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Seattle Central Community College

Marine Carpentry program

History
 

The current Marine Carpentry program at Seattle Central Community College has been teaching the boatbuilding trade for over 65 years. The school began classes in 1937 as part of the Edison Vocational School and was located in the former Schertzer Boat Shop at the foot of Stone Way. A succession of first quality boats were turned out by the students.

 

Even prior to Edison Tech being established, boatbuilding was taught in Seattle public schools at the location that is now Broadway High school.

 

In 1976 there was a reuinion for the former students of the school -- former apprentices who had learned the boatbuilding trade between 1937 and 1950 at Edison Tech. In addition to reminiscing, and honoring thir instructor, James Chambers, the group pulled together information about the boats that had been built by the students at the school during his tenure.

1937
Mukilteo Boat
18'

Owners:

  1. John Rue

1937
Mukilteo Boat
18'

Owners:

  1. J. J. White

1937
Killarney
34' Cruiser
Designer: Atkins

Owners:

  1. M. B. Whaley

1938
Kiletan
35' Sloop
Designer: Ed Monk

Owners:

  1. Hugh Garrett
  4. Lawrence Fischer, Des Moines

1938
Duchess
30' Cruiser
Designer: Ed Monk

Owners:

  1. J im Chambers, Jr.
  2. Andresen
  3. E.C. Bold, Anacortes

 

1940
Cheechako
35' Motor Sailer
Designer: Ed Monk


Owners:

  1. Dr. Harry Wise
  2. Elmer Schoen (Kirk;and)
  3. Roy Halsey (Bellevue)
  4. David B. Law (Seattle)
  5. Richard Gykes (Friday Harbor)
  6. Charles H. Nash (Friday Harbor)
  7. Dick Kirk (Kingston)

(Note: Cheechako burnt in the fire at the school, but she had a cast iron keel and the students built a new hull.)

1941
Lady Grace
38' Bridge Deck Cruiser
Designer: Ed Monk

Owners:

  1. McCloskey
  2. George English
  3. G. T. Barrentine

Students constructing Lady Grace.

Lady Grace as flagship in Seattle's 1950 Opening Day regatta.

You can see current photos of Lady Grace on the website of the Classic Yacht Association.

1941
Tomara
36' Cruiser
Designer: Ed Monk

Owners:

  1. Robert J. Handy
  2. Knight
  3. unknown
  4. Merrill Moon

1941
Symra
40' Cutter
Designer: Ed Monk

Owners:

  1. William Larson, Tacoma
  2. Fred T. Haley, Tacoma

Students shown constructing Symra in article published in 1941.

1942
Allegro
42' Yawl
Designer: Ed Monk

Owners:

  1. Miss Ray Roberts
  2. unknown
  3. Tom Osterhawg
  4. Captain A. F. Raynaud

1943
Tattle Tales (later Puffins)
38' Bridge Deck Cruiser
Designer: Ed Monk

 

Owners:

  1. Roy Austin
  2. Tom M. Shannon
  3. Dr. G. Kennaugh

1944
Name unknown
50' Fisheries Patrol Boat

Owners:

  1. U.S. Fish and Wildlife

1947
Miss Mary
32' Cruiser
Designer: Ed Monk

Owners:

  1. Dr. John Duncan
1947
Name unknown
38' Ketch
Designer: Herreshof

1948
Wind's Call
28' Ketch
Designer: Herreshof

 

Owners:

  1. George Spaulding
  2. (Bellevue)
  3. Don Kruzner

1949
Heather
30' Cruiser
Designer: Ed Monk

Owners:

  1. Jim Chambers Sr.
  2. Jim Chambers Jr.

1949
Yankee Clipper (conversion)

Yankee Clipper was a former navy motor launch. Her conversion was started in the Pioneer Marine Yard on the Duwanish in 1948 where she was lengthened from 40' to 44'. She was then brought over to the school in 1949 still needing all the trim, bulwarks, spars, guards, mast, etc.

1950
Chusan
26' Sloop
Designer: Bill Garden

Owners:

  1. Garrett Horder
  2. Gil Weeks

1950
21' runabout (2 built)
Designer: Ed Monk
 
 

1951
Wendy A
40' Troller
Designer: Ed Monk

Owners:

  1. W. L. Andrews, Poulsbo

 

While the times have changed, fundamental boatbuilding skills are still being taught to the students at the school. Here are some of the more recent projects.

Fantail Launch

  
 

Sharpie Sailboat

Pilothouse for Virginia V Steamboat

 

 
 

A wide range of smaller fiberglass boats (often with wood trim)

 

GloryBe (Restoration).

(See also the website showing her restoration.)

  
 

Husky II (Restoration)