James Turecamo 36 inches Tugboat Model

Matanuska Ferry – 36-Inch Handcrafted Wooden Model

Own a handcrafted tribute to one of Alaska's most iconic passenger ferries. The Matanuska is a historic vessel of the Alaska Marine Highway System (AMHS), built to provide essential transportation between remote coastal communities throughout Alaska. Commissioned in 1963, the ferry has served generations of passengers by carrying vehicles, cargo, and travelers through some of the most challenging waters in the world. With her rugged construction, dependable service, and important role in connecting Alaska's coastal towns, Matanuska represents the spirit of exploration, resilience, and maritime heritage.

Our 36-inch handcrafted Matanuska Ferry model faithfully captures the distinctive appearance of the original vessel. Each model is individually built by experienced craftsmen using the traditional plank-on-frame construction method—the same principle used in real wooden shipbuilding. We select only premium hardwoods, including Western Red Cedar, Teak, and Mahogany, to ensure exceptional durability, fine detail, and a timeless finish.

Every element is carefully recreated, from the classic ferry hull and multi-level superstructure to the passenger decks, vehicle loading areas, bridge, navigation equipment, lifeboats, railings, and other signature features that define this legendary Alaska ferry. Rather than being mass-produced, each model is handcrafted with meticulous attention to detail, resulting in a museum-quality display piece worthy of any maritime, Alaska, or transportation collection.

The 36-inch model offers a larger, more commanding display while showcasing an even greater level of craftsmanship and detail. Its increased size allows the Matanuska's distinctive hull, spacious decks, and ferry design features to stand out more prominently, making it an impressive centerpiece for an office, study, display cabinet, or dedicated collection room. Ideal for Alaska Marine Highway supporters, ferry enthusiasts, maritime collectors, and serious collectors, the 36-inch version delivers enhanced realism and visual impact while remaining practical for most display spaces. It is the perfect choice for those seeking a substantial museum-quality model that celebrates the history, service, and enduring legacy of this remarkable Alaskan vessel.

Each piece is individually handcrafted, with production typically taking 3–6 months, depending on the model's size and complexity. Throughout the process, we'll keep you updated with detailed progress photos at every major milestone, allowing you to review the craftsmanship and approve each stage before we move forward.

You'll receive photos during:

- Hull construction
- Deck detailing and superstructure assembly
- Final painting and finishing

Your satisfaction comes first. We proceed to the next stage only after you've reviewed the previous one.

Secure Worldwide Delivery

Once you approve the completed model, it will be carefully packed in a custom-built wooden shipping crate with multiple layers of protective cushioning to ensure it arrives safely anywhere in the world.

Custom Orders Available

Looking for a different size or a personalized version? We offer custom dimensions, modifications, and bespoke designs upon request. Simply contact our team to discuss your project.

Bring home a handcrafted tribute to the Matanuska Ferry. Whether you're expanding an Alaska, maritime, or transportation collection, decorating your office, or searching for a meaningful gift for a ferry enthusiast, Alaska resident, or maritime collector, our handcrafted Matanuska model is built to become a centerpiece you'll be proud to display for years to come.

Contact us today to begin building your custom Matanuska Ferry model.

History
The Matanuska is a historic Alaska state ferry that has played a vital role in connecting coastal communities for over sixty years. Constructed in 1963 by the Puget Sound Bridge and Dry Dock Company in Seattle, Washington, she was among the first large vessels built for the Alaska Marine Highway System (AMHS), which was established following Alaska's statehood in 1959. Engineered to navigate the demanding waters of the Gulf of Alaska, the ferry measures 408 feet (124.4 meters) in length and is capable of carrying hundreds of passengers together with more than 80 vehicles. Throughout her long service, the Matanuska has operated on routes linking ports such as Ketchikan, Juneau, Haines, Skagway, Valdez, Kodiak, and the Aleutian Islands, providing an essential transportation link for communities where highways are limited or unavailable.

Over the decades, the Matanuska has received numerous modernizations to enhance safety, operational efficiency, and passenger comfort while maintaining her distinctive appearance. She has become a familiar and trusted presence for generations of Alaskans, supporting daily travel, commerce, and tourism across the state's vast coastline. As one of the longest-serving vessels in the AMHS fleet, the Matanuska remains a lasting symbol of Alaska's rich maritime heritage and continues to demonstrate the importance of reliable ferry service in connecting the state's remote coastal regions.