Mint Julep
YEAR: 1928
Named after her favourite drink, Lady Eaton of the notable Canadian Eaton's family, ordered this boat in the fall of 1928. Ditchburn just unveiled the new model that spring. 'Mint Julep' was the first of the 28' 'King Hulls' to receive the 678 cu. in. 225 HP overhead-valve Kermath marine engine. This was a state-of-the-art power plant, weighing in at 1,250 lbs., 40 % less than the Sterling, and delivering 25 more HP. In the 1929 sales brochure, the boats were advertised to reach 45 mph. Lady Eaton was know to have the fastest boats on the lakes.
LENGTH: 28'
Ditchburn Build Sheets indicate she cost $1,294.84 in 1928, by far the most expensive Viking built that year. This model was the first production built 'Stepped-hull' in the world, and only 6 are known to have survived. She came to Peter Breen in 1999, and Tim Aikenhead commissioned her restoration. Her removal from a barn was well documented. She was restored slowly over 7 years, documenting each piece for placement and authenticity along the way.
BUILDER: DITCHBURN BOATS
Powered with her original 225 HP Kermath Sea Wolf, which fits in the engine compartment with .5" of height clearance, 'Mint Julep' was finished in 2006. Peter Breen acquired her from Mr. Aikenhead and used for a number of years before she was purchased by Tom Balames for use on Walloon Lake, Michigan.
