By Roger Gitlin – EYE ON DEL NORTE – October 27, 2021

After some seven months in refurbishment at Fashion Blacksmith at the Crescent City Harbor, The Gladnik Crab vessel is near completion. Plans are to launch this “Tough Boat” mid- November, pending the highest maximum level of high tide, in time for the beginning of the crab season.

This project and its completion is really quite exciting… Allow me to give you some interesting background on The Gladnik:

The vessel was built in 1972 at the Parkway Dr. location of Fashion Blacksmith by Gene Evanow.

*This latest remodel expanded the length of the vessel 8′ to 68′ and widened the ship 8′ to ’26’

*The Gladnik’s original walk around deck was converted to a “Whaleback” style. A new pilot house and mast were built.

*Two engines were replaced, plumbing, hydraulic and fuel systems, electrical systems and a rebuilding of the engine room were also undertaken, replaced and completed.

*Total investment for this project: Over $1 million !!!

* A highly skilled Fashion Blacksmith crew of nine plus the Gladnik crew of six participated on this successful venture. Also participating on this project was a hydraulics company from Coos Bay, a Marine electronics company from Brookings, a local woodworking contractor AND supplies, parts and paints from Englund Marine from Crescent City.

I’d like to report it’s all smooth sailing from here but I cannot report that news at this time.

The lack of imperative and necessary dredging by the Harbor may “derail” the egress of the Gladnik…The window for the minimum, maximum 7′ high tide will exist in mid-November for a very few short hours.

It is disheartening to observe how ineffective and inefficient Harbor administration, which includes the two most senior commissioners Brian Stone and West White, has been for almost a decade.

Now. All we can do is cross our fingers and hope for a successful re-launch of the Gladnik by the very competent Fashion Blacksmith and Gladnik staff.