Motor Lifeboat CG-36538 Restoration

History

The Motor Lifeboat CG-36538 was constructed in 1952 and remained in service until 1972. This TRS type boat was the last wood-hulled coastal lifeboat developed by the United States Coast Guard and the first to use laminated wood. The CG-36538 served at the Atlantic Beach Station in New York and then at the Ocean City Station in New Jersey. During its tenure through 1966 at the Great Harbor Inlet Station, the lifeboat was used primarily for winter rescues as well as winter assistance calls.

The boat, which was found tucked in the corner of a Navy warehouse in Yorktown, VA and was one of only a handful still in existence, has seen better days since it left a shipyard in Curtis Bay, MD [Baltimore] in 1952. Thus, the very purpose of the CMMM’s restoration efforts!

Below is  the 1952 CG MLB (motor life boat) 36538 when Cape May Maritime Museum                                    The 36538 original helm (steering wheel) refurnished and ready for installation.       

began  the restoration process  in earnest early 2018.

Below shows the boat as of October 2024. Leaps and bounds of progress by our volunteers,                                                                                                               In front of the 36 MLB model is Mr Michael Agrati (Left) and Ed Melega -CMMM President.

even over the Covid pandemic era. Follow up photos of progress steps will be posted. Thanks for your interest.                                                                                Mr. Agrati is a former crew member of the 36538 while stationed at CG Station Great Egg NJ.