A Century of Service, 1921-2021 Centennial Celebration Southern California Yachting Association

FELLOWS AND STEWART
BOAT YARD

The history below is from THE HISTORY OF YACHTING IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Published in 1964
By Cass & Johansing Insurance Brokers
Read more about this >>>


N0 other group has done more to promote the development of boating in Southern California than the boat builders themselves. These men, most of them schooled in other areas, were quick to see the possibili­ties offered by the waters and the climate of Southern California and adapted their talents to designing and building boats best suited to local requirements. This idea was accepted with enthusiasm by the sea-loving people of Southern California, so that soon individual boat builders joined forces and established the firms which today are known the country over.

It is only fitting, then, that the oldest of these firms, Fellows & Stewart of Terminal Island, should today hold its place as one of the leaders in the pleasure boat industry. In 1896 the late Joe Fellows established the Joe Fellows Yacht & Launch Co., where he was soon joined by Victor B. Stewart. They were an excellent team, for Joe was a builder par excellence, while Vic was a business man. So the combination prospered and soon became Fellows & Stewart.

When Los Angeles Harbor was little more than a bend in the coastline, Joe Fellows built his little shop on Terminal Island and began turning out boats that were designed to beat those that had come from the boards of eastern naval architects-and beat them they did. In fact, it was the craft that slid down the ways at Fellows & Stewart’s that set the stage for the modern era of the boating industry on the Southern California coast.

Yacht Blue Moon

Yacht Blue Moon built in 1926

Most of the innovations introduced by Joe Fellows have become permanent fixtures of the boating scene here. Contrary to the general practice in the early days, the firm built racing boats with cruising accom­modations that could take it in ocean racing. Fellows & Stewart built cruising boats that could get out and foot. The inherent quality of these early craft is at­tested to by the fact that many of them are still in commission(editor: as of 1960) -boats like the Minerva, Idler, Venus, Wasp and Mischief I.

The first stock cruiser in the West was produced by Fellows & Stewart, a factor which very likely created many new boat 0wners who might otherwise not have become boating fans. Everybody today recognizes “Fellowcraft,” which are to be found in anchorages all along the southern coastline.

After being one of the leading sailing skippers for years, Joe Fellows turned his designing talents to speedboats and won some of the West’s finest trophies in that sport.

The first five of the California 32’s were built by Fellows & Stewart in 1937, and this is still one of the leading classes in racing in Southern California. One of them, Walter Elliott’s Escapade, won the 1941 Honolulu Race and for years had almost a strangle­hold on the San Diego Lipton Trophy.

The California 32’s were succeeded by the Island Clippers. Fellows & Stewart built no less than eighteen of these 44ft. sloops.

At the present time Fellows & Stewart has two yards, both on Terminal Island. The older yard has been turned into a “Do-It-Yourself” yard, where people who want to build their own boats can rent the space and the tools for this purpose. They can also secure expert advice and, if they want it, can have as little or as much of the work done by the yard’s own men as they desire. This has proved a very successful move and is the brain child of the present head of the firm, Joe Fellows Jr.

The oilier and newer yard is about half a mile down channel. Here the new construction, repairs and maintenance are attended to. The second generation in Fellows & Stewart is carrying on in the traditions of the first. (Editor: It was sold to Harbor Boatbuilding in 1967).

the boat yard in 1934

 The Fellows & Stewart Boat Yard in 1934
From http://digitallibrary.usc.edu/cdm/ref/collection/p15799coll170/id/61529
Photo retreived on February 22, 2021

“Photograph of shipbuilding at Fellows and Stewart Shipyard in Wilmington district for Southern California magazine cover, Los Angeles, 1934. “Subject: shipbuilding-Fellows and Stewart, Wilmington, for Southern California magazine cover; Client: Fellows & Stewart, San Pedro 2828, Berth 206 Terminal Island, San Pedro, California; Classifications: S-Yachting & Pleasure Boat; Original Print Order: 1; Size: 8×10; Finish: gl[ossy]; Mount: Full neg[ative]; Re-order: 1-; Job: 04-25-162; Year: 1934” — on envelope front. “Operator’s Report Name: Dick; Amount: 25.00; Extra Charges: V.B. Stewart” — on envelope back.”

