'We are unable to care for it in the manner it deserves'

DEPOE BAY, Ore. - A charter fishing vessel pressed into service during World War II patroling the Oregon Coast from Coos Bay to the Columbia River now considered part of America's ocean-faring heritage is in danger.

The Tradewinds Kingfisher requires $50,000 in immediate maintenance and $10,000 per year in ongoing maintenance to remain water worthy, according to Steve Wyatt, executive director the the Lincoln County Historical Society.

Rich and Val Allyn dontated the vessel, designed by Rich's father Stan Allyn and built in Portland, to the historical society in 2001.

“We recognize the historic value of the Tradewinds Kingfisher, but with budget cuts and a shortage of resources in general, we are unable to care for it in the manner it deserves,” Steve Wyatt, executive director of the Society, said.

The Society will consider a number of options if the funds cannot be raised including finding a new home for the vessel. “We will not let this boat quietly rot away in an undignified manner,” Wyatt said.

Wyatt also said rumors that the Society would have the boat destroyed hold some truth. A member of the Society's board of directors put that option on the table, but Wyatt said it will be considered only if all other options have been exhausted.

Placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1991, the Kingfisher was used as a charter fishing and touring boat from 1941 until it was donated to the Society except for its time in service as a Coast Guard patrol boat starting in December 1941 during World War II.

Stan Allyn designed the boat in 1940 to be the ultimate in charter boats. Werner Albertson built the vessel in Jantzen Beach. Upon completion, the Kingfisher joined Allyn’s growing fleet of charter boats in June of 1941 in Depoe Bay.