Reginald “Teddy” Snyder (1912-2003)

Snyder’s Shipyard’s roots are deep in Nova Scotia’s heritage.

The shipyard was initially started under the name of Leary’s, with records dating back to 1871, a time when establishing owner Stephen Leary and sons

Philip Snyder (1945-2019)

Melbourne and Maurice Leary were building large-scale ships with keels up to 74 ft. in length, using ironwork. The shipyard was purchased by Reginald “Teddy” Snyder in 1944, who designed and built vessels as well as parts of the shipyard facilities. After working 53 years as a shipwright and 10 years spent as the owner of Snyder’s, Snyder retired from the business in 1987, passing ownership to his son Philip.

Philip learned the craft from his father and in 2006 semi-retired, passing the helm to Wade Croft who had started at the shipyard in 1980, joining the management team in 1999. Many of our shipwrights are also second and third generation in their trade – most of whom have been with us their entire career.

An architectural study of Snyder's Shipyard infrastructure was published in 1994 by the Technical University of Nova Scotia (TUNS)

An architectural study of Snyder’s Shipyard infrastructure was published in 1994 by the Technical University of Nova Scotia (TUNS)

The first permanent boat-building shed was constructed in 1969 and measures 100 feet by 40 feet. Before the erection of this building vessels were constructed outside. In 1992, a second building was constructed to build its first 67-foot vessel indoors. The third building brings a total of 10,000 square feet of working space to the shipyard.

We are proud to be part of the schooner ‘Bluenose’ history. In March of 1994 ‘Bluenose II’ was decommissioned, never to set sail again. Thankfully, the Bluenose II Preservation Trust Society was formed and major repair work was carried out by Snyder’s Shipyard between 1 January 1995 and Mid April 1995. Most recently, we participated in the rebuild of Bluenose II as a member of the Lunenburg Shipyard Alliance.

Snyder’s Shipyard is the exclusive authorized builder for the new construction of the Bluenose Sloop, a 23′ daysailer based on ‘Bluenose’ lines, designed by ‘Bluenose’ designer W.J. Roué.

Our boat sheds are considered architectural history in themselves. While we have worked to update the interiors to meet today’s technology, we have been careful to maintain the traditional “Maritime” look on the exterior.

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The handmade Snyder Trusses in our boat sheds are the subject of architectural awe.