Tannenbaum Haus

The fishing vessel Hazel B was built in Seattle in 1937, one of three of a blueprint design, each presently active as salmon trollers in SE Alaska. I, Grant Trask of Petersburg , Alaska, bought Hazel B from the widow of a Washington salmon troller in March 1973 at its moorage in Fishermen’s Terminal in Seattle, WA. Since then the Hazel B has been an Alaska boat fishing every summer on the Gulf of Alaska and Inside waters. She has been moored, extensively cared for, modified and maintained, covered in winter at her Petersburg home. Known throughout these waters for 38 years, other fishermen have indicated they would like to buy her. However, I would seek another life for my boat, hoping someone would like to convert the Hazel B into a pleasure boat, with live-aboard capabilities for comfortable cruising.

Hazel B’s hull is a classic “double-ender”, designed solely for commercial trolling. Forty-two feet long, 11.5 wide and drawing 6.5 at the stern, her proportions and sea-keeping would accommodate six people easily, with modifications. I’ve run engine at 1450 rpm, making 6.0 knots and consuming 2gph, with trolling speeds much lower and proportional fuel savings. Naturally, higher rpms will bring 8 knots with corresponding fuel consumption. Aluminum tanks ( 600 gallons ) carry fuel aboard for theoretical roundtrip , Seattle to Petersburg, at least 1500 miles. The 85 hp engine coupled with Twin Disc 2.5 to 1 gear turning 28” by 25” RH bronze three-blade wheel match hull perfectly. The fuel thriftiness has been a major asset in my trolling career. The other systems in Hazel B are standard: 12 v alternator electricity with 2 8D battery banks, hydraulic-driven anchor winch and trolling gurdies, 110 gal. freshwater with shower and heated from keel-cooler exchange, standard electronic package of auto-pilot, radios, sounders, radar, and more, with everything working. List of all components is available from annual hull insurance affidavit.

I had a decision to make three years ago which I responded to in Hazel B’s favor. Seeing signs of aging in my boat and wondering if I should continue fishing, I decided to rebuild my boat. I had Hazel B hauled out in Wrangell, AK in September of 2007. Extensive work was done on the hull, with lots of framing, planks, refastening, and recaulking. “Floating is good” and I am now confident in the safety and integrity of my boat, and expect it to be around for her 100th birthday and beyond, with the care of the next owner(s). I can relay personally to prospective serious inquiries how many thousands of dollars was spent, and where, in order to support this claim.

I am retiring from fishing. I am offering my boat for a short period to see if someone would appreciate a well-kept, classic boat that is comfortable, thrifty to operate and has excellent sea-keeping. If there's no takers, I'll contact my fellow trollers who would like to upgrade, or just advertise in the commercial boat market. That would be the simplest for me but not deserving of the boat. Hazel B is a better boat than when I bought her years ago at Fisherman's Terminal in Seattle. She could be even better with a new owner.

Presently, my wife and I are trolling out of Sitka, Alaska and would be unavailable for quick responses until mid-September. Hazel B will be available for sale at that time, but with winter pending, likely transfer would be spring 2011. Surveys,photos, more description available to serious inquiries. Earnest money would be required by prospective buyer to secure no other offers. Earnest money would be returned if buyer changes mind within agreed time limit. Owner retains right to sell or not sell Hazel B.