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Seven Bells is a Classic Tri-Cabin
Stephens Brothers
Motor Yacht
built in 1929
in Stockton, CA.

Seven Bells, 43 feet long, was built in 1929 in Stockton, CA. Seven Bells has won the top restoration awards at classic wooden boat shows across the Pacific Northwest, from Vancouver to Seattle. The boat was originally a private yacht, then served as an anti-submarine net tender in San Francisco Bay during World War 2. It has been reclaimed and fully restored twice – in 1947 and then in 1999, with many gallons of varnish and paint, much new wood, leather, and fittings. Seven Bells now is moored at the north end of Lake Union in Seattle.

Bruce Moore's Gallery

 Poulsbo, WA, September 22, 2002. The Poulsbo Classic Boat Rendezvous attracted over thirty boats and hundreds of visitors. Seven Bells won the People's Choice Award.

Pacific Northwest Magazine, August '01
 

 Seven Bells escaped destruction in massive marina fire at Seattle Marina, May 17, 2002.
See stories about the fire in the Seattle Times and Seattle Post-Intelligencer.
 

The Captain's Log - Video from 2001

 

Seven Bells
poem by Elizabeth Rice Handford, 2002

One bell--
Wild cacophony of sound,
Onus of duty, earth-bound.

Two bells, three--
Strident voices make demands,
Clanging noises, begging hands.

Four bells, five bells, six--
Life is real--hurry, scurry!
Life is earnest--flurry, worry!

But seven bells!
Lines loosed, engines thrum,
Tide chuckles against the bow.
Come, oh, come away with me now!
Succumb with me
to the magical mystery
of Seven Bells!

Short History

Seven Bells has an overall length of 43 ft., is 11.6 ft. across the beam, has a 4 ft. draft, and its gross weight is approximately 20,000 lbs. The hull uses sawed white oak frames with Port Orford cedar carvel planks. The boat has bronze fastenings, a teak deck and trim (bright work), plumb bow, and a flat transom. In 1988, the two original gas engines were replaced with Chrysler-Nissan diesel engines. Seven Bells' official number listed in Coast Guard documentation is 229189.

Between September of 1998 and April of 2000, Seven Bells underwent a complete restoration, including structural hull work, new or reconditioned decks, new plumbing, electrical and electronics systems, refinishing of exterior and interior teak, new cabinetry, upholstery, soles and overheads, hard dodger added over aft cockpit, and engine refitting.

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On June 17th, 2001, Seven Bells was selected for the People's Choice Award at the Bell Street Rendezvous on the Seattle waterfront. On September 3rd, 2000, at the Classic Boat Festival in Victoria, British Columbia, Seven Bells was awarded the prize for Best Restored Power vessel. In August 2001, Seven Bells was runner-up for the People's Choice Award at the LaConnor Vintage and Classic Boat Show.

Seven Bells is a member of the Classic Yacht Association.

Owner: Andrew Himes, Seattle, WA.