VESSELS from THE BOATYARD

Year Built Original Name Original Owner Type Gross
Tonnage
Length History of vessel
1903 Aloha William Waterhouse Schooner      
1906 Yebis   Yacht 14 40 Active
1906 Music   Passenger 19 51 Later Sea Fisher
1909 Winsome   Yacht 32 43  
1911 Siwash   Yacht 19 41  
1910 Idler   Yacht 12 36  
1912 Adacio Wrigley Yacht     Sank at its mooring 1998
1915 Marta-Lee   Fishing Vessel 9 38  
1917 Ranger Catalina I. Tuna Club Yacht 27 46 Flagship of the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum
1917 Broadbill   Yacht 34 66 To USN 1917 as SP 823, to USCG 1919 as Swift, sold 1935, wrecked 1966
1918 Indiana   Passenger 21 56  
1918 Nora II   Fishing Vessel 24 55 Sank 1938
1921 Zora   Fishing Vessel 12 36  
1922 Comet Sidney Ehrman Marine Sedan   36  
1926 Charade Rudolf Valentino Yacht 8    
1926 Ida M Willard Van Brunt Sportfisher 16 45 Later Ruth L (owned by Stan Laurel), Nada III, now Ida May
1926 Dream   Power Boat 20 47  
1927 Blue Goose   Power Boat 22 56  
1927 Blue Moon   Power Boat 23 56 To USN 1941 as YP 111, to MARAD 1946, sold, active
1928 L.A. City No. 3 City of L.A. Fire Boat   40  
1928 Hispaniola   Fishing Vessel 42 58 Active
1928 Elmer B   Fishing Vessel 16 40 Later Ogenio
1929 Tern   Power Boat 24 45 Later Casino, Tern
1929 Thoroughbred   Fishing Vessel 12 35  
1930 Content Ezra Fitch Yacht 52 58 Later Taku, Content Again, now Content
1930 Aida   Yacht 7 37  
1931 Jobella   Power Boat 36 56 Later Page I
1931 Makan-Angin   Yacht 13 37 Later Muggs
1931 Dixieana   Power Boat 13 37 Later Miss Ritz
1932 Ho-Tei   Yacht 14 34  
1932 Cheerio II   Aux. Yawl 18 39 Later Cheerio, Sirocco, Cheerio II
1932 Compañero   Power Boat 22 46 Later Melinda, Eroica, Espada
1932 Wal-Jack   Power Boat   37 Later Lark
1933 Kanndalee   Aux. Yawl 20 47 Later Carnation, now Galley Nipper
1934 Ida J. II   Power Boat   38 Later Ida J, Lazy B.
1936 Unnamed Cal. Fish & Game Patrol Craft   45  
1936 Unnamed Cal. Fish & Game Patrol Craft   45  
1936 Anacapa   Aux. Cutter 13 39 Active
1936 Norconian II   Passenger 13 43 Later Starlite, sank 1961
1936     Motor Sailer     Later boatel Villita
1937 Amorita   Aux. Sloop 11 41 California 32
1937 Cholita   Aux. Sloop 11 41 California 32
1937 Altamar Donald W. Douglas Aux. Sloop 11 41 California 32
1937 Tempest   Aux. Sloop 11 41 California 32
1937 Escapade   Aux. Sloop 11 41 California 32
1937 Celia   Power Boat 22 46 Later Nirvana II
1937 Hel-Port II   Power Boat 11 37 Active
1937 Cholita   Aux. Sloop   32  
1938 L’Apache   Aux. Yawl 29 57 Later Diamond Head
1938 Tantalus   Aux. Sloop   29 Last Q-class boat
1940 Journeycake   Fishing 11 33 Later R. Marie
1940 Marcie Lee   Fishing 14 38  
1940 Bay Queen   Fishing 13 37  
1940 Javelin   Aux. Sloop   30  
1941 Pegasus   Aux. Ketch 28 49 Now Ripple
24-Dec-42 SC 1003 US Navy Sub Chaser 136d 110 To USCG 1945 as Air Partridge (WAVR 444), sold 1949 as Mickey Lee
21-Jan-43 SC 1004 US Navy Sub Chaser 136d 110 To USCG 1945 as Air Peacock (WAVR 445), sold 1949 as San Juanderer
24-Feb-43 SC 1005 US Navy Sub Chaser 136d 110 To MARAD 1946
