CBMM’s venerable passenger-carrying Chesapeake Bay buyboat Winnie Estelle is undergoing a major refit in our working Shipyard that includes the replacement of its original keel. We have been documenting the project via photos and video updates highlighting the shipwrights who are working to get this historic vessel ready for its relaunch later this year.
Watch the videos below to catch up on the project and stay tuned for more details on its return to cruising the Miles River.
To support Shipyard projects like this one, make a gift to CBMM’s Annual Fund. Your donations further our mission and help us maintain a tangible connection to the Chesapeake’s rich story of boatbuilding through the incredible work of our shipwrights and apprentices. Give today!
Sept. 4, 2026: Engine Room Update
In this update, Marine Mechanic Mark Newberg checks in from the engine room to highlight the new six-cylinder, 325 hp John Deere engine and the care that has gone into its installation.
Aug. 17, 2026: Installing the Whiskey Plank
This update highlights the installation of the whiskey plank, a traditional shipbuilding ceremony marking the completion of the vessel’s hull.
July 20, 2026: Summer of Learning
In this update, Shipyard Intern Aiden Crumpton shares how he’s contributed to the project, what he’s learned working alongside our shipwrights, and why this summer has been such a meaningful experience.
July 13, 2026: Capping the Stern
In this update, Master Shipwright Jeff Reid shares his work fabricating and installing the stern cap rail as part of the ongoing reconstruction of the vessel’s bulwarks.
June 2, 2026: Dialing in the Details
In this update, Master Shipwright Patrick Mertaugh leads a tour of Winnie Estelle, sharing ongoing work on the bulwarks and cap rail, windlass, and steering system.
April 18, 2026: Electric Developments
This update features the installation of Winnie Estelle‘s new electrical system by Evolution Marine Electronics of Trappe, Md. Joe Fisher highlights the state-of-the art electronics and safety package and what it’s been like installing this modern technology on a historic buyboat.
March 13, 2026: Cultural Exchange
This update highlights a recent visit from Andrew Bibby and Matt Coco of the Australian National Maritime Museum. Our special guests from Down Under shared their expertise, learned from our Shipyard staff, and lent a hand on Winnie Estelle’s bottom planking during a memorable week at CBMM for all involved.
March 2, 2026: Maritime Mentorship
In this update, our shipwright apprentices share their work on the vessel’s new log rails and bulwarks and what they’ve learned along the way.
Jan. 26, 2026: Building Bulwarks
In this update, Shipyard Manager Robert Lieby previews the project’s home stretch, including the planning and construction of new bulwarks with a design based on historic images of the vessel.
Dec. 15, 2025: Behind-the-Scenes Planning
In this update, On the Water Lead Captain Matt Gauthier shares a look behind-the-scenes at the ongoing process of systems planning and preparing for U.S. Coast Guard inspection in the countdown to Winnie Estelle’s relaunch.
Nov. 21, 2025: Planking the Deck
In this update, Shipwright Daniel Gutierrez shares the process of planking Winnie’s deck and how his experience as an apprentice in CBMM’s Shipyard planking skipjack Rosie Parks helped prepare him for this work.
Oct. 17, 2025: Reclaimed Sole Bearers
In this update, Master Shipwright Walter Atkins shares the on-going process to fabricate and install sole bearers in the hold using the vessel’s former Santa Maria bottom planking.
Sept. 29, 2025: Winnie’s New Shoe
In this update, Metal Fabricator Christian Benefiel shares the process of fabricating and fitting the rudder shoe and compression post.
Aug. 29, 2025: Top-to-Bottom Progress
In this update, Shipyard Foreman Jeff Reid leads a tour around the vessel to share the newest developments from the stern to the engine room to the deck to the top of the wheelhouse.
June 27, 2025: Summer Scenes
In this update, Vice President of Shipyard & Marine Operations Jay Williams shares what makes this project special and highlights the ongoing planking process.
April 21, 2025: Thank You, Volunteers!
In this update, Shipyard Volunteer Don Boehl shares his experience assisting on the Winnie Estelle refit.
March 10, 2025: Caulking & More
In this update, Shipwright Robert Leiby highlights a variety of aspects of the project, including caulking, fabrication and installation of the stringers, and removal and replacement of the stern sheer log
Jan. 27, 2025: Planking Time
In this update, Shipwright Sam Johnson highlights the planking process.
Jan. 13, 2025: Propelling into the New Year
In this update, Master Shipwright Thom Price installs the propeller shaft and propeller and shares how the apparatus connects to the new engine.
Nov. 21, 2024: Attention to Detail
In this update, Shipyard Foreman Jeff Reid offers a tour of the vessel to share the latest on the fabrication and installation of the new keel and more.
Oct. 14, 2024: Crafted with Care
In this update, Master Shipwright Thom Price cuts out the stern knee on the ship saw and shares how the stern assembly is coming together.
Sept. 16, 2024: Preserving History
In this update, Shipwright Brandon Beshears shares what he’s learned working on the historic vessel and why he appreciates the opportunity to share his meticulous work shaping the keel with CBMM guests.
Aug. 12, 2024: A Learning Experience
In this update, Shipwright Apprentice Kaeo Clarke shares what he’s learned as part of the team working on the project and his unique connection to the vessel.
July 1, 2024: Making Progress
In this update, Shipyard Foreman Jeff Reid shares a wide-ranging update on the project and the on-going work to fabricate and install the new keel.
May 29, 2024: Family History
This update highlights a Shipyard visit from family members of builder Noah T. Evans. They learned more about the project from CBMM’s shipwrights and volunteers and shared memories of the beloved buyboat and its builder.
May 3, 2024: A Timeless Look
Vessel Conservation Manager Sam Hilgartner shares how Winnie Estelle’s unique history has informed some notable changes in store for the vessel.
April 5, 2024: Fabricating a New Keel
In this update, Master Shipwright Patrick Mertaugh explains the process of fabricating a new white oak keel.
March 15, 2024: Removing the Keel
In this update, Shipyard Foreman Jeff Reid explains the process of removing the old keel that was laid during the vessel’s construction in 1920.
Feb. 9, 2024: The Next Chapter for a Historic Buyboat
In this update, Vice President of Shipyard Operations Christian Cabral provides an overview of the extensive project and previews the work ahead.