Our Scouts Learn Skills!

Our boat is over 70 years old. She's stout and well-built and like all boats, she requires constant care and attention.  Propeller Sea Scouts have the opportunity to gain real skills from hands on experience working with adult volunteers who bring many years of industry experience to the program. Our youth members get more out of the program when they put in more effort and help with upkeep.

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Deck, painting, preservation

Maintaining a steel boat requires more than slapping paint on metal. Proper upkeep requires skill and knowledge of coatings and proper prep work. There are plenty of opportunities to help make Propeller gleam. The proper preservation of steel ships is an understated and important skill for any future mariner or boat owner to master.

Engine upkeep and maintenance

Propeller is powered by a 350HP Caterpillar diesel engine, and the boat has two generators. The engineering plant includes a variety of systems typically found on much larger vessels.  Scouts can help with upkeep, maintenance and repairs.

Charter trip crew

Spirit of Propeller Foundation offers opportunities for Sea Scouts to volunteer as charter trip crew members and earn creditable sea time toward a future merchant marine credential. There is no cost to the scouts for participating in these events and scouts gain hands on operational expertise by participating. 

Power Tools!

There are few places where teenagers have the opportunity to work with tools and help with real world projects that will make a noticeable difference.  Grinders, drills, saws, and even welding equipment! 

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Scouts at work

Bilge upkeep and repainting

Helm and piloting skills

Scouts working on deck trim and hardware installation

Fire hose handling

Bunkroom Renovation

Welding and metal fabrication

Painting the mast using a bucket lift

Replacing the davit winch

Bunker Gear - Thanks Washington State Ferries!