Update: November 5, 2001
Raymond Bunker and Ralph Ellis built lobster boats in Mount Desert Island, Maine, during the 1950's and '60's. Their refinements on classic working boat lines quickly attracted interest in the summer yachting community, and they began building what are often referred to as "lobster yachts." Here at Pendleton Yacht Yard we have rebuilt two of these classics: HIAWATHA and BELLATRIX; and have begun on a third: ELYSIUM. (A fourth boat is waiting in the wings for next winter.) We will document the current restoration here on our website so visitors may follow what promises to be a dramatic transformation. Pictured above is BELLATRIX, completed in 1999. Below are images of ELYSIUM as we get started.
Above: (l-r) ELYSIUM before work was started; the cabin top being lifted off; refastening the hull.
Repairing transom framing; building new floor timbers; driving new keel bolts into position..
Update: November 20, 2001.
Fitting mahogany planks to be laminated over transom; bending oak frames in place.
Fitting strut backing blocks; fuel tank mockup; still refastening!