The Plover undergoes repairs more involved than original restoration

With the historic Plover ferry undergoing repairs more extensive than its original restoration in the mid-’90s, the ferry’s captain and shipwright are working against the clock to make it seaworthy this summer.

During a regular inspection last September, the U.S. Coast Guard discovered that significant repairs were needed before the vessel could carry foot passengers between Blaine Harbor and Semiahmoo Spit. Shipwright Steve Alaniz has been fixing soft spots on the vessel’s wooden hull and stem post on the front of the boat, something he said has required him to brush up on skills from decades ago.

“This is more complicated and more involved than the original restoration because we didn’t have to take the keel or bow out before,” said Richard Sturgill, the Plover’s captain. “That’s like taking someone’s backbone and jaw out.”

Sturgill led efforts in the mid-’90s to restore the Plover, which was used to transport cannery workers between Blaine and the Alaska Packers Association cannery on Semiahmoo Spit.

The U.S. Coast Guard most recently inspected the repairs on April 19, when they gave shipwright Steve Alaniz the OK to start putting the boat back together. After replanking the boat, Alaniz said he will caulk and paint it.

“We’re putting things back together so that’s good because before we were taking things apart,” Sturgill said. “It’s a tedious, arduous process to do it right.”

Sturgill said the ferry isn’t anticipated to need major repairs for decades after this work is finished. He added the repairs are still in line with the $30,000 repair budget that Blaine City Council approved for funding last year.

The Plover carried nearly 8,000 one-way passengers between Semiahmoo Spit and Blaine Harbor in 2022, making it the ferry’s busiest year on record.

Alaniz said he hopes the state’s oldest passenger ferry is ready for the first sailing on Memorial Day weekend, but isn’t certain what the timeline will end up being.

“This second restoration will assure the Plover will once again be providing visitors and town folk alike with a unique experience upon our local waters,” Sturgill said.