Portsmouth Gundalow in Trouble

Before the Piscataqua Gundalow was successfully launched in December 2011, the Capt. Edward H. Adams served as the Gundalow Company's sole vessel to educate the public about the important work done by these vessels.

Now the Capt. Edward H. Adams, which has been docked at Prescott Park to teach more than 200,000 visitors and schoolchildren about the history behind these vessels since she was built in 1982 is in serious trouble.

According to Molly Bolster, executive director of the Gundalow Company, a U.S. Coast Guard inspection of the Adams while she was in drydock in March showed several structural deficiencies that need to be address before people can be allowed to board her again.

"Both reports revealed significant structural deterioration throughout the exterior and interior of the hull. Therefore, the USCG Marine Safety Department has required that all deteriorated wood including most of the bow and stern logs and many frames, and other interior structural members be repaired or replaced before the Captain Edward H. Adams can be open to the public or school groups for dockside programs," Bolster wrote in a Gundalow Company newsletter.

She also noted that Gundalow Company officials will hold a meeting on the Piscataqua Gundalow on Tuesday, April 16, at 5:30 p.m. to review the Coast Guard's findings and discuss options to repair the Capt. Edward H. Adams.

Bolster also wrote the Gundalow Company has set up interactive blog as a public forum for comments, suggestions and stories relating to the Captain Edward H. Adams.

"When she was built 31 years ago, the intent was to create a historically accurate vessel using traditional construction methods and materials. When she was launched her builders estimated that she might last 10 years. The fact that she has lasted for 31 years is a testament to the crew and all the volunteers who have lovingly maintained her," Bolster wrote.