RIPTIDE was built in 1927 by Frank E and William J Schertzer, owners of Schertzer Brothers Boat and Machine Company, which was then located at 1115 Northlake Avenue on the north end of Lake Union near the foot of Stone Way in Seattle. Her original owners are as yet unknown. RIPTIDE is 47 feet 1-inch long with a beam of 11 feet 10-inches and a draft of four feet, six inches. She is planked in port orford cedar riveted to white oak frames over an apitong backbone with western red cedar houses. She displaces about 12 tons, relatively light for a boat this size.
A Coast Guard documented vessel, RIPTIDE carries documentation number 226242 carved into the interior face of both port and starboard bilge stringers.
RIPTIDE is powered by remanufactured Cummins B210 5.9 liter turbo-charged diesel of 210hp. While her top speed is over 14 knots at 2400 rpm, her cruising speed is a much more sedate 9 knots at 1500 rpm. She carries 300 gallons of diesel fuel. She is maintained and upgraded by the Port Townsend Shipwright’s Co-Op in Port Townsend WA. John Zimmer, then of Palouse Boatworks, completely recaulked her in 2015. RIPTIDE is kept painted and bright by Diane Salguero of Salguero Marine Services, while her canvas work is by Suzi Clinefelter of Mystery Bay Sails and Canvas.
RIPTIDE’s hailing port is Port Ludlow WA. She is usually moored in Port Madison, on Bainbridge Island, WA, where she has spent nearly all of her long life.