1970 Custom Bald Mountain Boat Works “Archimides” Literally, One of a Kind

Vessel Overview
Builder: Bald Mountain Boat Works

Year Built: 1970

Designer: Geerd Hendel, a renowned naval architect

Original Owner: James S. Rockefeller Jr.

Original Name: Kyloe

Current Name: ARCHIMEDES

Construction: 1" Alaskan red cedar planking over oak frames

Engine: 175 HP Cummins diesel

Purpose: Designed for transatlantic crossings

Refurbishment Highlights

Over the past several years, ARCHIMEDES has undergone extensive refurbishments to enhance both functionality and aesthetics:

Installation of new Garmin navigational instruments

Upgrades to the galley, including a new propane stove and top-of-the-line refrigerators

Addition of a cold plate refrigerator in the pilothouse

Refinishing of all interior mahogany woodwork

Repainting of decks with non-skid surfaces

Refinishing of mahogany brightwork to a high gloss

Polishing of brass stanchions and rub rail/trim

Installation of new lifelines and hardware

Recovery of all cushions and addition of new curtains in the pilothouse

Addition of new dunnage boxes, deck chairs, and a sunshade for the aft deck

These upgrades have been meticulously carried out to preserve the vessel's classic charm while incorporating modern amenities.

ARCHIMEDES is currently located in Toledo, Ohio. The vessel is documented.

This trawler stands as a testament to the enduring quality of Bald Mountain Boat Works and the visionary design of Geerd Hendel. Its robust construction and thoughtful refurbishments make it a unique opportunity for enthusiasts of classic maritime vessels.

Geerd Hendel (1903–1998) was a German-born naval architect who made significant contributions to American yacht and commercial vessel design over a career spanning more than six decades. His work ranged from luxury yachts to fishing boats and tugboats, and he was a pioneer in the use of aluminum in boat construction.

Early Life and Education

Born in Hamburg, Germany, Hendel apprenticed at the Deutsche Werft shipyard before studying naval architecture at the Higher Technical Institute in Bremen, graduating in 1925. He then worked at the Nobiskrug shipyard in Rendsburg. In 1928, Hendel immigrated to the United States, initially working in New York City in the office of naval architect Theodore Wells.
Career Highlights

America's Cup Victory (1937): Hendel served as chief draftsman for renowned designer Starling Burgess during the creation of the J-class yacht Ranger, which won the 1937 America's Cup. He collaborated with Burgess and Olin Stephens on the yacht's design, particularly focusing on its aluminum mast, marking one of the early uses of aluminum in yacht construction.

Innovations in Aluminum Boatbuilding: In 1939, Hendel designed Whistler, one of the first all-aluminum yachts built in the U.S., constructed at Rice Brothers in East Boothbay, Maine. This 26-foot sloop demonstrated the potential of aluminum alloys in saltwater environments and influenced future boatbuilding practices.

Maine Boats Homes & Harbors

Boothbay Harbor One Design (1938): Hendel designed this 21-foot racing sloop, which became a popular class in Maine's sailing community. The design reflected his commitment to performance and aesthetics.

Post-War Work: After World War II, Hendel established his own design firm in Camden, Maine. He continued to innovate, designing a variety of vessels including fishing draggers, tugboats, and recreational boats. Notably, he designed the William Hilton, a powerful steel towboat used for log drives on Maine's Chesuncook Lake.

Legacy

Hendel's extensive body of work, encompassing over 280 designs, is preserved in the Hendel Collection at the Maine Maritime Museum in Bath, Maine. His contributions to naval architecture are documented in various publications, including Roger Allen Moody's biography, Of Watercraft Form and Function: A Biography of Naval Architect Geerd N. Hendel.

His innovative approach and diverse designs have left a lasting impact on both recreational and commercial boatbuilding.

James S. Rockefeller Jr. (1926-2025) was an American writer, adventurer, boatbuilder, pilot, and philanthropist. Born into the prominent Rockefeller family, he was the grandson of William G. Rockefeller and Sarah "Elsie" Stillman, and the great-grandnephew of both John D. Rockefeller and Andrew Carnegie.

Rockefeller was born in Manhattan and raised in Greenwich, Connecticut. He served in the Army Air Corps during World War II and later graduated from Yale University. James was featured on the cover of Time magazine on July 7, 1924, following his Olympic gold medal victory in rowing at the Paris Summer Games.

Personal Life and Relationships

In his early years, Rockefeller met children's book author Margaret Wise Brown on Cumberland Island, Georgia. They became engaged, but Brown passed away before they could marry. During his travels to Tahiti, he met Stella, with whom he had a son, James Bennet ("Wawa"); both Stella and Wawa predeceased him. In 1956, he married Liv Heyerdahl in Norway, and they had two children, Liv Merlin and Ola Stillman Rockefeller. Liv Heyerdahl died when their children were still young. In 1983, he married Marilyn Moss, and they resided in Camden, Maine.

Career and Accomplishments

Rockefeller's adventurous spirit led him to various pursuits:

Writing: He authored Man on His Island (1957), detailing his travels in the Pacific, and Wayfarer: A Memoir (2018), which won the 2019 Maine Literary Award for Memoir.
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Boatbuilding: He built boats for 20 years at the Bald Mountain Boat Works.

Aviation: He restored a 1912 Etrich Taube replica airplane and accumulated over 2,000 flight hours, flying until the age of 90.

Museum Founding: He co-founded the Owls Head Transportation Museum in Maine and served as its chairman until 2017.

James S. Rockefeller Jr. passed away on January 8, 2025, at his longtime home in Camden, Maine, a day after his 99th birthday. He is remembered for his adventurous life, contributions to literature and preservation, and his enduring passion for exploration and storytelling.

• Constructed with a sturdy 1⅜″ Alaskan red cedar over oak frames, designed as a heavy-displacement hull capable of Trans‑Atlantic crossings.
• 8-10 MPG
• Steadying Sail
• Ice Shield Over Hull
• Garmin GPS/Chartplotter
• Garmin VHF