Dreamboat

MER-NA is a 36-foot, Raised Deck Cruiser, built by the Blanchard Boat Company, Seattle, WA

For more than six decades beginning in 1907, the N.J. Blanchard Boat Company produced some of the finest motor yachts, sailboats, and small tenders to emerge from the Pacific Northwest….. including two dozen "Lake Union Dreamboats" that became a trademark of the company. MER-NA was launched in 1930 (hull #25) and is the last in the series of the Blanchard "Dreamboats".

Mer-Na, last in the series of celebrated raised- deck cruisers For more than six decades, beginning in 1907, the N.J. Blanchard Boat Company produced some of the finest motor yachts, sailboats and small tenders to emerge from the Pacific Northwest—more than 2,000 boats, including two dozen “Lake Union Dreamboats” that have become a trademark of the company.

36-foot Raised Deck Cruiser. Built in 1930

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About

MER-NA is a 36-foot, Raised Deck Cruiser, built by the Blanchard Boat Company, Seattle, WA

MER-NA was the last in the series of raised-deck cruisers (Dreamboats), produced by the N. J. Blanchard Boat Company between 1924 and 1930. The original buyers were Mervin and Naomi Troyer ("Mer-Na") who purchased the boat at the first Seattle Boat show in 1930. Pacific Motor Boat Magazine, reviewing the event, called the Blanchard cruiser "the outstanding exhibit at the show."

Of the Dreamboats that exist, MER-NA is certainly the most original, and most celebrated, with her crystal light fixtures, original cast-iron stove, brass faucets, burgundy mohair upholstery and bronze deck hardware. A U.S. Coast Guard Documented Vessel and member of Washington State’s Historic Fleet, she has won many awards.

For more than six decades beginning in 1907, the N.J. Blanchard Boat Company produced some of the finest motor yachts, sailboats, and small tenders to emerge from the Pacific Northwest….. including two dozen "Lake Union Dreamboats" that became a trademark of the company. MER-NA was launched in 1930 (hull #25) and is the last in the series of the Blanchard "Dreamboats".

About

MER-NA was the last in the series of raised-deck cruisers (Dreamboats), produced by the N. J. Blanchard Boat Company between 1924 and 1930. The original buyers were Mervin and Naomi Troyer ("Mer-Na") who purchased the boat at the first Seattle Boat show in 1930. Pacific Motor Boat Magazine, reviewing the event, called the Blanchard cruiser "the outstanding exhibit at the show."

Of the Dreamboats that exist, MER-NA is certainly the most original, and most celebrated, with her crystal light fixtures, original cast-iron stove, brass faucets, burgundy mohair upholstery and bronze deck hardware. A U.S. Coast Guard Documented Vessel and member of Washington State’s Historic Fleet, she has won many awards.

Mer-Na, last in the series of celebrated raised- deck cruisers For more than six decades, beginning in 1907, the N.J. Blanchard Boat Company produced some of the finest motor yachts, sailboats and small tenders to emerge from the Pacific Northwest—more than 2,000 boats, including two dozen “Lake Union Dreamboats” that have become a trademark of the company.

36-foot Raised Deck Cruiser. Built in 1930

Technical

MER-NA is a 36-foot, Raised Deck Cruiser, built by the Blanchard Boat Company, Seattle, WA

For more than six decades beginning in 1907, the N.J. Blanchard Boat Company produced some of the finest motor yachts, sailboats, and small tenders to emerge from the Pacific Northwest….. including two dozen "Lake Union Dreamboats" that became a trademark of the company. MER-NA was launched in 1930 (hull #25) and is the last in the series of the Blanchard "Dreamboats".

