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Our 6-1/2 Acadia Make-and-Break

Our little motor boat is powered with a 6-1/2 horsepower Acadia Engine made in Bridgewater, Nova Scotia, about 50 years ago.

Make-and-breaks were the first practical engine for use in small boats, and fishermen were quick to adopt them. At one time, the unique sound of the make-and-break filled the bays and inlets all along Newfoundland's coast.

If you have Windows Media Player or an MP3 player on your computer, you can hear how our engine sounds by clicking on the links below.
Make 'n' Break (MP3)

This is an edited recording of a quick trip we made around Winterton Harbour. You' ll hear one false attempt to start the motor. Second later, she starts, but in reverse - a common occurrance. She runs for a few seconds, then Parker yells, "Ready?" and cuts the ignition. Just when the motor stops and the flywheel kicks back in the opposite direction, he flips the ignition on, and away she goes in forward. During the rest of the trip, you can hear the change in engine speed as Parker plays with the carburetor settings.