1930's Coast Guard Cabin Launch Restoration

Discussion in 'Wooden Boat Building and Restoration' started by kraerial, Mar 3, 2017.

  1. kraerial
    Joined: Mar 2017
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    Location: Charlevoix, MI USA

    kraerial kraerial

    We are in the process of restoring a Coast Guard 26 ft cabin launch which we believe was built in the late 1930's.

    We believed it was designed in the the 1920's for harbor utility work, light search and rescue, lighthouse tender. It was used to service the surrounding lighthouses of Beaver Island, MI.

    It has chain plates (4) used to hoist it up to the crib lighthouses.

    We believe it has lived its whole life on Beaver Island in Lake Michigan and was in service into the 1950's.

    It was an everyday work horse and we are having a hard time finding historic information, design work, or photo's of this type of boat.

    This boat was still in private active use until 2014.

    Any one have knowledge regarding this type of boat would be much appreciated.

    [​IMG] [​IMG] [​IMG] [​IMG]
     
  2. hoytedow
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    hoytedow Carbon Based Life Form

  3. Ike
    Joined: Apr 2006
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    Ike Senior Member

    I suggest you write to the Coast Guard Historians Office, https://www.uscg.mil/history/default.asp
    It's more than likely they have the info you're looking for. Part of the problem here is there is no number on the side. If you have a photo of the boat showing the stern it may have a number on it. CG boats are identified by their length. The number would be something like 26XXX. If you can find the number they can identify more info about the boat. But they may also be able to find historical data in the station logs.
     
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  4. kraerial
    Joined: Mar 2017
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    Location: Charlevoix, MI USA

    kraerial kraerial

    Thank you for the info. We have not been able to find the CG number yet - We have stripped the paint from the hull but believe that has been done before and the number appears to be long gone. Working on contacting the local historical society to see if they have any old photos of the local Coast Guard station/boat house with it parked outside to see if we can find a number that way. The rudder was stamped with 1937.
     
  5. kraerial
    Joined: Mar 2017
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    Location: Charlevoix, MI USA

    kraerial kraerial

    Restoration work photos

    Here are some pictures of the current restoration work. Several planks and ribs replaced, engine removed, scrapped interior of hull, started to paint interior of hull, keelson repair work, and have few more ribs to replace plus the engine mounts.

    http://s1171.photobucket.com/user/kraerial/Chippewa/story
     
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  6. Ike
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    Ike Senior Member

    Looking good
     
  7. DCockey
    Joined: Oct 2009
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    DCockey Senior Member

    Another USCG 26 foot utility boat which appears to be almost identical is in the collection at the Sleeping Bear Dunes Cannery Boat House in Glen Haven. It is claimed to have have been built at the Coast Guard Yard in Curtis Bay in the 1930's. Photos attached.
     

    Attached Files:

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  8. Ike
    Joined: Apr 2006
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    Location: Washington

    Ike Senior Member

    I don't doubt she was built at the Coast Guard Yard. Over the years many Coast Guard boats and ships have been built there. They bid on contracts just as private yards do. The Coast Guard historian would have a list of the boats built at the yard.
     
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  9. Stef Staley
    Joined: Feb 2023
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    Location: Traverse City, MI

    Stef Staley New Member

    I there, we currently own a 1944-45 USCG cabin motor launch and are in the process of restoring it. I am looking for any information as to where I can go to find historical data on it when it was owned by the USCG.
     
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  10. Ike
    Joined: Apr 2006
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    Ike Senior Member


  11. Stef Staley
    Joined: Feb 2023
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    Location: Traverse City, MI

    Stef Staley New Member

    Thank you!
     
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