Specifications, MER-NA Classification Documented Motor Vessel, #230-292 Year 1930 Builder N.J. Blanchard Boat Works, Seattle Model Standardized Cruiser (“Lake Union Dreamboat”) Hull Number 25 in series (last one built) Length Overall 36’-0” (Waterline length also 36’-0”) Maximum Beam 9’-6” Draft 3.5 feet Height 17’ 2” from waterline to mast light (bridge clearance) Power Yanmar 4JH2E, 4-cylinder diesel, 51 horsepower, 1950 hours Cruising Speed 6-8 knots, maximum 9 knots Cruising RPM 2,100-2,600 (comfortable) Speed / RPM 5.1knots @ 1500, 6.4 @ 2000, 7.7 @ 2500, 8.8 @ 3000 Fuel Consumption 0.5 gallon per hour at slow cruise (2100 rpm/6 knots); maximum 1.5 gph @ 3300rpm Fuel Tanks New aluminum tank (August, 2001) 45-gallons, new fiber 23-gallon (Jan 2004). Total capacity 68 gal. Batteries Two 12-volt starting batteries plus three 12-volt “house” batteries rated at 360Ah. Xantrax RV2012 charger / 1500W inverter. Water Tank Stainless steel, 75 gallons, under forward berth Pumps Brass water pumps (original) in galley and head Heat Red Dot R-290, forced-air heater in pilothouse and main cabin (2000 BTU, works off engine heat exchanger). Stove Restored (original) Sound-brand cast-iron galley stove, stainless oven, burns kerosene, 1qt./hr., 15 gal. tank in bow. Hot water 10-gallon stainless tank heated by galley stove Lighting 12-volt original crystal fixtures; new wiring throughout (2004). Water closet SeaEra, 12v. macerating with 24 gal. waste water tank. Fathometer Ross 240’ GPS Garmin, 3010C, color, moving-map, chartplotter with GDL 30A, marine (XM WX) weather satellite receiver VHF ICOM, IC-M59 (new 2001) Stereo XM Satellite AM/FM radio with tape deck and 6-CD changer Horns Air and electric Planking Western Red Cedar Framing White Oak, 1-3/8” x 1-1/4” bent frames Deck beams 1-1/8” x 2-1/4,” Douglas Fir Decking Tongue-and-groove cedar, covered with painted canvas Bilge pumps Rule automatic, 1” discharge; Par automatic, 1” discharge. Steering Cable Anchors Bruce anchor, 50’ chain, 250’ line Storm anchor (larger Danforth type), 50’ chain, 250’ line Safety Four dry-chemical fire extinguishers, 2-1/2-5 lb. Dinghy Origional, 7’-6” lapstrake, Western Red Cedar with White Oak frames, on pilothouse roof (mast and boom are used to lower and retrieve skiff). Searchlight Two: one 12-volt, pilothouse roof, and one 12-volt remote control on bow sprint (removable) Life jackets Eight life jackets, one ring buoy Clock, Barometer One each, in main cabin Windshield wipers Two wipers and one windshield fan Refrigeration Large (10 cu. ft.) stainless-steel icebox w/three access doors in pilothouse. Alder-Barbour compressor/evaporator provides refrigeration drawing only 5 amps. Miscellaneous Original crystal “Mer-Na” glassware, Burgundy mohair upholstery throughout - All new through-hulls (2004) - Electrical system completely rewired and refused (2004) - galvanic isolator / inverter / charger - Hull completely stripped (2007). The forward keel and garboards were found rotten and were replaced. New ribs were sistered to the forward 4 stations. All other wood was in excellent shape and is documented with photos. The entire hull was refastened with 4000 hot-dipped, galvanized screws and each head sealed with 2-part West epoxy. Wood below the waterline was wadded & calked. The entire boat was repainted with 2 coats primer and 3 top coats. - Transom completely rebuilt 2015

Technical

Mer-Na, last in the series of celebrated raised- deck cruisers For more than six decades, beginning in 1907, the N.J. Blanchard Boat Company produced some of the finest motor yachts, sailboats and small tenders to emerge from the Pacific Northwest—more than 2,000 boats, including two dozen “Lake Union Dreamboats” that have become a trademark of the company.

36-foot Raised Deck Cruiser. Built in 1930

Timing is everything. Sixty years ago, as the Great Depression was unfolding, civic leaders decided to organize the first-ever Northwest Motor Boat Show in Seattle. Opening April 15, 1930, against predictions of a gloomy reception, the motorboat extravaganza drew hundreds of exhibitors and thousands of Depression- weary would-be boaters. It was a hit.

