Tug Boat
Alma
Crafted for Harbor Work
The Alma was built in San Francisco by the Beviacqua Brothers Genoa Boat Works near Fisherman’s Wharf in 1927. She was typical of the small wooden tugs and utility craft that worked in harbors along the west coast in the first half of the 20th century. The Alma was traditionally built of sawn oak frames and carvel planked in Cedar.
Tug Boat Alma
by Keith Kelsey
“The Monterey hull shape is a derivation of the Mediterranean Felucca, a style introduced to the west coast by a large influx of Italian immigrants in the late 19th century.”
Hand-Built for the Sea
Like the Alma, the Spindrift was also built in San Francisco by the Beviacqua Brothers (Genoa Boat Works) at their yard near Fisherman’s Wharf. Her construction consists of a carvel planked hull of Port Orford cedar over sawn oak frames with a wood cabin. She was last powered by a 3-53 GM marine diesel engine. The MBMM intends to conserve the Spindrift to a stable, presentable condition and place her on display at the museum next to the tug Alma.
Legacy of
The Kelsey Family
In 1995 the Alma was donated by the Kelsey Family, the former owners of Sylvester’s Tug Service. The Kelsey family now operates the Kelsey See Canyon Vineyards near Avila Beach. The Alma is on permanent display at the museum so come on by and get up close to an artifact involved in local WWII action.
Year Built
1927
Length (ft.)
48
Beam (ft.)
13
Draft (ft.)
5.2
United States
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10am – 3pm
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