Modeling the Skipjack "Virgil G. Dean"

Skipjack model by Garry Cerrone

Garry Cerrone loves the patina of use. Tools whose handles are worn to reflect the users hand. Banjo heads with a pattern of how the player strummed the strings. Door sills and stair treads worn to reflect the thousands of footfalls that have crossed them. To Garry these are visual poetry. In his models, he tries to capture that same essence. Boats that are respected and cared for but well used. Boats that show the patina of use, the effects of the weather and time but still convey to you that they are loved by their users. Garry's models all reflect this poesy of use. With stains of rust, peeling paint, graying sun bleached wood. They are loaded with detail, most created in his studio by scratch building, casting or other techniques. All model boats are fabricated from scale lumber also made in his studio.

The modeling of  the Skipjack "Virgil G. Dean" is now a work in progress in Garry Cerrone's Maryland studio.  Preview with us the techniques used by Garry in constructing the handcrafted model of the "Virgil G. Dean" from beginning to end in three separate blogs. Section one: the hull, decking, rudder and rails.

ABOUT THIS MODEL: Garry's model of the Virgil G. Dean is being constructed from measurements taken originally by H.I.Chapelle in 1942. The Skipjack was built in Cambridge Maryland in 1897.

This vessel carried the bugeye rig of three sails on the dead-rise skipjack type hull. Originally the Dean had her cabin trunk forward and a sunken platform aft. The cabin trunk was moved aft when she had her freeboard raised by 6".

According to Chapelle many early oyster boats had unstayed masts until the advent of the powered dredge winders.

This boat in 1942 only had stay on her foremast. This model is made in the true style of the original deadrise boats. The style is called box construction and being hard chined with cross planked bottom does not require the framing of a round bilged vessel such as the Pungy. This made dead rise boats much more economical to build and maintain.

Planking...A view of the hull receiving her deck planking of scale lumber made in my studio of Basswood. Photo by G. Cerrone

In making Garry's art models, he starts with larger pieces of wood which are planed and sawn to the scale dimensions. When using a conifer such as sugar pine or spruce, he looks for tight grained slow growth stock. A few years ago,  Garry found several pieces of just such sugar pine that had aged in his father’s garage for years. This is perfect for planking. His favorite wood, however, is Bass wood. Garry often starts with 5/4 rough dressed bass wood then milled to size. In some models he has used both pine and bass.

In the Virgil G. Dean bass wood is used extensively. One advantage of bass is that it can be made to look like rough weathered wood or a very smooth newly finished surface. If staining is required it takes color well because it does not contain a pitchy sap. The consistency of the wood also makes bass good for the lay up. In assembling his models, Garry often uses wood glue but this requires holding the pieces in place while the glue dries and cures. With such small pieces clamping is often the least efficient holding method so he uses small model railroad spikes to pin lumber in place while the glue works. When the glue has set the spike are removed. The grain consistency of bass makes spiking the mini-timbers less difficult.

Wood being a natural material is subject to changes in humidity. It swells when damp and shrinks when dry. To help keep this atmospheric variation from causing the planking to move a lot, Garry coats the inside of the hull with a marine epoxy which acts as a moisture stabilizer helping to keep checking to a minimum.

The keel from the stern/upside down.

The two pictures above show the planking and the keel installed. Garry uses model railroad spikes for temporary holding until the glue dries. These models average about 300-400 pieces of scale framing and planking just in the basic hull. In the shot of the keel, the deck and all other planking has been sanded to a uniform surface.

Here's a shot of the bow starting to take shape.

Forward log rail being set in place. To attach the rail three types of glue are necessary. I use wood glue, epoxy and Acc depending on the requirements.



View of the unshipped rudder.

Shown above is a view of the unshipped rudder. Counting all of the nut, bolt washer castings , planks and gudgeons etc. There are over thirty pieces making up this detail.



First shot of the Dean without most of the coming details.

The aft rail and rudder in place.

Shot of the Dean bow without most of the coming details.

