Farley Boat Works

Farley Boat Works is small boat works chronicling some of Port Aransas maritime history. This is one of two locations under the aegis of the Port Aransas Preservation & Historical Association (PAPHA). This location is in the process of expanding into some more modern & spacious new construction on the site. While Farley Boat Works no longer manufacture watercraft themselves, the facility (and their knowledgeable volunteers) are available to individuals who DIY build their own boat.It's worth taking an hour or so, depending on your level of curiosity, to go through the couple of buildings currently open, plus talk to the friendly volunteers, and learn a bit about the Farley company and how it fit into the Port Aransas community in its day.

This is a working museum and it was a joy to visit. Our guide was able to share so much history with us and his enthusiasm for the work was obvious. I want to come back for the wooden boat festival in the fall.

The Farley Boat Works is preserving an important part of the history of Port Aransas by educating people about the Farley boats that were built here in the early decades of the twentieth century. But this isn't just a dusty old museum--more like sawdusty--because it is also an active boat works that helps interested individuals hand-build their own replicas of the classic vessels. We saw boats #12 and #14 under construction during our visit. Why no #13? Well, sailors are a superstitious lot...The Farley Boat Works is also interested in community outreach. On the day we visited, they were hosting a group of wounded warriors. And perhaps best of all was the gentleman who showed us around. I'm sorry to say I don't remember his name, but the pride and affection he feels for his town and its traditions come through with every word.So stop by and check out this cool little piece of island history!

Support of LOCAL craftspeople is crucially important in appreciation of local history and traditions. This historical museum adjunct is an amazing local resource! Knowledgeable, passionate volunteers are on hand to help visitors more fully appreciate their experience! Go see this place!

This was a great visit to see how wood boats are built by hand. The volunteers help the boat owner with guidance and knowledge advice but the owner of the boat must provide the labor or sweat equity which gives the owner pride in the acknowledgement of just what all is involved in building his boat not just placing an order for a boat to be built. It is a craft which Farley Boats is trying to keep alive. I highly recommend this to anyone interested in the art of boat building.