Makalika’s hull was built by the Matthews Boat Company of Port Clinton Ohio . She then went to the Lozier Engine Company in Plattsburgh NY for completion in 1902. The 23’4” hull is “carvel construction using 5/8” red cedar on oak ribs capped by a red oak combing and deck.”   She was purchased in 1903 for $475 by Dr. Harold Clark and taken in 1904 to Church Point in Milford Bay, where she lived for the next 113 years serving five generations of the Clark family. Mrs. Clark’s name was Marguerite, and the boat’s name Makalika is the Hawaiian translation of Marguerite. Harold’s sons, young Philip and Ralph Clark (ages 11 and 5 respectively) drove her each Friday across the lake to Bala to pickup Harold at the 8:30 train from Toronto and return across the lake to Church Point after dark. We suspect the original fringe top was replaced by the more practical canvas roof that provided better protection from the elements for these trips.   The original power was likely a one cylinder 3 HP Lozier inboard engine. It was replaced by a 1938 Kermath Sea Cub, which is still providing very reliable service. Bob Pridday did a major restoration of the hull of the Makalika in 1960, and Clive Clark, grandson of Dr. Clark, rebuilt the pointed stern of the boat in the spring and fall of 2006.   Robert and Kate Dilworth purchased the boat from the Clark family in 2017, with Stan Hunter facilitating the sale. In the winter of 2018, they stripped and refinished the decks. Then, in the winter of 2020, Curt Hillman replaced the entire bottom, wiring and fuel system, and built a new tiller steering device and throttle control. Matt Fairbrass did extensive work on the Kermath engine while Makalika spent the winter upside down.  

The fully restored Makalika is now available for purchase in Bala.

With notes from Clive Clark written in 2011, photos by Andy Adams and Timothy Du Vernet