The partially built wooden hulls of at least four vessels can be seen in the two boat sheds of the Tacoma Boat Building Company in this photograph from October of 1945. Scaffolding is set up around each hull for workers to stand on while easing the timbers of the hull into shape. After the war the smaller boat building companies in Tacoma returned to building fishing boats and pleasure craft. They also found work converting mine sweepers into commercial fishing boats. Successful for many years, Tacoma Boat began to struggle in the 1980s; the Tacoma Boat Building Co. finally closed in the late 1990s. TPL-5547

Tacoma Boat Building Co., Inc. (Tacoma); Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1940-1950; Industrial facilities--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Tacoma Boat yard shots. At least two hulls are under construction in the boat sheds at Tacoma Boat Building Company. As of August 1946 Tacoma Boat had turned out more than 90 hulls since the latter part of 1940. TPL-5547, TPL-8902

Tacoma Boat Building Co., Inc. (Tacoma); Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1940-1950; Industrial facilities--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Process photo of boat under construction.

Pacific Boat. Pan Pacific, a 103 foot salmon and tuna seiner, was built for Andrew Kuljis. She had an 830 hp Enterprise engine. She is out for her water trials. This view shows her starboard side with one upper deck. (Pacific Fisherman Yearbook 1949, p. 82 ans 171) TPL-8960

Pacific Boat Building Co. (Tacoma); Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1940-1950; Fishing boats--Tacoma--1940-1950; Fishing industry--Tacoma--1940-1950; Ship trials--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Scarlet Queen is owned by Arne Strom and Cecil Drake from San Diego, California, Strom is co-owner of Tacoma Boat and the managing partner for this tuna clipper. Tony Dutra is the skipper of the ship, he will have a crew of 18 fishermen, and Walter Darruss is the chief engineer. All tuna caught will be sent to the French Sardine Company of San Diego for packing. View of "Scarlet Queen" cruising at a speed of 12 knots (T. Times, 6/14/48, p. 1). TPL-8961

Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1940-1950; Fishing boats--Tacoma; Launchings--Tacoma--1940-1950; Tacoma Boat Building Co., Inc. (Tacoma);

Joannette II was built at Tacoma Boat Building Company's plant by C. R. Martinolich in his spare time. The boat is a 42 foot bridge deck cruiser, with her top speed at 14 knots. The "Joannette ll" was launched on the 15th birthday of Mr. Martinolich's daughter, Joan, who also got to christen the vessel. The power boat is named after Mr. Martinolich's two daughters, Joan and Annette. The boat has been entered into the 17th annual International Cruiser Race from Tacoma to Vancouver, British Columbia (T. Times, 6/28/48, p. 3; TNT 6-28-1948, p. 10)

Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1940-1950; Boats--Tacoma; Ships--Tacoma; Tacoma Boat Building Co., Inc. (Tacoma); Martinolich, Carl R.;

Western Boat Building Co. was owned and operated by the Petrich family. They were working on government and commercial contracts. View of ship's covered deck with covered compartments. Ventilation machinery on upper left side. TPL-8891

Decks (Ships); HVAC systems; Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1940-1950; Western Boat Building Co. (Tacoma);

Launching of "Hustler." A group of dignitaries are on hand at Western Boat for the launching of the fishing boat, the "Hustler," on June 6, 1945. The sponsors and their families are on a raised stage. Signs for U.S. Navy are on either side of the steps up to the stage. The ship's owner was R. Tom Muchlinski.

Launchings--Tacoma--1940-1950; Fishing boats--Tacoma--1940-1950; Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1940-1950; Western Boat Building Co. (Tacoma);

Men survey the massive fire damage to the Tacoma Boat Building Company's boatworks on August 24, 1951. Twelve land companies and the city's fireboat were called to battle the extensive blaze; however, due to the large amounts of dry materials present, the firemen were unable to save the construction yard of five connecting buildings. Damages were estimated by Fire Chief Charles Eisenbacher at approximately one million dollars. It was Tacoma's sixth major fire of 1951. Owners Haldor Dahl and Arne Strom shortly after announced plans for a new plant on Sitcum Waterway to replace the City Waterway installation; the main building would be 244 feet by 300 feet plus an additional large machine shop and spacious office building. (TNT 8-24-51, p. 1, TNT 10-7-51, B-2) TPL-9119

Tacoma Boat Building Co., Inc. (Tacoma); Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1950-1960; Fires--Tacoma--1950-1960; Fire fighting--Tacoma--1950-1960;

This new fishing boat launched by J.M. Martinac Shipbuilding Corp. has a large dining room with three tables and charis. The windows are covered with draperies and storage has been built in at the far end of the room that could also could be used for recreation. Ordered by Martinac Shipbuilding.

Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1950-1960; J.M. Martinac Shipbuilding Corp. (Tacoma);

The galley aboard a new fishing boat built by J.M. Martinac Shipbuilding Corp. She is possibly the "Royal Pacific" that was launched at Martinac May 5, 1951. Ordered by Martinac Shipbuilding. The cabinets and tile counters look very like a residential kitchen. (TNT, 5/6/1951, p.B-2; 5/8/1951, p.3) TPL-9042

Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1950-1960; J.M. Martinac Shipbuilding Corp. (Tacoma); Galleys (Ship kitchens)

A group of men on the "Crusader", a tuna clipper, during her trial run. She was 105' x 25.5' x 15' with a wooden hull. The "Crusader" was built for Capt. John W. Cardosa (on the left), designed by James J. Petrich (on the right). John G. Cardosa was one of the principal owners of the boat. Third from the left is John Breskovich, president of Puget Sound Boat. Earl M. Nielsen, president-general manager of the California Tuna Canning Co., San Diego, for whom the Crusader would fish, is third from the right. Ordered by Junge-McGregor Company, Seattle. (TNT, 6/17/1951, p.B-2; Pacific Fisherman August 1951, p.16) TPL-9046

Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1950-1960; Puget Sound Boat Building Corp. (Tacoma); Ship trials--Tacoma--1950-1960; Fishing boats--Tacoma--1950-1960; Cardosa, John W.; Petrich, James J.; Breskovich, John; Nielsen, Earl M.;

Launching of "Miss California" at Peterson Boat Building Company. Portrait of Captain Manuel Sousa, Mrs. Sousa with a bouquet of roses and Teres Sousa, daughter of Miss California's captain, with an orchid corsage and the ceremonial champagne bottle, and George Peterson, general manager of Peterson Boat. (TNT, 5/13/1951, p.B-2; Pacific Fisherman, Sept, 1951, p.53)

Peterson Boat Building Co. (Tacoma); Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1950-1960; Launchings--Tacoma--1950-1960; Sousa, Teres; Sousa, Manuel; Sousa, Manuel--Family; Peterson, George J.;

Welch board was being used in construction of a tuna clipper at Western Boat. Two men are completing the plywood covering over the upper deck of the fishing vessel. Ordered by Douglas Fir Plywood Association, Jack Leik. TPL-9052

Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1950-1960; Western Boat Building Co. (Tacoma); Douglas Fir Plywood Association (Tacoma); Plywood; Fishing boats--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Launching the "Historic" at J.M. Martinac Shipbuilding Corporation. Sponsored by Mrs. Carl Silva, wife of the engineer-to-be and part owner, the new tuna clipper was built for Oliver Verissimo and Assoc. of San Diego TPL-9049

Launchings--Tacoma--1950-1960; Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1950-1960; Fishing boats--Tacoma--1950-1960; J.M. Martinac Shipbuilding Corp. (Tacoma);

Eight people are gathered during a keel laying ceremony at Martinac Shipbuilding Corp. Martinac had recently been notified that they were the first firm on the Pacific Coast to be entitled to the Navy's designation of "qualified laminator". The Martinac yard learned of the honor when a party of Navy shipbuilding inspectors visited the firm to witness the start of the yard's program for the construction of four 171-foot minesweepers. The Martinac yard had set up a "branch office" in leased space on Baker dock where the firm operated a complete laminating plant. (TNT, 2/10/1952, p.B-6)

J.M. Martinac Shipbuilding Corp. (Tacoma); Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1950-1960;

The tuna clipper Mona Lisa, built by J.M. Martinac Shipbuilding, as pictured in February of 1951. The Mona Lisa was under the direction of the industry's youngest skipper, 23 year old Joe Correia. The 118 ft. wooden hulled tuna clipper was valued at $320,000. The ship carried a crew of 15 and had a refrigeration capacity of 230 tons. The Mona Lisa was powered by a 615 HP superior diesel with two 150 HP GM diesels for auxiliaries. She cruised at 11 knots and had a 40,000 gallon fuel capacity. The Mona Lisa was launched on February 10, 1951 with Mrs. Joseph Correia, Sr. as sponsor. Completion of the ship was expected in one month. (TNT 2/11/1951, pg. B-6) TPL-9033

Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1950-1960; Fishing boats--Tacoma--1950-1960; J.M. Martinac Shipbuilding Corp. (Tacoma);

The "Golden Glow" fishing vessel built by Peterson Boat Building Company. The boat, moving through water with crew aboard, was photographed on February 12, 1951.

Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1950-1960; Fishing boats--Tacoma--1950-1960; Peterson Boat Building Co. (Tacoma);

Three men standing next to a half-circle laminator at Baker Dock adjust the clamps on wood curved in a semi-circle at the Martinac Shipbuilding Company's laminating operations. J.M. Martinac Shipbuilding was a well-known Tacoma business whose motto was "Martinac for Better Boats". Founded by Joseph M. Martinac, the company built a variety of boats ranging from pleasure craft to tuna boats.

Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1950-1960; J.M. Martinac Shipbuilding Corp. (Tacoma); Baker Dock (Tacoma); Laminated wood; Machinery;

Exterior of building at Western Boat Building Company owned by the Petrich family. Boat building under construction in October of 1950. Ordered by Mr. Brian, Rainbow Contractors, Tacoma.

Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1950-1960; Western Boat Building Co. (Tacoma);

Interior of building at Western Boat Building Company owned by the Petrich family. Boat building under construction. Ordered by Mr. Brian, Rainbow Contractors, Tacoma.

Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1950-1960; Western Boat Building Co. (Tacoma);

New ways and dry dock shelter were being built at Peterson Boatbuilding, 223 East F St. This small shipyard was founded by father and son George and John Peterson and specialized in fishing boats. It adjoined the Foss yard at 225 East F St. on the Middle Waterway. Both companies relocated to this location at about the same time.

Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1940-1950; Charts; Peterson Boat Building Co. (Tacoma);

Progress photos of the construction of the dry dock and ways at Peterson Boat Building in April of 1943.

Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1940-1950; Charts; Peterson Boat Building Co. (Tacoma);

Initiation of Seattle Tacoma Shipbuilding Corporation employees at Elk's Club. Man on stage playing accordion. [Also dated 03-29-1943]

Seattle-Tacoma Shipbuilding Corp. (Tacoma); World War, 1939-1945--Economic & industrial aspects--Tacoma; Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1940-1950; Elks Club (Tacoma);

Coverage of twin launching at McNeil. Boat with flags strung from bow to bow moored in water next to wharf. Markings indicate that it was a U.S. Army tugboat, either T-88 or T-89, both of which were launched at McNeil on June 17, 1943. Both tugs were 65-ft. long with 16-ft beams. Douglas fir was used for everything except stem, sternposts and trim. The tugs were powered by Diesel engines. They were built for the Army Transport Service by McNeil Island inmates. (T.Times 6-18-1943, p. 1,3- alt. photo)

Launchings--McNeil Island; Boat & ship industry--McNeil Island; Tugboats--McNeil Island;

Coverage of twin launchings at McNeil Island. Vessel in water adjacent to wharf with a one-story building on it. 100 guests from the Mainland and proud inmate builders celebrated the launching of two 65-ft. tugboats built for the U.S. Army on June 17, 1943. WWII saw the revival of the shipbuilding program on McNeil which had seen the last ship constructed there by inmates way back in 1907. By June of 1943, three ships had been launched and of the three, one delivered to the Army in November of 1942. (T.Times 6-18-1943, p. 1,3-various photographs)

Launchings--McNeil Island; Boat & ship industry--McNeil Island; Tugboats--McNeil Island;

Coverage of twin launchings at McNeil Island. Close view of decorated wooden vessel, one of two sister tugs, waiting to be sent down the ways on June 17, 1943. Many spectators lean eagerly over the railings overlooking the ship. The tugs were built by prison labor. (T.Times 6-18-1943, p. 1,3-alt. photo)

Launchings--McNeil Island; Boat & ship industry--McNeil Island; Tugboats--McNeil Island;

The U.S. Army tug ST-472 was launched by Pacific Boat Building Co. on March 5, 1944. The wood ship is pictured above sliding down the ways.

Launchings--Tacoma--1940-1950; Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1940-1950; Tugboats--Tacoma--1940-1950; Pacific Boat Building Co. (Tacoma);

Sea Boy launching. Sea Boy is the 10th boat built and the 9th launched from the Puget Sound Boatbuilding Corp. site. It is the fourth seine boat built at this shipyard. View of Sea Boy, an 85 ft. sardine boat being launched into City Waterway (T. Times, 7/1/44, p. 4). TPL-8865

Launchings--Tacoma--1940-1950; Fishing boats--Tacoma; Puget Sound Boat Building Corp. (Tacoma);

This is the newly launched Tug ST-472 on March 5, 1944. She was built by Pacific Boat Building Co. of Tacoma for the U.S. Army.

Launchings--Tacoma--1940-1950; Tugboats--Tacoma--1940-1950; Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1940-1950; Pacific Boat Building Co. (Tacoma);