9 June 2025 
Total Rating: 0 
Ontario Yachts, founded in 1961 by Dirk and Maria Kneulman, has built a strong reputation for crafting high-quality fiberglass sailboats and restoring classic models. Based in Burlington, Ontario, the company’s roots trace to Dirk’s early wooden dinghy and sloop production beginning in the late 1950s. By the 1960s, this company was known for expertly building racing keelboats like the Etchells, and its production of fiberglass sailing yachts such as the Viking 22 and Ontario 32 cemented its status among North American sailors. Today, Ontario Yachts balances both building new fiberglass sailcraft and specializing in restoration and servicing of vintage vessels.
What sets Ontario Yachts apart is its deep mastery of traditional boatbuilding merged with modern materials. Their restoration work reflects a respect for original designs – like the classic Etchells and light performance cruisers – while improving durability and performance to contemporary standards. The company supports a range of boats, including inland and offshore-capable models from high-quality racing dinghies to mid‑size cruisers. Their heritage extends back to Olympic-class builds and renowned one-design racers that achieved competitive success across North America and abroad.
In addition to new boat production, Ontario Yachts offers engineering, custom refits, and structural repairs. Clients benefit from the company’s longstanding expertise in hull repairs, wood-to-fiberglass transitions, rigging updates, and interior refurbishments. The company is frequently sought for maintaining vintage one-design fleets due to its intimate knowledge of class specifications and restoration quality. Their involvement in reproducing or preserving historic Canadian sailboats makes them an ideal partner for classic yacht owners.
Operating in Burlington as well as occasionally partnering with regional marinas, Ontario Yachts maintains a client base ranging from amateur sailors to championship fleets. Their work on signature models – with meticulous attention to hull integrity and classic lines – demonstrates both pride in Canadian maritime heritage and skill in contemporary marine craftsmanship. Ontario Yachts continues to bridge past and present, preserving classic yacht culture while preparing vessels for current-day use, and remains one of Canada’s most respected names in vintage yacht building and care.
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Ontario Yachts, founded in 1961 by Dirk and Maria Kneulman, has built a strong reputation for crafting high-quality fiberglass sailboats and restoring classic models. Based in Burlington, Ontario, the company’s roots trace to Dirk’s early wooden dinghy and sloop production beginning in the late 1950s. By the 1960s, this company was known for expertly building racing keelboats like the Etchells, and its production of fiberglass sailing yachts such as the Viking 22 and Ontario 32 cemented its status among North American sailors. Today, Ontario Yachts balances both building new fiberglass sailcraft and specializing in restoration and servicing of vintage vessels.
What sets Ontario Yachts apart is its deep mastery of traditional boatbuilding merged with modern materials. Their restoration work reflects a respect for original designs – like the classic Etchells and light performance cruisers – while improving durability and performance to contemporary standards. The company supports a range of boats, including inland and offshore-capable models from high-quality racing dinghies to mid‑size cruisers. Their heritage extends back to Olympic-class builds and renowned one-design racers that achieved competitive success across North America and abroad.
In addition to new boat production, Ontario Yachts offers engineering, custom refits, and structural repairs. Clients benefit from the company’s longstanding expertise in hull repairs, wood-to-fiberglass transitions, rigging updates, and interior refurbishments. The company is frequently sought for maintaining vintage one-design fleets due to its intimate knowledge of class specifications and restoration quality. Their involvement in reproducing or preserving historic Canadian sailboats makes them an ideal partner for classic yacht owners.
Operating in Burlington as well as occasionally partnering with regional marinas, Ontario Yachts maintains a client base ranging from amateur sailors to championship fleets. Their work on signature models – with meticulous attention to hull integrity and classic lines – demonstrates both pride in Canadian maritime heritage and skill in contemporary marine craftsmanship. Ontario Yachts continues to bridge past and present, preserving classic yacht culture while preparing vessels for current-day use, and remains one of Canada’s most respected names in vintage yacht building and care.
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