About The Boat
HISTORY OF
THE MARINE TRADER
Marine Trading International is known for its line of Taiwan-built trawlers. The company began in 1968 and by the early 2000's had imported more boats than any other importer.
HISTORY OF
THE MAGNOLIA GRACE
“MAGNOLIA GRACE”, a Marine Trader 44 Classic, is just that, a classic vessel with elegant appointments and rich teak throughout. She was built in the Chung Hwa Boat Yard and exported to the port of Philadelphia in 1982. She is of fiberglass construction with abundant teak trim and brass appointments. She is powered by twin Ford Lehman 120 hp diesel engines.
First owner, Richard Lepine of Montreal Canada, christened her “Pier Pressure I”. Ownership transferred in 1988 to Henry LeClair of Ottawa Canada. Both owners travelled extensively along the east coast, including the St. Lawrence River.
The third owners, Doug and Bev Leach of Ottawa, moved her home port to Melbourne Florida and rechristened her “Peddler II”. The following owner, Doug Saslow kept her in Marathon Key. In 2013, new owners Mike and Amy Flaherty briefly home ported her in Key West. In 2014, the current Captain, Bruce Garrison, sailed “Peddler II” to Fort Lauderdale and subsequently purchased her in 2017.
Her Name
MAGNOLIA GRACE
Ships have traditionally been given a woman’s name for various reasons, some superstitious. It has been surmised that in ancient history ships were once dedicated to goddesses.
A feminine name is selected with the idea of safety and protection, and that the sea will mother and protect the vessel on its journeys just as a mother watches over her children.
Her new name “Magnolia Grace” is in honor of the Captain’s granddaughter, Magnolia Grace Spofford. The official change is pending a US Coast Guard notification and official christening ceremony.
Restoration
Since 2017, a major project has been underway to the restore the interior appearance as well as return the exterior teak and appointments to their original condition.