The pictures above show the Dean without most of the coming details. In these photos her planking is on, sealed with epoxy (inside) and primed. Her masts are set temporarily just to see the proportions. Her jib boom and rudder are on. As on a 1 X 1 version, Garry has worked his way up from the keel.

 In section two, Garry will focus on the application of the scale hardware such as windless, deadeyes,anchor, chain plates, dredging gear and the over a dozen blocks needed to complete the model of the Skipjack "Virgil C. Dean".

2011 Marine Folk Art Show- Featuring Traditional American Folk Art by Jac & Patricia Johnson



Exceptional sternboard carving titled "Mermaid & Sailor" by Jac & Patricia Johnson.

Jac & Patricia Johnson's work is essentially an outgrowth of their lifestyle – grounded in American tradition but thoroughly infused with modern nods to technology and progress. A piece of their work may start with a hand sketch, reworked digitally for scale or size, but will finish under careful consideration of where each knife and chisel mark will make the most impact. Hand working, with traditional tools and techniques proven by time, ensure a true melding of the old with the new.



A weathervane directional in the form of a jellyfish with tentacles by Jac & Patricia Johnson.



The Johnson's have over time shifted their work from period reproductions of antiques to pushing the boundaries of traditional American folk art forms, seeking to explore the association of universal human themes as they relate to traditional folk art and modern 21^st century life. Employing symbolism, and observing the human tendency to dwell on boundaries they use creative manipulation of natural, traditional materials; be it a block of white cedar or a stack of salvaged iron to fashion evocative works that challenge their creativity.



"Lobster" a large wall carving by Jac & Patricia Johnson.



Public and Private collections hold varied works from different periods of their production. From 1991-1996 their focus was creating the best reproduction Southern style working decoys possible. From 1996-2002 they transitioned their work to pure American Folk Art, inspired by classical folk art forms and techniques, heavily influenced by primitives. 2002 saw a change to more one-of-a-kind and limited edition designs and commissions as a response to market changes from the excess of import art, which remains their focus to the present day. This low output, high quality design process has been the most rewarding period of their careers.

"Redfish" Hand carved with great detail and finished by Jac & Patricia Johnson.

The Johnson's studio setting influences their design choices. Their rural community provides inspiration from its wildlife and waterfowl plentiful in the area. The forest and fields around their 100 year old farmhouse in southeastern Virginia provide not only inspiration, but acquired items of yesteryear that can be recycled and repurposed into modern masterpieces of American folk art. Old tin barn roofs become wings for eagles and crows, or a roof and porch for a birdhouse. Vintage porch railing spindles become bases for carved white doves. Old pennies transform into eyes for folk art fish. This wonderful process of rebirth allows for self expression through their art.



“Swimming Mermaid with Starfish and Shells” by Jac & Patricia Johnson.

You can preview the latest creations by the Johnson's at Skipjack Nautical Marine Galleries 2011 Marine Folk Art show (June 3rd through June 29, 2011). You can also see Jac & Patricia Johnson's marine folk art by visiting their page under Skipjack's Marine Art division.

It’s a folksy collection of whales, mermaids, fish, fowl, carvings, paintings, models, trade signs, weathervanes folk and sailor art. Some are whimsical, others memorable, but they are all simply delightful. The 2011 Marine Folk Art Show at Skipjack Nautical Wares & Marine Gallery! The show runs through Wednesday, June 29, 2011. It’s the greatest folk show in town!


*The 2011 Marine Folk Art Show was featured in the summer edition of Sea History Magazine!

Skipjack Nautical Wares & Marine Gallery is located in Olde Towne Portsmouth on the riverside of the historic Seaboard Railroad Building next to the High Street Basin and ferry landing. Our front doors face the Elizabeth river and are just a few steps away from the historic Hog Island Lighthouse Fresnel lens! Open Monday through Saturday 10AM to 5 PM. Sunday 1PM to 4 PM. Other times by appointment. (757) 399-5012

The 2011 Marine Folk Art Show

Folk-carved Humpback Whale by Southhampton artist Randy Kolhoff

It’s a folksy collection of whales, mermaids, fish, fowl, carvings, paintings, models, trade signs, weathervanes, folk and sailor art. Some are whimsical, others memorable, but they are all simply delightful. The 2011 Marine Folk Art Show opens this Friday at 5 PM at Skipjack Nautical Wares & Marine Gallery located at One High Street (on the riverfront) as part of Olde Towne Portsmouth’s First Friday Events.

