A group of Citrus County boat builders share a passion that takes them back in time.
The Crystal River Boat Builders spent two years building Spirit, a Civil War-era scow. Scows were used to transport goods along the Gulf Coast from Florida to Texas around the time of the Civil War and some were captured and used during the war.
"The scow was the semi-truck of the time," said Bill Whalen, who is part of the group.
Whalen said they only used materials and tools that would have been used back in the 1860s. Sometimes they had to make tools, then learn how to use them. They were not allowed to use electricity.
"The feeling of accomplishment was immense, just immense," Whalen said. "It was nice and quiet usually most of the time."
The mast used to be a 120-year-old cypress tree and the mast hoops are made from grape vines.
The scow is on display at the Crystal River Preserve State Park. Once two sails are made for Spirit she will head out on her maiden voyage in a few months.