MER-NA, as it turned out, was the last Blancharcd Dreamboat to be built, since the Depression hil as her keel vas being laid. One of the finest examples of early raised deck cruisers - by any builcler

Although MER-NA is capable of sleeping six, she's a small 36- foot cruiser with only a 9-foot beam. We find her perfect for a cruising couple. Wherever she goes, she draws a crowd. Although we haven't campained her on the boat-show circuit in recent years (we'd rather be cruising!), in the past she's won her share of honors, including "Best Classic Yacht " in Seattle’s Opening Day Parade. And "Best Power Vessel" in the in the Victorian Boat Festival.

As far as we're concerned, MER- NA's definitely a dreamboat, if not literally a "Dreamboat." We've been her caretakers since 1986 and think she's perfect for year-round boating in the soggy Northwest. She has lots of dry, bright cabin space; a toasty cast-iron stove to warm the interior; mechanical simplicity; and a wonderful, 360' wheelhouse that always seems to be the focal point of activ-iry aboard MER-NA.

Gallery

MER-NA is a 36-foot, Raised Deck Cruiser, built by the Blanchard Boat Company, Seattle, WA

Blanchard designed and built wonderful boats, all right, and MER-NA's string of previous owners did a great job of keeping her going. We'll do our best to uphold the tradition, loving her until it's time for her to visit yet another boatkeeper.

For more than six decades beginning in 1907, the N.J. Blanchard Boat Company produced some of the finest motor yachts, sailboats, and small tenders to emerge from the Pacific Northwest….. including two dozen "Lake Union Dreamboats" that became a trademark of the company. MER-NA was launched in 1930 (hull #25) and is the last in the series of the Blanchard "Dreamboats".

Gallery

Blanchard designed and built wonderful boats, all right, and MER-NA's string of previous owners did a great job of keeping her going. We'll do our best to uphold the tradition, loving her until it's time for her to visit yet another boatkeeper.

Specifications, Mer-Na Classification Documented Motor Vessel, #230-292 Year 1930 Builder N.J. Blanchard Boat Works, Seattle Model Standardized Cruiser (“Lake Union Dreamboat”) Hull Number 25 in series (last one built) Length Overall 36’-0” (Waterline length also 36’-0”) Maximum Beam 9’-6” Draft 3.5 feet Height 17’ 2” from waterline to mast light (bridge clearance) Power Yanmar 4JH2E, 4-cylinder diesel, 51 horsepower, 1950 hours Cruising Speed 6-8 knots, maximum 9 knots Cruising RPM 2,100-2,600 (comfortable) Speed / RPM 5.1knots @ 1500, 6.4 @ 2000, 7.7 @ 2500, 8.8 @ 3000 Fuel Consumption 0.5 gallon per hour at slow cruise (2100 rpm/6 knots); maximum 1.5 gph @ 3300rpm Fuel Tanks New aluminum tank (August, 2001) 45-gallons, new fiber 23-gallon (Jan 2004). Total capacity 68 gal. Batteries Two 12-volt starting batteries plus three 12-volt “house” batteries rated at 360Ah. Xantrax RV2012 charger / 1500W inverter. Water Tank Stainless steel, 75 gallons, under forward berth Pumps Brass water pumps (original) in galley and head Heat Red Dot R-290, forced-air heater in pilothouse and main cabin (2000 BTU, works off engine heat exchanger). Stove Restored (original) Sound-brand cast-iron galley stove, stainless oven, burns kerosene, 1qt./hr., 15 gal. tank in bow. Hot water 10-gallon stainless tank heated by galley stove Lighting 12-volt original crystal fixtures; new wiring throughout (2004). Water closet SeaEra, 12v. macerating with 24 gal. waste water tank. Fathometer Ross 240’ GPS Garmin, 3010C, color, moving-map, chartplotter with GDL 30A, marine (XM WX) weather satellite receiver VHF ICOM, IC-M59 (new 2001) Stereo XM Satellite AM/FM radio with tape deck and 6-CD changer Horns Air and electric Planking Western Red Cedar Framing White Oak, 1-3/8” x 1-1/4” bent frames Deck beams 1-1/8” x 2-1/4,” Douglas Fir Decking Tongue-and-groove cedar, covered with painted canvas Bilge pumps Rule automatic, 1” discharge; Par automatic, 1” discharge. Steering Cable Anchors Bruce anchor, 50’ chain, 250’ line Storm anchor (larger Danforth type), 50’ chain, 250’ line Safety Four dry-chemical fire extinguishers, 2-1/2-5 lb. Dinghy Origional, 7’-6” lapstrake, Western Red Cedar with White Oak frames, on pilothouse roof (mast and boom are used to lower and retrieve skiff). Searchlight Two: one 12-volt, pilothouse roof, and one 12- volt remote control on bow sprint (removable) Life jackets Eight life jackets, one ring buoy Clock, Barometer One each, in main cabin Windshield wipers Two wipers and one windshield fan Refrigeration Large (10 cu. ft.) stainless-steel icebox w/three access doors in pilothouse. Alder-Barbour compressor/evaporator provides refrigeration drawing only 5 amps. Miscellaneous Original crystal “Mer-Na” glassware, Burgundy mohair upholstery throughout - All new through-hulls (2004) - Electrical system completely rewired and refused (2004) - galvanic isolator / inverter / charger - Hull completely stripped (2007). The forward keel and garboards were found rotten and were replaced. New ribs were sistered to the forward 4 stations. All other wood was in excellent shape and is documented with photos. The entire hull was refastened with 4000 hot-dipped, galvanized screws and each head sealed with 2-part West epoxy. Wood below the waterline was wadded & calked. The entire boat was repainted with 2 coats primer and 3 top coats. - Transom completely rebuilt 2015