Virginia decoy carver Gentry Childress

Featuring original folk carvings by Randy Kolhoff, Steve Hazlett and Jac & Patricia Johnson, decoy carvings by Gentry Childress, “folky fish” wall art and furnishings by Joe Marinelli, contemporary scrimshaw by Tony Perry as well as other marine artists works. A variety of vintage and antique folk carvings and marine folk items will also be on hand.

Mermaid weathervane by Jac & Patricia Johnson

Scrimshaw artist Tony Perry will also be at Skipjack during opening weekend and decoy carver Gentry Childress will be at Skipjack, Saturday, June 11 throughout the day to demonstrate his fine artwork. Go to Skipjack Nautical Wares & Marine Gallery’s news/events page at http://www.skipjackmarinegallery.com/ for their complete schedule of artist demonstrations. The 2011 Marine Folk Art Show runs through Wednesday, June 29, 2011. It’s the greatest folk show in town!

Folk art carvings from a previous Skipjack Marine Folk Art Show

*The 2011 Marine Folk Art Show is featured in the summer edition of Sea History Magazine!

Anchor Recovered Believed to be from Blackbeard's 'Queen Anne's Revenge'

Anchor recovered believed to be from Blackbeard's Queen Anne's Revenge.

An anchor from what's believed to be the wreck of the pirate Blackbeard's flagship has been raised from the ocean floor off the North Carolina coast.

Archaeologists believe the anchor recovered Friday is from the Queen Anne's Revenge, which sank in 1718. That was five months before Blackbeard was killed in a battle.

The artifact is the second-largest item at the shipwreck, outsized only by another anchor.

Researchers retrieved the anchor from the shipwreck about 20 feet under water and were bringing it to shore. The work to retrieve it began last week. The anchor is about 13 feet long and 8 feet across.

The anchor was located on top of other items that the Queen Anne's Revenge project hopes to recover from the central part of the ship. QAR project director Mark Wilde-Ramsing has said the only remaining parts of the ship -- the wooden hull structure, ribs and a plank -- are at the bottom of the pile, protected by ballast that was stored there to keep the ship upright. Six cannon and four anchors are also in the pile.

The Queen Anne's Revenge shipwreck site, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Sites, has already yielded more than 250,000 artifacts.

 The largest exhibit of artifacts from the shipwreck, which was discovered in 1996, will be shown starting June 11 at the N.C. Maritime Museum in Beaufort. Wilde-Ramsing has said the team hopes to recover all the artifacts by the end of 2012.

In 1717, Blackbeard captured a French slave ship and renamed it Queen Anne's Revenge. Blackbeard, whose real name was widely believed to be Edward Teach or Thatch, settled in Bath and received a governor's pardon. Some experts believe he returned to piracy after growing bored with land life.

Volunteers from the Royal Navy killed him in Ocracoke Inlet in November 1718, five months after the ship thought to be Queen Anne's Revenge sank.

The Queen Anne's Revenge shipwreck site, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Sites, has already yielded more than 250,000 artifacts.

Nautical News From Skipjack Nautical Wares & Marine Gallery

Skipjack is now open EVERY day!

Monday-Saturday, 10am-5pm

Sunday, 1-4pm

Us Navy Wardroom dinner plates, cups and saucers.

New! Just In!

US Navy wardroom china -- bread and dinner plates, bowls, cups and saucers in great condition. Get 'em while they last!

Nautical  sailboat jewelry from the Barbara Vincent Collection.

Don't forget . . .


Mother's Day is Sunday!

