In The Yard with Motor Yacht Dorothea

While the end result of the Dorothea project is one of stunning beauty, no compromise was made to cosmetic concerns or whimsy at the expense of function and sea worthiness. The project was guided by integrity and sea wise professionalism. Not just by LUBR, but by all the fine Seattle sub-contractors that contributed to the result. LUBR thanks all contributors, who prove again that Seattle, and Lake Union Boat Repair, is the place to bring treasured yachts for major renovations and re-fits.

Custom plumbing & valving	Custom sight gauges	Main electrical panel


New Galley	Galley starboard	Water tight doors to master stateroom

Main salon, starboard	Ben Harry in engine room	Flag staff
If you would like to see more photos of the M/Y Dorothea, please Click Here. While these and many more photos are amateur and taken while final touches were still being applied, I believe the scope and quality of the Dorothea project clearly comes through, demonstrating the exceptional capabilities of Ben Harry and the crew of Lake Union Boat Repair. Special thanks goes to Dorothea Captain, John Crupi and his co-captain Jennifer, project manager, Malcom Munsey, and Lake Union Boat Repair’s chief engineer, Jim Martindale…….and the pizza guy.


Motor Yacht Dorothea 1967 108' Wooden, Vic Franck, Bill Garden Design In late fall, 2005, the Bill Garden designed, 1967 Vic Franck built, 108’ wooden motor yacht Dorothea, returned to her birth place from world cruising, needing leaking fuel tank and other major repairs. Having learned Vic Franck boat yard closed its doors, Dorothea began seeking the right Boatwright to do the work. Fingers around Seattle’s waterfront pointed Dorothea toward Ben Harry and Lake Union Boat Repair.

Stripping out main salon	After removing bulkheads	Time to re-wire

Five of 8 fuel tanks needed replacement, necessitating the removal of the main solon deck, aft doors, and several below decks bulkheads. Exposed wiring showed significant deterioration and it was decided that it was also time to re-wire. As both work and surveys progressed, Dorothea gained such confidence in LUBR, Ben Harry, and Seattle’s craftsmen, that Dorothea’s owner elected to embark on a total stem to stern refit.

Jan 06 prep work	Preparing for new wheelhouse	Aft into master

By then, it was winter ’06 and the work order expanded: new steering, re-plumb entire fuel system, new water makers, overhaul or replace all systems, overhaul main engines, do all necessary hull and exterior repairs, install a new interior, paint the entire boat, and have it done for the 2007 season.

Tanks in & out	Getting new tanks in	Perfect fit

Mission accomplished! Dorothea left LUBR and Seattle, at the end of April 07. At this September writing, Dorothea is now on the east coast of Mexico having enjoyed trouble free passages.

Bridge	Companion way to bridge	Salon looking aft

Aft ladder to salon	Master state room	His & hers master head