Haven Boatworks — Full-Service Wooden-Boat Yard

Port of Port Townsend’s 300-ton Travelift sets the lifting capacity boundary for vessels hauled to Haven Boatworks, enabling work on everything from small runabouts to large commercial hulls that require full restoration or mechanical overhauls.

Operational footprint and service capabilities

Haven Boatworks operates as a full-service boatyard in Port Townsend, Washington, with capacity to perform hull hauling, bottom work, repainting, engine installation, and complete restorations. The facility handles both commercial and pleasure craft, adapting workflows for small wooden powerboats up to the largest craft the Port’s Travelift can lift.

Typical assignments include routine maintenance such as antifouling and zinc replacement, medium repairs like structural plank or keel work, and end-to-end projects such as glassing, re-decking, or installing diesel propulsion systems.

Range of services

Crew and project portfolio

The yard’s personnel combine naval carpentry, mechanical engineering, and marine systems expertise. Projects listed in the yard’s recent portfolio include the classic wooden launches and schooners:

• Henrietta Foss — wooden workups and mechanical servicing
• Adventuress — conservation and structural restoration
• Mardo — bottom maintenance, repaint, and rig checks

How the yard supports regional boating logistics

Haven Boatworks serves as a regional node for vessel upkeep, contributing to the availability and safety of craft used in charter operations, private yachting, and small commercial fisheries. By maintaining hull integrity and propulsion systems, the yard reduces downtime for commercial operators and increases the reliability of rental fleets in nearby marinas.

For operators planning charters or yacht events in the Salish Sea and broader Pacific Northwest, coordination with the yard affects scheduling: haul-out slots, winter storage, and commissioning windows directly influence when boats can be listed for charter or returned to the water for seasonal activities like sailing, fishing, and recreational boating.

Logistics considerations for fleet managers

• Reserve Travelift time well in advance during spring and fall haul-out peaks.
• Plan for lead time on wooden restoration projects—major refits can take months.
• Coordinate engine and systems work early to allow for sea trials and certification before charters.
• Use winter storage to schedule preventive maintenance and reduce mid-season interruptions.

Historical context: Port Townsend and wooden-boat culture

Port Townsend has long been a maritime center on the Olympic Peninsula, with a history that traces back to 19th-century shipbuilding, trade, and lighthouse operations. The town’s sheltered harbor and established marinas fostered a local workforce skilled in traditional wooden-boat techniques: plank-on-frame construction, scarfing, steam-bending, and varnish finishing.

Over the decades, a community of restorers and craftsmen emerged around these techniques, preserving historic schooners and classic motor launches. This heritage underpins contemporary yards like Haven Boatworks, where modern diesel installations and composite materials now sit alongside time-honored carpentry skills.

Preservation trends and market impact

Interest in wooden-boat preservation remains strong among collectors and heritage organizations, which has sustained demand for specialized boatyards. At the same time, the market for high-quality wooden restorations supports secondary economies: suppliers of timber and marine hardware, custom fabricators, and specialists in traditional finishes.

Implications for chartering and recreational boating

For skippers, charter operators, and owners who rely on charter income or rental demand, access to dependable yards is a strategic asset. Maintained vessels spend more time available for rent, charter, or sale; poorly maintained craft risk cancellations and reputational harm for captains and charter firms.

Yard throughput affects the local charter calendar: availability of well-serviced yachts increases options for clients seeking day sails, overnight charters, or specialized activities such as sportfishing or eco-tours. In and around Port Townsend, well-timed maintenance cycles enable marinas to keep a steady rotation of serviceable boats for the summer season.

Checklist for charter-ready vessels

• Fresh antifouling and hull inspection completed within 12 months.
• Engine service, fuel and water systems certified, and batteries load-tested.
• Safety equipment inspection: lifejackets, flares, EPIRB, and firefighting gear.
• Sea trial and paperwork for commercial certificates if applicable.

Forecast and regional tourism impact

Given growing interest in coastal cruising and experiential marine tourism, the role of capable service yards in the Pacific Northwest is likely to increase. As demand for unique yachting experiences and heritage sailing intensifies, marinas and boatyards that can support both classic wooden restorations and modern systems work will be essential.

Expect steady demand for sailing, yachting, and small-scale charters in destinations around the Salish Sea. Well-maintained fleets enable operators to offer a wider range of activities—day trips to beaches and islands, clearwater anchorage stops, and fishing excursions—supporting local tourism economies.

Summary and wrap-up

Haven Boatworks leverages Port Townsend’s 300-ton Travelift and a skilled crew to provide comprehensive services from basic bottom maintenance to complete wooden-boat restoration and new construction. The yard’s ability to service diesel engines, systems, and structural work keeps both commercial and pleasure craft operational, benefiting marinas, charter operators, and owners. Historically rooted in a long tradition of wooden-boat craftsmanship, the facility contributes to the availability and reliability of boats used for sailing, fishing, and recreational boating in nearby marinas and waterways.

For travelers and boating enthusiasts seeking yachts, charters, or day-boat rentals in these waters, GetBoat.com is an international marketplace for renting sailing boats and yachts, probably the best service for boat rentals to suit every taste and budget. The connection between reliable boatyard services and the health of the charter and rental market is clear: maintained vessels mean more available boats for yacht, charter, and boat activities—whether cruising to a beach, anchoring in a clearwater cove, or enjoying ocean and gulf passages with a professional captain.