Carmelita

Commissioned in Tacoma, Washington in 1935 by Mr. Norton Clapp, Carmelita was built as a private family yacht. Designed by Naval Architect Harold Lee, Carmelita’s construction at the Mojean & Erickson yard took nearly a year. She was outfitted with Cooper-Bessemer Diesels. For sixty years, his family members and guests enjoyed time aboard the Carmelita on countless trips on the Northwest Coast between Tacoma and Glacier Bay, Alaska.

During World War II, Carmelita was commandeered by the U.S. Coast Guard as an Alaska Patrol Vessel. During her 26 months of service, she was painted gray with standard Coast Guard numbers CG-68006 on the bows. Upon her return, Carmelita was refitted in 1946 by Anchor Jensen who installed new Gray-Marine 6-71 diesels, new transmissions, shafts and propellers and many updates.
One of Mr. Clapp’s most memorable voyages was the 1949 Capitol to Capitol predicted log race from Olympia to Juneau. Mr. Clapp went to great lengths to maintain and care for Carmelita. He spent a great deal of time tinkering with the electrical system and maintaining the ship’s charts.
Peter & Melissa (grand niece) Evans acquired Carmelita in 1994 after Mr. Clapp’s death.

She was refitted in 1996 and 1997 with a modern electrical system and updated throughout while retaining her original style and comfort.
The Evans’ have cruised Carmelita on the Northwest Coast from Seattle to Glacier Bay for three decades. One epic summer included 47 days exploring Haida Gwaii.

Our general philosophy for our stewardship: Old boat, new systems! In 2006, we removed the 671’s (having served a full 60 years!), and Carmelita was repowered with John Deere’s, achieving a 42% fuel efficiency and much quieter and cleaner motoring. We converted most of the 32v system to 24v, including replacing all lights with efficient LED bulbs. The last of the 32v system includes the 750-amp windlass motor and a master bilge pump.

Carmelita has been lovingly maintained at Haven Boatyard in Port Townsend. Haven’s outstanding craftswomen and craftsmen have partnered with the Evans to work toward their dream of stewarding Carmelita for another 60 years.

Launched: 1935 in Tacoma, Washington Length: 68’ on deck; 70’ overall
Beam: 16’4” Draft: 6.0’
Tonnage: 61 Gross, 42 Net
Hull: Oak frames, carvel planked with fir and yellow cedar, fir ceilings, yellow cedar decks
Power: Twin John Deere 6.8 L, 265 hp x 2 = 530 hp. 6-cylinder, turbocharged
Transmissions: ZF 220 marine gear
Propeller shafts: 3’ Monel stainless Propellers: 37’ x 22” three-blade
Fuel: 1,800 Gallons Diesel
Water: 800 gallons, + 24 GPH watermaker
Generator: Mase 7.6 kw. Voltage: 32v, 24v, 12v, 110AC, 240AC
Accommodations: 4 double staterooms + captain’s berth in wheelhouse, daybed in saloon
Radiant heat throughout
Two marine heads, one bathtub, one shower. Outdoor shower on the swim step
Cruising speed: 10 Knots – efficient, burning 6.0 gallons/hour