3-May-43 SC 1006 US Navy Sub Chaser 136d 110 To MARAD 1946
3-May-43 SC 1007 US Navy Sub Chaser 136d 110 To the USSR 1945 as BO-332
15-Jun-43 SC 1008 US Navy Sub Chaser 136d 110 To MARAD 1948
25-Jun-43 SC 1009 US Navy Sub Chaser 136d 110 To USCG 1945 as Air Pelican (WAVR 446), later Pelican
15-Jul-43 SC 1010 US Navy Sub Chaser 136d 110 To USCG 1945 as Air Penguin (WAVR 447)
29-Jul-43 SC 1011 US Navy Sub Chaser 136d 110 To the USSR 1945 as BO-327
18-Aug-43 SC 1012 US Navy Sub Chaser 136d 110 Destroyed by typhoon Louise 9-Oct-45
6-Sep-43 SC 1370 US Navy Sub Chaser 136d 110 Disposed of by the Navy 1948
30-Sep-43 SC 1371 US Navy Sub Chaser 136d 110 Disposed of by the Navy 1948
1-Nov-43 SC 1372 US Navy Sub Chaser 136d 110 Sold 1949 as Cairdeas, active (Canada)
1-Nov-43 SC 1373 US Navy Sub Chaser 136d 110 To USCG 1945 as Air Wren (WAVR 480), later Isle of Capri
15-Nov-43 SC 1374 US Navy Sub Chaser 136d 110 Disposed of by the Navy 1948
30-Nov-43 SC 1375 US Navy Sub Chaser 136d 110 Disposed of by the Navy 1948
1943 P 510 US Army Crash Boat  88 85 Later Evelyn B, now Dream Maker
1943 P 511 US Army Crash Boat   85 Later Blue Water
1943 P 512 US Army Crash Boat   85 Later Inland Seas, Vista
1943 P 513 US Army Crash Boat   85  
1943 P 514 US Army Crash Boat   85  
1943 P 515 US Army Crash Boat   85 Later Red Rooster, Ranger 85
1943 P 516 US Army Crash Boat   85 Later Oahu Queen, Pacific Queen
1943 P 517 US Army Crash Boat   85 Later Flamba
1943 C-20084 US Navy Crash Boat 57 61 Later Allimac IV, Sitka Spruce
1944 C-26677 US Navy Crash Boat 23d 63 To RAN as Air Guide (ASR 913)
1944 C-26678 US Navy Crash Boat 23d 63 To RAN as Air Speed (ASR 910)
1944 C-26679 US Navy Crash Boat 23d 63 Later The Jamestown, Nikko
1944 C-26680 US Navy Crash Boat 23d 63  
1944 C-26681 US Navy Crash Boat 23d 63  
1944 C-26682 US Navy Crash Boat 23d 63  
1944 C-26683 US Navy Crash Boat 23d 63 To RAN as Air View (ASR 923)
1944 C-26684 US Navy Crash Boat 23d 63 Later Sonar Queen
1944 C-26685 US Navy Crash Boat 23d 63 Later Music Man II, Foolish Pleasure, Manta
1944 C-26686 US Navy Crash Boat 23d 63 To RAN as Air Trail (ASR 916)
1944 C-26687 US Navy Crash Boat 23d 63 To RAN as Air Mist (ASR 917)
1944 C-26688 US Navy Crash Boat 23d 63 To RAN as Air Chief (ASR 918)
1944 C-26689 US Navy Crash Boat 23d 63 To RAN as Air Master (ASR 919)
1944 C-26690 US Navy Crash Boat 23d 63 To RAN as Air Save (ASR 920), later Coolabah
1944 C-26691 US Navy Crash Boat 23d 63 To RAN as Air Mercy (ASR 925)
1944 C-26692 US Navy Crash Boat 23d 63 To RAN as Air Sailor (ASR 926)
1944 CG-63030 US Coast Guard Crash Boat 23d 63 Later Marlin
1944 C- US Navy Crash Boat 23d 63 Later Scallywag, Tortuga, Torqua
1944 C-36295 US Navy Crash Boat 23d 63 Later Tiburon
1944 AVR 5 US Navy Crash Boat 23d 63 Later Prowler
1944 Pioneer   Fishing 183 86  
1944 City of Naples II   Fishing 73 78  
1944 La Serena   Power Boat 110 73 Later Santa Teresa
1945 J 2246-2262 US Army Crash Boats   40 17 boats
1945 Sea Scout   Yacht 158 81  
1945 Gaviota   Yacht 12 34 Later Geronimo
1946 Chiron   Aux. Sloop 15 44 Now Bolero
