22 • April 25 - May 8, 2014 • The Log
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SoCal
By John W. Scafetta Length: 50 ft.
Depth: 6.8 ft.
Breadth: 13 ft. Year Built: 1964.
Classics — Shiloh Tonnage: 19 tons
The Back Story: Michael and Mary Hibdon purchased the wooden hull in San Diego. Shiloh was originally donated, by a doctor, to a foundation with offices in Southern California and went under a different name — Sea Urchin. “It’s in the Bible,” Mary said. “It’s in Genesis. It means rest and relaxation.” The couple, searching for a long-term liveaboard vessel, became immediately infatu-
ated with the boat’s amenities. “I’m from Maine and my grandfather and great grandfather built wooden boats for
their own use,” Mary said. “I grew up with some salty dogs, you could say. We moved out here when I was seven. There are a lot of stories that my mom and uncle told. It was history that I grew up on, and [Shiloh] just kind of reminded me of a good old boat. We’ve been restoring her for the last 15 years.” The Kettenburg vessel is Michael’s eighth in total and his third wooden boat, and
the two traded in a 36 foot hull as a down payment for Shiloh. Mary said the vessel had three or four previous owners, but the exact lineage
remains unknown. The Hibdon’s traveled down to San Diego in 2002 for the Kettenburg Regatta and had the opportunity to meet builder Paul Kettenburg. At the time, Jim Arness of “Gunsmoke” fame owned a Kettenburg designed vessel, and Mary asked Paul if the inside of the boat was constructed for Arness’ soaring height (he stood 6 feet 7 inches tall). “He said ‘No, I made it tall for myself. There are a lot of tall men out there,’” Mary said.
The Purchase: The couple has lived aboard boats for the past 23 years and said they were seeking a boat that would represent their final vessel purchase. A broker located the hull down in San Diego and said they could acquire it for a solid price. “So we went down to look at her and we fell in love with her,” Mary said. After thoroughly searching West Coast coastal cities like Oakland and Seattle, the
Hibdon’s settled on Shiloh because of its perfect liveaboard features. Mary said the high ceilings and windows allow them to witness all sea level activities.
What’s inside? The Hibdon’s have meticulously painted the inside. Mary constructed
cushion covers for the cockpit and new carpeting was also included. “The next step, this next year, is to redo
the varnish on the inside,” she said. “[Shiloh] has close to nine coats of varnish on the outside of her. She’s a little darker now; we stripped her down and did a darker stain.” The pair also replaced the deck and
bypassed the issue of the boat leaking when they originally bought it by mount- ing new windows in the saloon. “We love it. It’s a comfortable boat,” Mary said. “You sit 12 people in the cockpit. She sails beautifully.” Mary said she has the impression that the vessel was built to sell—not for one indi-
vidual. The boat initially had Swedish cushions, which were removed when window installers accidently dripped acid on the pads. The Formica is turquoise and remains in venerable condition within the heads and the galley. The couple converted the lower head to a closet and installed a full shower.
Recent Notes and Future Plans: Shiloh has frequently sailed around the Channel Islands and competed in the Ensenada race twice. The Hibdon’s have also voyaged to Cortez Bay and have future plans to hit far-off paradises. “We plan to go to Hawaii with her,” Mary said. “That would be a bucket list for us.
We have a grandson in Kauai.” The couple has 13 grandkids, and Mary said a tour of the islands is completed at
least once a summer. Where Currently Berthed: Cabrillo Beach Yacht Club in San Pedro, Calif.
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