coug": A notable racing yacht for owner Tony Ronza, which received media attention upon its launch.
Wiggers' legacy is not just in the number of boats built but in the reputation for quality and performance they established, earning their founder the distinction of being considered "the best boat builder in Canada" by 1988. Their work on America's Cup-level racing boats further solidifies their standing in the high-performance sailing community.
The Builder Today
Today, Wiggers Custom Yachts continues to operate under the stewardship of its founder, Andy Wiggers, from its facility at 125 Port Darlington Road in Bowmanville, Ontario. The company remains a full-service boat building and repair facility, offering an extensive range of services including boat building, repairs, and both inside and outside storage.
The modern Wiggers Custom Yachts appeals to a discerning clientele seeking unparalleled craftsmanship and personalized service for their vessels. The ownership experience is characterized by access to a team of highly skilled, long-term employees, ensuring that every project, whether a new custom build or a complex repair, meets the highest standards of quality. While there isn't explicit information about a formal owner community, the nature of custom yacht ownership and the company's long-standing reputation likely foster a strong sense of pride and connection among those who own a Wiggers-built or serviced yacht.
