The Restoration ofGLIDE
GLIDE is in the midst of a comprehensive restoration at Rockport Marine – see below for the story and photos from inside the shop.
Built in 1947 at Major J. Casey’s yard in Fairhaven, Massachusetts, GLIDE comes from a practical and capable lineage. Casey was known for fast sailing vessels, rum-runners, and more than 100 military rescue boats built during World War II. His boats were not precious. They were strong, purposeful, and made to be used.
That sensibility served GLIDE well. Over more than seven decades, she earned a reputation for elegance, power, and hard service. When she arrived at Rockport Marine, the expected work was significant but familiar: a new keel and frame-end repairs. But as the crew opened up the boat, it became clear that a more complete restoration was needed.
The project has become a clean, carefully sequenced renewal of the hull structure — preserving GLIDE’s sheer, deck, shape, and character while replacing much of what lies beneath. The intent is the feeling of a boat renewed, not a new boat.
A project like this draws on the many disciplines under Rockport Marine’s roof: in house design, traditional boatbuilding, fabrication, mechanical and electrical systems, rigging, finishes, and careful project planning. The photos below follow the restoration as it moves through the shop.
From the Keel Up
GLIDE came to Rockport Marine for keel work and frame-end repairs. Once the boat was opened up, it became clear that the project would need to go deeper. A new backbone and floor timbers were built and assembled outside the hull from design work – then installed as large assembled components. The center line timbers are iroko, the floor timbers purple heart, all fastenings silicon bronze and the lead ballast remains original.
Rebuilding GLIDE, Frame by Frame
Replacing GLIDE’s frames required a careful sequence. New laminated frames were made and beveled to loftings and installed individually as planking was cut away.
From the Sheer Plank Down
Now, with the backbone, floors, and frames renewed, the replanking begins.
Looking Ahead
With the shop lights off and the interior lights on, GLIDE is a perspective view of a structural diagram.
This restoration borders on rebuild, but like George Washington’s ax with several new heads and handles, GLIDE, and the spirit of the original builders, and lineage of sailors, will live on in stronger-than-original condition.
GLIDE’s restoration will finish up in the first half of 2027.
For updates on this restoration and other projects, subscribe to the Rockport Marine quarterly newsletter or follow us on Facebook or Instagram.