The Young Man and the Sea

Skiff brings the two planks he removed from the Mary Rose to Mr. Woodwell’s boat-making shed. Mr. Woodwell has cedar that he can cut into new planks, and does so for free because he got the wood for free; Skiff helps him cut the wood. A harpoon is on the wall, and Mr. Woodwell reveals Skiff’s father made it and gifted it as a token of their friendship.

It takes Skiff two days to attach the new planks to the Mary Rose. He doesn’t want to get attacked by mud worms again, so he lays on a piece of wood. Captain Keelson admires Skiff’s work, and helps him and Mr. Woodwell set the new planks with caulk and cotton to prevent leaks. Later, Skiff prepares dinner, makes his father eat, takes his empty beer cans to the shed so the garbage collectors won’t gossip, then reads comic books until he falls asleep.

In the morning, Skiff tests the Mary Rose for flotation and leaks. His father comes outside to admire his work. Skiff calls a mechanic named Mike Haley, who checks the Mary Rose. Skiff claims his father is sick with the flu, and this is why he’s not outside helping; Mike reassures him that consultation is free.