Mer-Na as appeared in a number of photographic books, magazine articles and calendars, including:

PUBLICATIONS

MER-NA is a 36-foot, Raised Deck Cruiser, built by the Blanchard Boat Company, Seattle, WA

WoodenBoat Magazine, June 1990, Page 54, “The Blanchard Boat Company, Legendary in the Northwest.” WoodenBoat Magazine, June 1990, Page 62, “Mer-Na—Last of the Blanchard Dreamboats.” The Guide to Wooden Power Boats, Photographs by Benjamin Mendlowitz, Text by Maynard Bray, W.W. Norton & Company, 1998, Page 72. Classic Wooden Yachts of the Northwest, by Ron McClure, Sasquatch Books, 2000, Frontispiece and Pages 46-51 Wooden Boats—From Sculls to Yachts, Joseph Gribbins, The Friedman Group, Copyright 1991, Page 116. Dreamboats from the Northwest—Elegance for Everybody in the 1920’s, Rudder Magazine, The Antique & Classic Boat Society, Summer 1999, Pages 17-21. The Book of Wooden Boats, Photographs by Benjamin Mendlowitz, Text by Maynard Bray, W.W. Norton Company, 1992, Pages 64, 65. Brightwork—The Art of Finishing Wood, Rebecca J. Wittman, International Marine Publishing Co., 1990, Page 38. Beautiful Boats—A Twentieth Anniversary Celebration of WoodenBoat Magazine, 1994, Pages 44-45. Knee-Deep in Shavings—Memories of Early Yachting and Boatbuilding on the West Coast, Norman C. Blanchard and Stephen Wilen, Horsdal & Schubart, Copyright 1999, Back Cover. The Calendar of Wooden Boats, Benjamin Mendlowitz, WoodenBoat Publications, 1991. Classic Wooden Boats, Annual Photographic Calendar, Landmark General Corp., featured in 1988, 1989, 1991. Aqua Magazine (Italy), March, 1987, “The Ultimate American Dream,” Pages 68-83. The Register of Wooden Boats, 1999-2000,” WoodenBoat Publications, 1999.