And Skipjack has plenty of items for the nautical Mom, start shopping in our nautical jewelry department!

Authentic porthole re-purposed into a mirror.

Go green . . .

Incorporate authentic re-purposed ship items into your home. This vintage aluminum porthole makes a fantastic mirror and at a fraction of the weight of brass.

Skipjack's Bloaters Guide

Spring is here (finally!) . . .

And boaters are once again plying the Intracoastal Waterway. We are happy to welcome those that stop at here at "Mile Marker 0" ... many thanks to ActiveCaptain, an interactive online cruising guidebook that has featured Olde Towne Portsmouth in recent newsletters. And Skipjack's own publication, the unofficial Boater's Guide, has become a "must have" for new visitors. Check out the Boater's Guide yourself by stopping at Skipjack or Starboards Coffee Kiosk (it's free!) or check out the latest edition online anytime.

And coming soon . . .

Skipjack is opening its own small chandlery department focusing on sailing vessels and will offer both new and gently used as well as hard to find parts for the vintage sailboat. Skipjack will also have available custom services including sail repair, rigging service including stainless steel standing rigging, lifelines, rope splicing, rope to wire splicing, upholstering and custom woodwork including carving, custom teak grate decking and yacht furniture.

Our calendar is full!

What a great time to be in Olde Towne Portsmouth:

FIRST FRIDAY, May 6, 5-8pm -- Skipjack and other galleries and shops in Olde Towne will be open late with special events and refreshments. At Skipjack author Debbiann Holmes will be signing her new book, "Compromises" and master scrimshander Tony Perry will be demonstrating his art.


FIRST WEEKEND, May 7-8 -- Author Debbiann Holmes will be on deck to sign books this Saturday from 11am to 3pm and scrimshander Tony Perry will be at Skipjack throughout the day Saturday and Sunday demonstrating the art of scrimshaw.

Gosport Arts Festival, Saturday and Sunday, May 7-8 -- Over 150 juried artists and artisans will be spread from High Street Landing for five blocks up High Street.

Farmer's Market, Saturday, May 7 -- Now every Saturday through November! Court and High Streets

Antiques to Flea Market, Saturday, May 7 -- Visit this monthly opportunity for treasure hunting in the Middle Street Garage, corner of Middle and London Streets.

Children's Museum of Virginia, Thursday, May 26 -- Grand re-opening!

Mark your calendars!

Skipjack's "Marine Folk Art Show" is back by popular demand! Opening Friday, June 3 and running til July. It’s a folksy collection of whales, mermaids, fish, fowl, carvings, paintings, models, textile, seashells, scrimshaw, sailor art and signs. Some are whimsical, others memorable, but they are all simply delightful. "It’s the greatest folk show in town!"
More information on these events and others is available through the #1 blog in Hampton Roads: http://www.anewdayinoldetowne.com/

See you soon!

And remember, you can shop at Skipjack anytime online at www.SkipjackNauticalWares.com !

Alison & Joe Elder

Skipjack Nautical Wares & Marine Gallery

One High Street  Portsmouth, Virginia 23704

(757) 399-5012

Summer Hours:

Monday-Saturday, 10am - 5pm

Sunday, 1-4pm

Additional times by appointment

www.SkipjackNauticalWares.com

Skipjack Nautical Wares & marine Gallery is located in the quaint historic seaport of Olde Towne Portsmouth, Virginia on the Elizabeth Riverfront, next to the Hog Island Light Fresnel Lens Exhibit Pavilion and adjacent to the High Street basin.

New Marine Art & Nautical Furnishing Arrivals This Week at Skipjack Nautical Wares & Marine Gallery

Liberty Ship Hatch Cover Table

Liberty Ship Hatch Cover Table

Authentic re-purposed nautical end table made from a half section of a WWII era Liberty Ship hatch cover. Made of thick pine boards with heavy metal band on one end and half cup cut-out with metal band (used to hook cable to lift cover from hatch). Custom pine pedestal base stained to match top. Table marked on bottom "Snyder of Carolina". Top measures 27 X 27 inches and stands 23 inches tall.

