Launch of the F/V Redeemer after full sponson

Last Friday, August 4, the Port of Toledo's crew celebrated with the F/V Redeemer's owner, crew, family, and friends as the newly rebuilt vessel was launched. The boat is owned by Gary Ripka and recently featured in the Deadliest Catch: Dungeon Cove. The Redeemer fishes black cod, tuna, crab, and is set up to bottom fish.

The vessel was sponsoned (widened) by five feet and three feet were cut off the bow and added to the stern. A bulbous bow was added and the vessel was repowered. Local boatwright, Reino Randall, was the project manager and coordinated the work completed by the vessel's crew which worked along side the Port's welding, fitting and paint crews. This was a community project with many local vendors contributing their talents, including Curry Marine, Brent Steenkolk, Englund Marine, Norm Halsey, Dustin Custom Fiberglass, Yaquina Boat Equipment, Halco Welding, and Oregon Coast Bank ... forgive us if we missed you!

It was great to get the Redeemer back in the water so the crew can get back to work fishing.