JYDPDX
2011-03-15 01:53:21
Does anyone know anything about the reputation of Wrangell Boat Shop or the shipwrights that work there (ie. Pat Ellis - owner / Keith Kaggee, Brian Shilts, Tim Pinette). I have scheduled their services for some planking and hull work later this spring but I don't know anything about them. All of the shipwrights I have heard good things about have been booked up well over 6 months in advance. This was the only place where I could get on someone's schedule firm. Any information, leads or feedback is appreciated.
All of the original shipwrights I used to know at Wrangell Shipyard are gone now, but I suspect there are some Wrangell trollers on here that can give you more current information. For decades that was the place to take your wooden boat to do any serious re-planking, re-fastening, corking or other seam work. I think I would grab their time slot - you don't have a lot of other options.
Wrangell Boatyard is a great place to take your wood boat! I was hauled out there last spring for a few days contemplating a wood boat I had a bid on. Dan Thompson who has worked with Nurco in Sitka for many years is in Wrangell now and he is a straight shooter, hard worker, fast and knows his stuff as well as anyone. There is also a guy from Port Townsend named Tyler there who has been working and he is very skilled and knowledgeable. There are also some older hands around who can do a little cheaper work but are also very skilled. I had a terrific experience there and met nothing but honesty and hard workers. In fact, after my time there, I have considered moving my whole operation to Wrangell---they have a new dock, great shipyard and way less hassles than Sitka. You cannot go wrong with Wrangell Shipyard as long as you steer your business toward Dan and Tyler.
JYDPDX
2011-03-15 18:11:13
Thanks for the input. Those guys would be my first choice as I have had numerous positive recommendations for them. Their entire spring was booked up when I contacted them in November.
spike christopher
2011-03-15 19:32:20
I am being hauled out on April 14 and Tyler is my shipwright, nothing but good reviews. I use to have a slip there but found the spring fishing not so good. I used their yard and found it to be far cheaper and far better than Sitka's. They have one of the largest machine shops in the state and can do just about any kind of shaft work. I believe it is 300 dollars a month for yard storage for a 48 foot boat
1800 for the Sitka yard. Pat use to work at Petersburg, he purchased the Wrangell ship ways five years ago and seems to have a good reputation. I know I am willing to travel there for my work.