These make attractive nautical end tables for sofas and beds. We currently have two of these matching tables in stock. For more information, go to: Authentic Liberty Ship Hatch CoverTable

Stingray Point Lighthouse

"Stingray Point Lighthouse and Marina" by Virginia artist Bill Allen. Watercolor on paper measuring 20 1/2 X 26 1/2 inches (view) and 29 X 35 inches framed. Painting of the String Ray Point Lighthouse that was dismantled in 1965 (see history below) together with the sign of the famous Sting Ray Point Marina, Deltaville's premier sailboat marina located near the mouth of Broad Creek, providing access to both the Chesapeake Bay and Rappahannock River. Doubled matted and cherry wood frame.

"Stingray Point Lighthouse and Marina" by Virginia artist Bill Allen.

About Stingray Point Lighthouse

Stingray Point Lighthouse was built in 1858 at the entrance to the Rappahannock River near Deltaville, Virginia. It was a hexagonal screwpile lighthouse. The lighthouse was automated just prior to being dismantled in 1965. Sections of the lighthouse were sold to Gilbert Purcell, a boatyard owner who hoped to rebuild the lighthouse on land, but never did. It was replaced with a steel skeletal tower build on the original foundation.

Stingray Point Lighthouse

An excerpt from a report to the Light House Board in 1865 “The light has been restored at Stingray Point, after making certain needful repairs to the screw-pile structure, which though plundered of all movable articles, was but slightly injured.” The report does not say whether damage and plundering was due to Confederates.

Stingray Point received its name from Captain John Smith, founder of Jamestown, Virginia. It is said that a stingray stung him while fishing near the point.

Authentic Vintage Ships Masthead Light

Solid cast brass vintage 360 degree ships masthead light. The glass Fresnel clear glass globe survives in good original condition with only a few minor chip infractions on the lens. Measures 11 1/2 inches tall and 9 1/2 inches wide and weighs right at 20 pounds. The weather tight hatch top is secured with three bolts. The base has three bolt mounting holes measure about 4 3/4 inches on center from each other. Retains four interior porcelain sockets that are still functional or can be replaced with new sockets if desired. We've left this fixture with it's old mellowed brass patina, but could be polished for a bright finish.



Authentic Vintage Ships Masthead Light

 This masthead light fixture can be easily used today as a post light, deck or dock light and can also be turned upside down for ceiling light. A great multi-use authentic ship light re-purposed for todays coastal home. Inside or out, this solid brass light will last forever, and it is weather tight.

Three Sail Bateau Half Hull Model "Virgil G. Dean"



Three Sail Bateau Half Hull Model "Virgil G. Dean

Handcrafted and half hull model of the three sail Bateau "Virgil G. Dean" made by Virginia artist Doug Wehner. This highly detailed half hull is completely made of wood and features a realistic painted surface. The black-painted wooden back plaque measures 7 X 24 inches and is attached with a brass plate in the lower right corner stating THREE SAIL BATEAU "VIRGIL G. DEAN" BUILT 1897. LENGTH ON DECK: 40' 6".

Vintage Lovell Brass Passageway Lights

Vintage Lovell Brass Passageway Lights

Vintage brass passageway or engine room lights produced by F.H. Lovell & Co. Arlington, N.J. recently removed from the cargo ship SS EXPORT BAY (click on link for additional information and history). Each light is stamped F.H. Lovell & Co. Arlington N.J. on the brass cage ring. These authentic brass fixtures feature standard bezel type clear glass globes and bezel style heavy brass wire cages. Lights like these were used in common work areas of the ship as well as passageways. Their housing is made of heavy cast brass and weighs 6 pounds each. The height of each light is 9 1/4 inches to the top of the cage and 4 1/2 inches in diameter. Comes re-wired with new 110-120 UL Listed fixture and ready for installation! We have nine matching in stock from the SS Export Bay available and three other matching Lovell passageway lights that accompanied the collection.

cargo ship SS EXPORT BAY

These vintage lights are the perfect fixture for both indoor and outdoor use. Can be used outdoors for deck lights, post lights, dock lights and porch lights. They're also perfect for indoor use anywhere that you need a great nautical fixture. These are also a favorite for restaurant use as booth lights and bar lights! Truly the finest made light fixtures designed to withstand the harsh conditions of oceangoing and other maritime vessels.