For more than six decades beginning in 1907, the N.J. Blanchard Boat Company produced some of the finest motor yachts, sailboats, and small tenders to emerge from the Pacific Northwest….. including two dozen "Lake Union Dreamboats" that became a trademark of the company. MER-NA was launched in 1930 (hull #25) and is the last in the series of the Blanchard "Dreamboats".

PUBLICATIONS

Blanchard designed and built wonderful boats, all right, and MER-NA's string of previous owners did a great job of keeping her going. We'll do our best to uphold the tradition, loving her until it's time for her to visit yet another boatkeeper.

“Best Overall Power” at the 1983 Victoria Classic Boat Festival,

“Best Classic Yacht” in Seattle’s Opening Day Parade,

“Best Classic” in the Tacoma Daffodil Festival,

“Best Antique Cruiser” at 2004 Lake Minnetonka Boat Show

“Best Preserved / Most Original Boat” at the 2004 Antique and

Classic Boat Society, Lake Minnetonka Rendezvous, and

“Peoples’ Choice” (the top award) at the 2005 ACBS, Lake

Minnetonka Rendezvous.

“Peoples’ Choice” (the top award) at the 2008 ACBS, Lake

Minnetonka Rendezvous.

“Best Antique Cruiser” at the 2010 ACBS, Lake Minnetonka Rendezvous.

“Best Cruiser” at the 2014 ACBS, Lake Minnetonka

Rendezvous.

“Peoples’ Choice” (the top award) at the 2014 ACBS, Lake

Minnetonka Rendezvous.

"Peoples’ Choice” (the top award) at the 2016 Wayzata Chamber of Commerce,

1st Annual Boat Show on Lake Minnetonka

AWARDS

MER-NA is a 36-foot, Raised Deck Cruiser, built by the Blanchard Boat Company, Seattle, WA

For more than six decades beginning in 1907, the N.J. Blanchard Boat Company produced some of the finest motor yachts, sailboats, and small tenders to emerge from the Pacific Northwest….. including two dozen "Lake Union Dreamboats" that became a trademark of the company. MER-NA was launched in 1930 (hull #25) and is the last in the series of the Blanchard "Dreamboats".

AWARDS

Blanchard designed and built wonderful boats, all right, and MER-NA's string of previous owners did a great job of keeping her going. We'll do our best to uphold the tradition, loving her until it's time for her to visit yet another boatkeeper.

Contact

MER-NA, as it Aturned out, was the last Blanchard Dreamboat to be built, since the depression hit as her keel was being laid. MER-NA is one of the finest examples of early raised deck cruisers - by any builder.

As ownlers, we share a responsibilty to love and maintain our boats, and to eventually pass then on to another generation of boatkeepers. In the meantime, we’ll continue to enjoy MER-NA, the perfect Lake Minnetonka crusiser!

MER-NA is a 36-foot, Raised Deck Cruiser, built by the Blanchard Boat Company, Seattle, WA

For more than six decades beginning in 1907, the N.J. Blanchard Boat Company produced some of the finest motor yachts, sailboats, and small tenders to emerge from the Pacific Northwest….. including two dozen "Lake Union Dreamboats" that became a trademark of the company. MER-NA was launched in 1930 (hull #25) and is the last in the series of the Blanchard "Dreamboats".

Contact: Denny & Mary Newell Wayzata, MN (USA) cardiotec@aol.com

Contact

Mer-Na, last in the series of celebrated raised- deck cruisers For more than six decades, beginning in 1907, the N.J. Blanchard Boat Company produced some of the finest motor yachts, sailboats and small tenders to emerge from the Pacific Northwest—more than 2,000 boats, including two dozen “Lake Union Dreamboats” that have become a trademark of the company.

36-foot Raised Deck Cruiser. Built in 1930

Owners Denny and Mary

MER-NA, as it Aturned out, was the last Blanchard Dreamboat to be built, since the depression hit as her keel was being laid. MER-NA is one of the finest examples of early raised deck cruisers - by any builder.

As ownlers, we share a responsibilty to love and maintain our boats, and to eventually pass then on to another generation of boatkeepers. In the meantime, we’ll continue to enjoy MER-NA, the perfect Lake Minnetonka crusiser!