San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park, California

Hercules Skiff

This flat-bottomed skiff is an exact replica of the steam tug Hercules’ workboat. When the original was too deteriorated to remain exposed in the davits, museum boat builder Gus Block began building the replica. I finished it after Gus left the museum. In keeping with its purpose the skiff has relatively heavy scantlings (thick frames and heavy planking) and was built with Port Orford cedar planking over white oak frames. Having the original alongside us in the boat shop made replication that much easier. The Museum’s boatshop was open to visitors, who were able to observe the work and discuss it’s progress with me.

San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park - Olga