Chrysler Marine

[Chryco Psycho]

I bet most do not realize how succesful the marine division was
https://www.allpar.com/history/marine.html

[Brads70]

"Chrysler Canada Outboard Ltd. produced outboard engines in 34,000 square foot factory and made boats in a 67,500 square foot facility, both in Barrie, Ontario. The outboards were distributed in 125 countries."
I didn't know this? I wonder where in Barrie that was done?
My stepfather bought a brand new red bowrider Chrysler boat, towed it with his new 71 Challenger 318/3 speed manual. Lots of good memories in that boat.

[Brads70]

Found this on google....

https://www.donnadouglas.com/columns/barrie-advance/barrie-has-huge-boating-history.html

" Well, his hobby became his real life. And Chrysler took over West Bend motors and bought out the Loanstar Boat Co. and built two plants... one on Lorena St (between Anne and Hwy 400) and one at the end of Davidson St (facing Hwy 400). From the Davidson plant a team of workers built Chrisler engines, the fancy little 3.6 hp 'Swinger' up to the 150 hp, 'Magnapower II.'

The Chrysler outboard was matched equally by the Chrysler fibreglass boat, from the 23 foot 'Cruiser' to the 14 foot fishing model, and everything in between.

Joe describes rows and rows of boats, all lined up like soldiers, resting on their transoms and tucked into each other for efficient use of warehouse space. Chrysler's popular Deep V hull was made for rough water and water skiing and held its own beside the company's sailboats, aluminum boats, lines that were manufactured in Texas and shipped into Canada.

When the 68,000 square foot Lorena St. plant opened in 1968, teams of workers were producing 10-12 boats a day, according to Plant Manager Don Wesson. Early photos show the first hull from the first mold, and early photos of gelcoat application, and company celebrations. Cost of the boats in those days ranged from $200 to $11,000.

Joe explains the boats from the Lorena St plant went into a dealer distribution network with dealers encouraged to take both boats and motors. Early Barrie dealers included Paul Ford, whose Kempenfelt Bay dealership was located right next to Delaney Boat Works at the foot of Bayfield St. Edwars Marina on Little Lake was another Chrysler boat dealer. And Joe Fossey drove all over Canada teaching courses on how to service engines. Former plant manager Don Wesson and Joe share with enthusiasm all the photos and newspaper clippings of the day, proclaiming the new plant with its 150-person workforce."

[cuda hunter]

I have a 1981 Sears "Game Fisher".
14' aluminum with a chrysler 5 horse outboard on rear.

I've had several r.v. motors which some how were connected to the chrysler marine division.

Cool info and read...