Beam shelf installation

Shipwrights assess the first section of beam shelf, just bent and clamped into place. Each side will be made of three pieces scarphed together.  The beam shelf is 4” thick white oak, steamed for 4 hours so it can make … Read more

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Prepping for the beam shelf

Shipwrights fair the insides of the frames in preparation for setting the beam shelf. The beam shelf is a longitudinal beam that supports the deck beams. Because of the length of Mary E, the beam shelf will be made … Read more

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Shutter planks

Shipwright Aaron spiles the shutter plank on Mary E‘s starboard side. The shutter plank is a plank that fits between two other planks that are already fastened to the vessel. Planking often goes on from the bottom up and … Read more

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milling-planks

Milling planks in the Boatshop

Boatshop volunteers mill a Mary E hull plank to thickness. Some planks came from white oak trees felled at Butler Head Preserve in North Bath. … Read more

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Boats for Sale

The Boatshop has an abundance of restored boats to sell to make space in the shop! All available boats are listed below. For details, contact Kurt Spiridakis at 443-1316 x334 or boatshop@maritimeme.org. 1955 Galbraith Runabout with custom trailer (pictured … Read more

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Ship Saw in Action

Mary E shipwrights cut a frame futtock using the museum’s ship saw. The saw was last used in the 1980s during the Apprenticeshop era, and was meticulously restored by museum volunteers over the winter of 2017. Circa early 20th century, … Read more

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Engine out!

Great Island Boatyard and Kennebec Marine Services remove Mary E‘s engine with a knuckle boom crane. The GM engine will be replaced with a new factory reconditioned engine, generously donated by Cummins sales and services of Portland, Maine.… Read more

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Planking continues

Five planks are fastened to Mary E‘s port side.  Also visible is the bottom transom plank, fastened in place with galvanized wood screws.  Where the hull planking meets the transom planking is a tricky miter joint, compounded by the … Read more

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Planking Begins

The shipwrights began planking Mary E below the waterline at the stern.  Many of these planks need to be steamed to allow the 1 3/4″ thick white oak planks to bend into position.  The planks are fastened with galvanized spike … Read more

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Almost time to plank!

Shipwright Aaron Freeman fairs the stern framing in preparation for planking the hull.  Planking is set to start next week!… Read more

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