Weathering Storms and Crafting Skiffs

FARLEY BOAT WORKS SERVES AS A LIVING MUSEUM, EDUCATIONAL HUB AND INCUBATOR OF PORT ARANSAS’ RICH MARITIME HERITAGE

BY: LUIS ARJONA PHOTOS COURTESY OF: BILLY WUNEBURGER

In the salty air of Port Aransas, where fishing culture runs deep, Farley Boat Works stands as a proud guardian of maritime heritage. With a history that stretches back more than a century, this place is a living, breathing tribute to the fishing soul of the community.

Initially established in 1915 near the Coast Guard station on the water, Farley Boat Works underwent several relocations over the years due to storms and changing needs. The devastating hurricanes of 1916 and 1919 took a toll on the early structures. However, the resilient spirit of the community prevailed, leading to the construction of remarkable buildings that still stand firmly today. The current location is the last vestige of the original Farley Boat Works. It was reopened in 2011 by the Port Aransas Preservation and Historical Association Inc. (PAPHA) to preserve its historical significance.

At the heart of Farley Boat Works lies a rich history shaped by both triumph and challenges. Ashley Harris, chief operating officer of PAPHA, shared one of those historical moments: “President Franklin D. Roosevelt came to the area to tarpon fish with his son; it gained a lot of attention. He brought his own boat and struck out,” Harris said. “The captain suggested going on a Farley boat because the local guys knew what worked. These boats received a lot of attention, and most will argue they were the first sportfishing vessel built on the Gulf Coast, if not the first built in the United States.”

Farley Boat Works takes pride in its commitment to education and community outreach; the organization offers boatbuilding classes to pass on traditional woodworking skills and knowledge. Spearheaded by the passionate teacher and community member Doyle Marek, the boatbuilding program is led today by volunteers inspired by Marek’s teachings. They continue to share the art of boat construction, helping people of all ages build over 130 wooden boats since 2011.

The pièce de résistance of Farley Boat Works is the "Port A Skiff" or the "Marek Skiff." These flat-bottomed beauties range