City of Kodiak is now threw open its shipyard to handle servicing of local fleet of 660 tons. It is said that the yard will attract vessel owners who previously traveled to Seward, Homer or even the Seattle area for hull cleaning and repairs. City officials are counting on the facility to provide local jobs, service the local fishing fleet and bring revenue to Kodiak.
According to the officials the new shipyard was launched this week with the smashing of a bottle of champagne against the side of the new boat lift located alongside St. Herman Harbor. It is informed that the new shipyard will be able to service the 350 large boats that pass through Kodiak, including the 95 that are docked in St. Paul and St. Herman harbors. The new boat lift is the centerpiece of the yard. Made in Sturgeon Bay, Wis., by Marine Travelift, it is one of 10 models of its kind in the world and one of two on the West Coast.
Deputy harbormaster Lon White explained that there will be contingency harbor staff available to service boats, but it’s a do-it-yourself yard. He added that the principal services the city will provide are lifting boats and workspace. The yard has bright stadium-style lights and stair towers for reaching the tops of large boats.