Need more than a couple of lights? Call us at (757) 399-5012 to discuss current inventory and best match.

We can ship up to two of these fixtures by USPS Priority Mail- medium flat rate box anywhere in the USA for $10.95.

"The Nellie Byrd"

The Skipjack "Nellie Byrd" painted by Eastern Shore of Maryland marine artist Mary Ekroos. Oil on canvas measuring 20 X 24 inches. Gilt finished wood frame.

The Skipjack "Nellie Byrd" painted by Mary Ekroos.

ABOUT THE "NELLIE BYRD"

This vessel is a 53.6' long, two-sail bateau, or V-bottomed deadrise type of centerboard sloop, commonly referred to as a skipjack. Built in Oriole, Maryland, in 1911 for the oyster dredging fleet, she is Bay-built using cross-planked construction methods. She has a beam of 26.7', a depth of 4.8', and a net tonnage of 18 tons. She carries a typical skipjack rig with a jib-headed mainsail laced to the boom and carried on wood hoops at the mast, and a single large jib with a club on its foot. The hull is painted the traditional white. The vessel has a longhead bow with a slightly raking stem and a wide, square transom stern with considerable rake. The stern shows a long, shallow tuck where the chine meets the transom. The vessel is particularly wide amidships, giving her generous work space on deck. The rudder is carried outboard on pintles mounted on the transom and skeg; the jig for the pushboat is set on the starboard side of the transom. The hull has heavy ice sheathing carried well above the waterline. The boat is flush-decked. From the stern forward deck structures include: a box over the steering gear; a cabin with a slide offset to port; a small hatch; a box over the winders; a main hatch; and a medium-sized cuddy with a slide, located just aft of the mast. There is a low taffrail surrounding the deck, higher at the stern. The pipes of the rail and the davits for the pushboat are painted white. The single mast is well-raked aft, about 15 to 20 degrees, and is set up with double shrouds and turnbuckles. There are also a forestay, jibstay, topping lift, and lazyjacks. The boom is jawed to the mast; both mast and boom are natural oiled wood. The bowsprit is hexagonal, round at its end. It is set up with one chain and one cable bobstay, and two chain bowsprit shrouds. The boom is set high and is patched with metal strips. The pushboat is carried on pipe davits over the stern. Decorations include trailboards mounted on the longhead, with the name NELLIE L. BYRD in gold on a green field with a red surround, and eagle, flag, and arrow motifs on the nameboards at the bow, the name is painted red on a black ground. There is a painted eagle billet-head on the longhead.

The Skipjack "Nellie Byrd"

Significance: This vessel is significant as being one of the 35 surviving traditional Chesapeake Bay skipjacks and a member of the last commercial sailing fleet in the United States. Out of a fleet of hundreds of skipjacks that worked Bay waters in the early years of this century, today only this small number remain to carry on the tradition of working sail. NELLIE BYRD is of interest as being one of the older skipjacks still dredging in the Chesapeake fleet. She was built in 1911 in Oriole, Maryland, following traditional Bay-area design and construction methods. She has worked in the oyster-dredging fleet since her building. For many years NELLIE BYRD was owned by Capt. William Todd of Cambridge and, at 53 1/2' long, was the largest skipjack in Dorchester County. A trio of skipjacks, owned and skippered by the Todd family, was for many years based in Cambridge. Capt. William Todd's brother Wilson owned the SALLY BRAMBLE and his brother Emerson, the REBECCA T. RUARK.



Authentic Vintage Nautical Lighting- Reclaimed and Repurposed for Today's Coastal Home

Reclaimed and re-purposed nautical lighting, perfect for all types of uses for today's coastal home.

