With the advent of modern materials such as, steel, fiberglass and epoxy the craft of building boats from natural materials has become something of a lost art.

The skills of selecting the wood, along with shaping, fitting, and joining are only held by a few shipwrights today. Howard Makela learned from his father and as he grew up continued the craft he had learned.

On the coast of Northern California, Makela Boatworks keeps the tradition alive. Located in the fishing village of Noyo, Howard spends much of his time working on boats that earn their keep. His true love though is building boats, commercial or pleasure, from the keel up that will serve the owners for a lifetime.