1973 Custom 58’ Steel Marco Seiner

The FV Julia Kae is a 58-foot steel Marco seiner built in 1973 by Marine Construction & Design in Seattle. Heavy plate construction throughout—including ¼-inch bottom and side shells with longitudinal stiffeners and a boxed keel—provides the robust foundation expected of a working vessel. The boat underwent comprehensive structural and systems rebuild in 2018, including new foredeck plating, transverse framing, and stainless steel rail and pin work. The aluminum pilothouse and enclosed flying bridge were rebuilt at the same time with extensive sound deadening and marine-grade laminated plywood interiors with hardwood trim. All windows were upgraded to double-pane heat-treated glass in 2022, and the hull was recently hauled and painted in September 2025.

Power comes from a single Caterpillar D343 turbocharged inline six-cylinder diesel engine producing 425 horsepower, coupled to a Twin Disc 514 reduction gear at 4.5:1. A 3.50-inch carbon steel intermediate shaft and 4-inch stainless tail shaft drive a 54-by-43-inch bronze propeller. An Isuzu 4BG1-T auxiliary engine installed in 2019 powers a 65-kilowatt generator. Hydraulic systems include an Aries air clutch, Marco DP-26 pump drive, and new stainless valves serving a JK FAB self-pursing seine winch, multiple Pullmaster picking and topping winches, and deck gear throughout.

Accommodations include a forward master stateroom with double bunks and crew quarters with five additional bunks, along with a full galley featuring a four-burner electric range with oven, microwave, and washer-dryer combo. A separate head and shower are provided. The vessel carries a 30-ton refrigerated seawater system with titanium tube chiller, dual insulated fish holds with approximately 80,000-pound capacity, 4,000 gallons of fuel tankage, and modern navigation electronics including Furuno NavNet radar, chartplotter, sounder, GPS, and AIS. A satellite phone with Alaska coverage, cell booster, and eight-camera CCTV system complete the electronics suite.