 If there is one statement that we make that stands uncontested it is that there is no finer light fixture on the market that can rival the quality of these authentic brass caged passageway lights. These fixtures were designed to withstand the harsh conditions aboard oceangoing and other maritime vessels and have proven over the course of time to be the best.

Passageway/engine room light fixture produced by F.H. Lovell and Co. of Arlington New Jersey.

These vintage brass caged passageway or engine room lights were produced by the F.H. Lovell & Co. of Arlington, N.J. and recently removed from the cargo ship SS EXPORT BAY (see history below). Each light is stamped F.H. Lovell & Co. Arlington N.J. on the brass cage ring. These authentic brass fixtures feature standard bezel type clear glass globes and heavy brass wire cages. Lights like these were used in common work areas on board the ship as well as it's numerous passageways. Their housing is made of heavy cast brass and weigh a hefty 6 pounds each.

Authentic vintage passageway or engine room lights by F.H. Lovell and Co. of Arlington, N.J

Shown above-Bezel style brass cage, cast brass housing and clear glass cover.

 The height of each light is 9 1/4 inches to the top of the cage and 4 1/2 inches in diameter. Comes with a replaced 110-120 UL-Listed socket and ready for installation! We have nine matching in stock reclaimed from the SS Export Bay available and three other matching Lovell passageway lights that accompany the collection.

These high quality light fixtures are perfect for deck and dock lighting.

These reclaimed vintage ship lights are the perfect high quality fixture re-purposed for both indoor and outdoor use. They can be used outdoors for walkways and driveways, deck lights, post lights, dock lights, porch lights and more. They're also perfect for indoor use anywhere that you need a great nautical fixture. These are also a favorite for restaurant use as booth lights and bar lights! Truly the finest made light fixtures designed to withstand the harsh conditions of oceangoing and other maritime vessels and today's coastal home!

Perfect for walkways, gardens and other outdoor lighting.

We also have large quantities of other authentic vintage caged passageway lights available at Skipjack such as these slightly smaller sized cast brass fixtures. You may also want to preview our other selections of authentic ship lighting on our web store under MARINE, MARITIME, NAUTICAL LAMPS & LIGHTING.

Need more than a couple of lights? Call us at (757) 399-5012 to discuss current inventory. These will sell fast!

We can ship up to two of these fixtures by USPS Priority Mail- medium flat rate box anywhere in the USA for $10.95.

History of the SS Export Bay

Starboard view of the cargo ship SS Export Bay

Laid down in 1961 by the National Steel and Shipbuilding Company, San Diego as the MARAD type C3-S-46a breakbulk cargo ship SS Export Bay, this ship entered service with American Export Lines on their US Gulf-Western Europe route. 1978 to Farrell Lines, 1984 laid up in Reserve Fleet renamed Bay.

Serving in the commercial trades for her entire life, the Export Bay was turned over to MARAD in 1983 with her four sister ships but was never activated with the Military Sealift Command as her sisters were.

Retained at Suisan Bay under the name 'Bay'.

Retained at Suisun Bay under the name Bay as a parts hulk for her Ready Reserve Fleet sister ships, the Bay was sold for scrapping at Bay Bridge Enterprises of Chesapeake, VA in March 2011 after her three sisters were disposed of in 2010.

The Bay is the first Suisun Bay Reserve Fleet ship that Bay Bridge Enterprises of Chesapeake, Va., (will have) recycled for the Maritime Administration,” said Cheron Victoria Wicker, director of the Office of Congressional and Public Affairs for MARAD, which is part of the U.S. Department of Transportation.

Stern view of the SS Export Bay.

“Their contract award for recycling the Bay was based upon price, performance schedule, and past performance,” she said, saying the company agreed to do the job for $397,182.

Though this is the first Suisun Bay ship the company has recycled for MARAD, it has recycled obsolete ships from the James River Reserve Fleet. The company has been a MARAD contractor since 2002 and has been qualified to bid on obsolete ships since 2005.