J-Boat 'Finally'

She is a 26' J-Boat built for the USACE in 1954 at the Palmer Scott yard in New Bedford, Ma. She displaced about 8000 lbs. originally but the replacement of her original Buda diesel with a now locked-up Volvo reduced that some. Plans are to convert her to a picnic/lobster style intercoastal cruiser.

I am always hoping to get information on this hull or her sisters and the Palmer Scott yard. If you have any or know where I can chase some down, please email me.

What she looked like....

Finally in original condition - circa 1954
1954 - Finally in original condition.

Then, she had that 'African Queen' thing going... you know, from the movie.

1997
1997 - Finally in my back yard ready to be rebuilt. She is as Mr. Jones (previous owner who bought her at auction) left her.

Conceptual Designs... What I intend to do with her

Finally will get a total overhaul: new wheelhouse/roof, new cockpit sole, new rub rail, new toe rail, new spray rail, new paint, and new power.

Finally in original condition - circa 1954
A study of front window layouts (one or two pane) Gimped on top of a digital photo of the 'work-in-progress' wheel house.

Finally in original condition - circa 1954
Side window plans Gimped on top of a digital photo of the 'work-in-progress' wheel house.

More recent Pics...

These Pics were taken April 6, 2004. She has:
  • moved the original bulkhead/steering station back about 18" to allow just enough room under the bow for a portable head.
  • a new wheel house structure
  • a roof w/ one layer of fiberglass
  • a new rub rail
  • the beginnings of all new toe rails.

I'm working on getting the exterior sound so I can canvas in the cockpit before working on the interior. No reason to work inside until I can get her dry.

View from forward stbd quarter
Hull from the stbd forward corner.

Profile View
Hull side profile 90 °.

Cockpit from stern.
View of the cockpit from standing on the stern.

forward portion of cockpit and cuddy.
A Better view of the forward half of the cockpit including the moved steering gear.

Under bow/Anchor Locker
A Better view of the forward half of the cockpit including the moved steering gear.

Quadrant
The rudder quadrant under the covered stern.

Rudder and Prop
A view of the rudder and prop.

ships wheel
Ships Wheel (It is leaning back a little making it appear oval.)

More pics as progress provides reason for more pics.

Misc Images of the new toe rail going on.....

First fish (red drum - just barely under 24" = legal) caught on a fly rod on the flats off of Coburg Creek in Chas. SC on July 29, 2004. Fishing where you can see the fish, stalk him, and see him while you fight him is a lot of fun. This guy gave me about a 10 minute fight with five strong runs that nearly made it to some snags (he stopped just short).

red drum