The 'Perfection' is the last remaining original Biloxi Oyster Schooner in existence today. She was built by Mr. Henry Brasher at his boatyard on Brasher Bayou, on the north side of Biloxi Bay in present-day D'Iberville. Her Master Carpenter's Certificate was issued on July 24, 1918. Measuring 60 feet long, 19 feet wide, and 5 feet from deck to keel, she was originally built for the Barataria Canning Company in Biloxi, Mississippi. By 1938, she was sold to Mavar Shrimp, Fish and Oyster Company, and over the years, she was owned and fished by other Biloxi companies. Eventually, she ended up at The Southern Shell Company Dock, where she languished for many years, falling into disrepair. 
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 In 1982, at 64 years old, she was purchased by Mr. Hewitt Gauthier Sr. of Empire, Louisiana, who restored her, removed the masts and sails, and added a deckhouse and rigging for shrimping and oystering. Gauthier Sr. later sold her to his son, Hewitt Gauthier Jr., who fished the boat out of Empire for 30 years, until she was 94 years old. When Gauthier Jr. retired, he began converting her into a family houseboat, but sadly passed away before the project was completed. The boat has since sat for many years, some on land and some back in the water, but remains unfinished. Today, she is a hull and deck in Empire, Louisiana. 
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 This is the last of many Biloxi Schooners that were built and fished for decades, making Biloxi the 'Seafood Capital of the World' for many years. Not a replica, but the real thing—the last one! I want to bring the boat back to the Coast and preserve her so that future generations can see, touch, and walk on the deck of a vessel that fished, raced, and lived a long life on the Gulf Coast. Your support will help cover boatyard fees, towing expenses, and marina costs, allowing me to restore 'Perfection' and keep the legacy of Biloxi’s seafood industry alive.

Save the Last Biloxi Oyster Schooner

Still $5,200 to go. Help us build momentum.