1946 Alouette   Yacht 15 44 Later Pacifica, Island Clipper (later O.N. 1041393)
1946 Santa Lucia II   Yacht 119 75 Later Southern Explorer
1946 Serena   Yacht 10 39  
1946 Cuidado   Yacht 9 38  
1946 Atarax   Yacht 18 38  
1946 Sea Pup III   Yacht 18 38  
1946 Suzon   Aux. Cutter   26 Later Arbacia
1946 Breakaheart   Aux. Sloop   30  
1946 Chiron   Aux. Sloop   30  
1946 Conejo   Aux. Sloop   30  
1946 Pleiades   Aux. Sloop   30  
1946 Saga   Aux. Sloop   30  
1947 Tailwind   Yacht 18 38  
1947 Frolic   Aux. Sloop 9 38  
1947 Pierpoint   Yacht 12 58  
1947 Sportsman I   Yacht 43 59 Later Shooting Star
1948 Cape Cleare   Yacht 109 73  
1949 Danbill   Fishing 23 42 Now Estelene
1950 Islander   Passenger 43 62  
1951 Sea Lark   Yacht 9 38  
1952 Sea Queen   Aux. Sloop 61 55 Later Beagle II, now Katherine Jane
1952 Kopco Star   Fishing 60 52  
1953 St. Aniello II   Fishing 45 52 Later Frankie Boy
1954 ST 2100 US Army Tug 850d 71 Later Barbara Jo, Island Ranger
1954 ST 2101 US Army Tug 850d 71  
1954 ST 2102 US Army Tug 850d 71  
1954 ST 2103 US Army Tug 850d 71  
1954 ST 2104 US Army Tug 850d 71 Named Monmouth, later Jamestown
1954 ST 2105 US Army Tug 850d 71  
1954 ST 2106 US Army Tug 850d 71  
1954 ST 2107 US Army Tug 850d 71  
1954 ST 2108 US Army Tug 850d 71  
1954 ST 2109 US Army Tug 850d 71  
1954 ST 2110 US Army Tug 850d 71  
1954 ST 2111 US Army Tug 850d 71  
1954 ST 2112 US Army Tug 850d 71 Later Erica S, Rachele Brusco, Tucker Brusco
1954 ST 2131 US Army Tug 850d 71 Later  Phantom, Rocona II
1954 ST 2132 US Army Tug 850d 71  
1954 ST 2133 US Army Tug 850d 71 Later New Era, Eva F, Spar, now Russell
1954 ST 2134 US Army Tug 850d 71  
1954 ST 2135 US Army Tug 850d 71  
1954 ST 2136 US Army Tug 850d 71 Later R. V. Day, Skagit, San Clemente
1954 ST 2178 US Army Tug 850d 71 Later Joe Libby
1954 ST 2179 US Army Tug 850d 71 Later M T L
1954 ST 2180 US Army Tug 850d 71  
1954 ST 2181 US Army Tug 850d 71  
1954 ST 2182 US Army Tug 850d 71 Later Yakima
1954 ST 2183 US Army Tug 850d 71  
1954 ST 2184 US Army Tug 850d 71  
1954 ST 2185 US Army Tug 850d 71 Later Wapato
1954 ST 2186 US Army Tug 850d 71  
1954 ST 2187 US Army Tug 850d 71  
1954 ST 2188 US Army Tug 850d 71  
1954 ST 2189 US Army Tug 850d 71  
1954 ST 2190 US Army Tug 850d 71  
1954 ST 2191 US Army Tug 850d 71  
1954 ST 2192 US Army Tug 850d 71  
1954 ST 2193 US Army Tug 850d 71  
1954 ST 2194 US Army Tug 850d 71  
1954 ST 2195 US Army Tug 850d 71  
1954 ST 2196 US Army Tug 850d 71  
1954 ST 2197 US Army Tug 850d 71  
1954 ST 2198 US Army Tug 850d 71 Sold as Colbar, later Sigrid H, now Betty
1954 Fire Boat No. 1 City of Long Beach Fire Boat   40  
1954 Fire Boat No. 2 City of Long Beach Fire Boat   40  
1954 Sea Horse   Tug 47 56 Active
1954 Metola A   Tug 47 56 Active
1957 Jadon US Coast Guard Passenger 18 37 Later Irene R
1958 Carl R   Fishing 57 50  
1958 Dora R   Fishing 57 50  
1960 Lady Fair Donald W. Douglas Cruiser 72 63 Active (New Zealand)
1961 Western Ace Jr.   Fishing 9 27  
1965 Momi   Tug 163 65 Later Joe Sevier, now Sailele
error: Content is protected !!