A haul out and marine survey was conducted at the Port of Port Townsend, in 2001. An out of the water survey was conducted by Lee H. Ehrheart, of Havorn Marine Services, Inc. on 25th of July, 2001(survey report #HM-2429). The recommendations made in the survey were addressed and completed before and during the following haul out in 2003. 

During the haul out of 2003, the Shipwrights Co-op of Port Townsend was commissioned to perform partial restoration and maintenance. The vessel was refastened, caulked, many planks were replaced as well as the starboard forward bulwarks cover board and several shear strakes. The deck was caulked and sealed in 2003 while she was moored at Thompson Pile Driving. The main anchor was galvanized and the anchor chain was serviced.

A mechanical overhaul of the main engine (Detroit 12V71) took place in 2003. The top end of the engine was serviced, fuel filters and instrumentation were upgraded and the heads were completely rebuilt. Auxiliary components consisting of cooling lines, fuel lines, all hose clamps, gaskets and filters were replaced. The main engine has had regular maintenance and service per the manufacturer's specifications during our ownership of the m/v Thelma S.

While the vessel was located in Port Orchard, WA, she participated in the annual Harbor Days festival and Tugboat Races in Olympia, Washington. She was the featured boat in 2003 and placed third in the Tugboat Races. This is a testament to the care and commitment that this vessel has received during these periods of restoration. 

The haul out in Port Townsend, WA in 2005 included regular maintenance and repairs. During this haul out, the vessel was prepared for relocation to Portland, Oregon from the Puget Sound. She left Neah Bay on July 5th 2005 with a crew of five, including my father and myself. She arrived at Pier West, in Portland Oregon, on July 7th 2005, after an uneventful trip down the Washington Coast and up the Columbia River. 

From 2005 until 2009, the following upgrades and repairs were completed:

• The amidships fuel tanks were removed.

• The 32 volt electrical system was upgraded to a 12 volt system. The interior lighting, cabin plumbing and a shower were installed. 

• The 110 VAC electrical system was upgraded. 

• All PFD’s, Fire extinguishers, and other safety related equipment were inspected and upgraded. 

A haul out was conducted at the Warrenton Boatyard on July 30th, 2008. The following repairs were performed :

• The bottom was cleaned and painted.

• Seams were caulked, and corroded fasteners were replaced. 

• The Zincs were inspected and in good condition. 

An extensive restoration project was begun in 2009. The towing winch was removed from the back deck. A work plan was conceived with the expert advice of Jeff Sayler, owner of Firehouse Boatworks . Jeff is a highly trained shipwright, who continues to be a valuable resource during the restoration of Thelma S. The work began in 2009 and was completed in 2011. FOHC, CVG old growth Douglas fir lumber was milled for the athwartship beams, carlins, sills, deck planking and short deck beams. The lumber used for the cabin was old growth Alaskan yellow cedar. All through bolts were galvanized and the remaining fasteners used are 316 stainless or silicon bronze. All surfaces were primed in red lead and the deck was sealed.

These materials are in accordance with USCG publication NVIC 7-95 which is a guide for the inspection, maintenance and repair of wooden hulls. 

The work that was completed during this time is as follows:

• All of the athwartship beams aft of the engine cabin were replaced.

• All of the amidships carlins and sills were replaced.

• Four amidships lodging knees, and two aft lodging knees were replaced.

• Part of the shelf aft, port and starboard was replaced.

• All of the short deck beams and hatch coaming were replaced.

• All of the deck planking aft of the break was replaced, caulked and sealed.

• The engine room cabin was completely replaced. 

On January 23rd, 2011 an out of the water survey was conducted by Henry Niemi Jr., A.M.S. ® SAMS, (Yachts & Small Craft, F/V) at the Warrenton Boatyard in Astoria, Oregon. All of his recommendations were addressed following the haul out. 

From 2011 to 2016, the following work was completed towards the restoration:

• A complete replacement and upgrade to the 12 volt electrical system. This includes new batteries, starter, alternator, starter cable, running lights, interior cabin lights, and instrumentation. New instrumentation panels were installed in the pilot house and the engine room.

• A newer radar unit and two VHF radios were installed.

• The main engine was overhauled. The main bearings and oil pump were inspected and found satisfactory. The oil pressure relief valves were rebuilt and replaced. The oil filter canisters were replaced with a spin on filter adapter. The oil and filters were replaced. All respective gaskets for these repairs were replaced. 

• The twin disk reverse gear was serviced and inspected. The fluid and filter was changed. The hydraulic lines and gauges were replaced.

• The heat exchanger for the reverse gear was rebuilt and the hydraulic lines were replaced. 

Lee C. Sebring, SA, SAMS ® of Sebring Marine Services, LLC, conducted a haul out inspection and survey at the Warrenton Boatyard on August 4th, 2016 (report #816). The recommendations of this survey have been completed following the haul out. 

After the 2016 haul out the deck has been caulked and sealed, the cabins have been painted and regular scheduled maintenance has been conducted. A new set of fuel tanks have been engineered and a purchase price quoted. Preparations are currently underway for the tanks to be fabricated and installed this year. The work planned for 2018 also includes the installation of the aft mast and tow bit. 

Port of Astoria haul out 2023 - coming soon