The Restoration of the


Schooner Merrie Ellen A Labor of Love


In 1922 the Merrie Ellen was being built in as a fishing schooner. Half way though her construction some World War I surplus boilers and steam engines became available so she was converted into a steam tug and a tug pilothouse was plunked on her deck. Launched as the steam tug RFM, she worked as a tug for 55 years. In 1979, John Holbert converted her back into a gaff-rigged schooner. She has carried passengers for hire as a charter vessel since then and still has never fished a day in her life.


48° NORTH, JUNE 2011 PAGE 48


Photos and Story By Roy Stevenson


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