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The Apache Drums:  A  Model  Tribute

3/22/2014

9 Comments

 
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Hurricane Katrina slammed into Louisiana on August 29th, 2005 - a date that will never be forgotten by many on the Gulf coast.  At the docks in Venice were the twin boats the Apache Trails and the Apache Drums.  In 1980 they had been built one after the other by Landry Boat Works in Bayou La Batre, Alabama.  At 85’ feet each they were proudly owned and well maintained by shrimper Bruce Drury, Sr.  The Apache Drums had just been outfitted with a new Caterpillar engine and the Apache Trails had a full hold of shrimp.  The loss of these assets paled in comparison, though, with the total and complete loss of both boats and the family’s home.
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If anything good comes from disasters such as these, it is that those with a generous spirit can find an opportunity to help their fellow man – or in this case their fellow fisherman.   Bruce Drury had met previously with Randy Skinner over a possible boat purchase.  When Randy, in Fairhope, Alabama, learned of the Drurys’ plight he set about raising money and making a plan to help.  Over the course of several months Randy and his volunteer team helped the Drurys rebuild.  
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Randy found the Drurys to be equally as giving despite their losses.  So since he also happened to own a model boat building business, Skinner Models, he later set about making a replica of the Apache Drums as a special gift.
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Between Randy, who had been building models since 1977, and some talented craftsmen back at the shop we think you’ll agree that this tribute to the Apache Drums is remarkable.  And likewise, the spirit of brotherhood and recovery is just as remarkable!   The Drurys have returned to continuing the family business of shrimping and Randy continues to captain his model building business.
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Helen Drury, Bruce Drury Sr., Randy Skinner & Jerrod Mashburn
After the construction of the model it was mounted on wood that was salvaged from the boat itself.
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As you can see from the detail a lot of dedication went into making this very special memorial to the Apache Drums.   Surely it will be treasured by the Drury family for as many generations as they have been shrimping!
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9 Comments
Laverne Skinner. Love the history detail. link
3/22/2014 10:24:33 am

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The link
3/23/2014 05:21:36 am

Glad you enjoyed it!

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loved it Mr.Randy.We love all of you.Thank you all so much. You made me cry again.
4/8/2014 10:18:45 am

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You are very welcome.
4/26/2014 04:53:32 pm

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John M watkins link
11/10/2014 08:31:13 am

Nice model ,almost the original boat

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david Daniels link
5/15/2015 11:50:46 pm

Great job I use to own the apache spirit after it left the gulf would love to have a model if you'll sell them

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The Salty Shrimper link
5/15/2015 11:57:25 pm

Conact Skinner Models. There's a link in the blog or you can find them on facebook.

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leslie lupton
12/23/2017 05:59:29 pm

My dad, Johnny Lupton used to run this boat out of Bayou La Batre. I fished many summers with him on MV Apache Drums. I would love to get a model of this boat. Is this possible?

Thanks so much

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The Salty Shrimper
12/24/2017 05:27:51 am

Oh that is cool. Try contacting Randy Skinner. His facebook page is https://www.facebook.com/randy.skinner.7161?fref=ts He can let you know how/if that is possible.

Good luck!

Alessa & Marvin

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