Howard Faxon
Port Townsend Boatyard
The boatyard in Port Townsend, Washington has a tradition of building, maintaining, repairing, and restoring wooden boats. The town has a tradition of woodworking in general and the boatyard’s history with wooden boats is a big part of Port Townsend’s identity. Boats are pulled out of the water for repairs and painting and return when the maintenance is finished. It is always changing and favors frequent visits.
I told Doc that I would try to film the 300 ton marine lift in action. So when I got a call this morning I grabbed the camera and went down there. In the lift, freshly plucked from the water, is the ‘Merrie Ellen’ from Pleasant Harbor, Washington. I was told that the ‘Merrie Ellen’ weighs in at 160 tons. This is raw footage. I didn’t use a tripod and the sound is natural machinery; but, this is a nice bit of film on a ‘Kodachrome day’. I hope you enjoy this installment from ‘Boats Out of Water’.
©2019 – Howard Faxon
portage finally comes of age. bet it is still dangerous to lift the boat out of the water…
They can’t be too careful I guess. It’s a lot like installing sculptures only on a bigger scale.
I can’t help though – every time I look at the lift I think Sol LeWitt, Incomplete Open Cubes, 1974. I installed that one in 1997. I liked Sol for a “mega artist” he was very cordial and friendly. A variation on an open cube….. Wait, a link —> https://www.sfmoma.org/artwork/97.516.A-KKKKKKKKKK/
I’ve done modest installations before, but nothing on that scale…
I had a good run at SFMOMA and lots of fun. Did some great shows there. — I know the lift matches one of those incomplete cubes and I guess I’ll need to find out which one. (they’re all numbered and stuff)
most people have no clue how much effort goes into exhibitions. I only have a clue, but you know first hand what goes into setting up a professional installation…
That I do. I recommend this gig to young artists. I enjoyed it – I was usually the most disparately skilled person on the crew. I like solving things and working with my hands. I’d be a great gaffer. Anyway, if you have an MFA, trust me on this, it sure beats working construction, or painting houses, or slaving in front of a glass furnace, or welding,…. beats it hands down.
I stopped after my BFA, didn’t see any point…
I didn’t mean to imply that I had an MFA. I realize now that I did though. Everyone I worked with did except for one other guy that I can think of. They were all younger than me as well. I meant it as advice for others – the MFA seemed to be a way in.
an MFA ought to be good for something
Yup, it is good for something – more freaking attitude!
When I taught glassblowing at Public Glass these RISD MFA kids went nuts. “What are your qualifications for teaching?”
Answer: “I was a hot glass furnace worker 40 hours a week for over 10 years, …”
They truly were aghast that I had that gig. Oh well.
rule number one- always exhale with the mouth, never inhale
This is an interesting activity to document.
Thanks Albert. I hope you are doing well – everyone has you in their thoughts as you know.
It is really fascinating. I used to work for marine insurance and have seen some interesting marinas.
They call this one Boat Haven. The town wouldn’t be the same without it. The wooden boat festival here is a big deal. Cheers
Good for you. Looks like you got there just in time. Very cool.
Yup, the part where it’s backing up I shot from the car. Then jumped out and got the front angle. It was such a nice day too and it got me out of the house early.
This is really great machine …………
It is really huge … The boat was built in 1922 and is a pretty impressive wooden schooner. I think it is used for charters.
If I have the chance, I will take a photo of it, too.
It is pretty hard to resisi Fun to watch and kids love it.
That’s quite a piece of equipment! Thanks for taking the video and posting.
It is pretty amazing in size. The tires are as tall as I am.
This made my day!!!!!!
I have now watched the video twice! This is awesome!!!!
I am wrong on the weight. I think the guy thought I was asking about the lift. The schooner weighs 82 tons. I have some details http://www.schoonerregistry.org/vessel.asp?ID=153
Not only this schooner but while I was there a parade of antique cars came through with people dressed up to the period of their cars…..
There is also this article from 10 years ago – https://www.peninsuladailynews.com/news/schooner-merrie-ellen-prepares-for-first-charter-season/
((I’m still looking to get the whole in or out from the water) I have some eyes down there so it should be soon.)
I love this! The lifts I’ve seen are much smaller (80 foot boats and less, but pleasure craft so around 50 tons max).
Love it!!!!!!
Its also fun to watch them clean the bottom of the boat!
They were cleaning it when I got the call. They park, and clean the bottom while the tarp and blocks are set. It’s the first time I’ve seen the big one moving. I have a picture of it with a boat after the cleaning but it stayed parked there a long time and I couldn’t hang around. The smaller lift was putting a fishing boat back in the water once. The kids with us liked that action! Eventually I do hope to get the full out-and-in with some stills in between of the refurbish. That first bit backing up was from the car window. I cut it a bit close. I’m still on the case!
They are so cool, I love watching them!!!!