Farley Boat Works has played a significant role in the maritime history of Port Aransas, preserving the craftsmanship and traditions of wooden boat building. Established in the early 20th century, this historic boatyard became well known for producing durable and reliable fishing boats designed to navigate the waters of the Gulf Coast.
After a period of inactivity, the boat works was revived as part of the Port Aransas Museum, turning it into a living history site where visitors can witness traditional boat-building techniques firsthand.
The Founding Brothers
The fortuitous pairing of Barney and Fred Farley‘s talents launched a boating legacy on the Texas coast in 1910. When the brothers arrived in Port Aransas, they brought complementary skills that would revolutionize the local fishing industry. Barney’s experience as a deckhand and vision for tarpon fishing merged perfectly with Fred’s boat building prowess in woodworking.
Their family partnership bore fruit in 1914 when they established Farley and Son Boat Works. Fred took the helm as lead boat builder, while Barney’s industry knowledge guided their business direction. By 1915, they’d launched their first tarpon fishing vessel, setting the foundation for a company that would provide sturdy, affordable power boats to the region.
Even after the devastating 1916 Texas Hurricane, the Farley brothers helped rebuild the community’s maritime presence.
Early Years and First Location on the Waterfront
After establishing their partnership, Barney and Fred Farley chose a strategic waterfront location for their boatbuilding venture in 1914. The site’s waterfront location advantages were significant, offering direct access to both shallow estuaries and the deep waters of the Gulf of Mexico. This prime position served their dual purposes perfectly – Barney’s tarpon guiding and Fred’s boat construction business.
The brothers launched their first tarpon fishing boat in 1915 from this original location, marking a successful start to their enterprise. However, the waterfront site proved vulnerable to nature’s fury. The storm devastation impact of the 1919 hurricane destroyed their initial location, forcing the Farleys to make an essential decision.
Their distinctive boats were designed with low sides and tall bow to better handle the choppy coastal waters.
They relocated their boat works operation inland, establishing a new facility east of the Tarpon Inn.
Expansion and Relocation Through Port Aransas
The business’s most significant expansion came in the 1960s when they relocated to White Avenue. This third location more than doubled their operational space, enabling market diversification and increased production capacity. The company’s final venture brought them to 716 West Avenue C, where they continued crafting wooden boats despite the industry’s shift to fiberglass. This location served as their home until the business closed in 1973, later finding new life as a museum in 2011.
Today, visitors can support the preservation of this historic site by making donations to help boat shop workers maintain the facility’s operations.
Designing the Perfect Tarpon Fishing Boat
While Farley Boat Works‘ locations changed over the years, their innovative boat designs remained at the heart of their success. The Farley brothers’ boat design innovations directly addressed the challenges of Texas Gulf Coast fishing.
Fred Farley’s woodworking proficiency led to revolutionary hull construction techniques, featuring low sides, rounded tumblehome, and high bows perfectly suited for choppy waters.
Their designs were remarkably practical, incorporating converted automobile engines and a unique hatch placement that allowed for 360-degree fishing access. The V-shaped hull proved so effective for tarpon fishing that it attracted notable enthusiasts, including President Roosevelt.
Instead of using formal blueprints, the Farleys crafted half-models of their designs, letting customers request modifications. This custom approach guaranteed that each boat was uniquely adapted to its owner’s needs.
Much like the Texas cattle industry that transformed transportation through railways, these boats revolutionized Gulf Coast fishing methods.
Presidential Connection and Notable Customers
The distinguished reputation of Farley Boat Works reached its pinnacle when President Franklin D. Roosevelt chose their vessels for his fishing excursions in Port Aransas during 1936 and 1937. The president’s endorsement highlighted the company’s tarpon fishing proficiency and attracted an impressive VIP clientele of wealthy industrialists and high society members.
The Farleys designed their vessels with specific features like low sides and rounded tumblehomes, making it easier to land massive tarpon. Their boats’ outstanding stability in choppy Gulf waters set them apart from competitors. This combination of superior design and craftsmanship earned the company a loyal following that helped sustain their business for six decades.
The Final Years of Wooden Boat Production
Despite growing competition from fiberglass boats, Farley Boat Works maintained its dedication to wooden vessel craftsmanship right up until its closure in 1973. After serving the Port Aransas community for 60 years, the company faced the inevitable wooden boat decline as newer materials gained popularity.
You can still visit the historic building at 716 West Avenue C, which underwent renovation in 2011. The site now operates as both a working boat building shop and living museum, where you’ll find preserved pieces of history like the restored 1947 tarpon boat Tina and the 1960s vessel Starfish.
While fiberglass boat competition ultimately led to the company’s closure, the building continued to serve the maritime community through subsequent businesses like Steves Boat Works and Camric Boats before its conversion into the educational facility you see today.
Revival as a Living Maritime Museum
In 2011, Port Aransas Preservation Historical Association breathed new life into the historic Farley Boat Works, altering it into a vibrant living maritime museum. Their preservation efforts focused on restoring the 1915 shop while creating an interactive space where you’ll find hands-on boat building experiences and rich historical exhibits.
You can now participate in wooden boat building workshops and attend the annual Port Aransas Wooden Boat Festival, which showcases expertly crafted vessels. The visitor experience continues to expand with the addition of the Preserve at Farley Boat Works, a new facility that will house maritime artifacts, including the notable David McKee tackle collection. Through these initiatives, you’ll uncover Port Aransas’ maritime heritage while engaging with traditional boat building techniques in an authentic, historical setting.
Conclusion
Farley Boat Works remains an important part of Port Aransas’ maritime heritage, connecting past generations of boat builders with modern enthusiasts. The revival of this historic boatyard has ensured that traditional craftsmanship continues to be celebrated and passed down through hands-on experiences and educational programs.
