OEM vs. Aftermarket--It Can be Hard to Tell the Difference

It's often hard to tell if a certain feature, like the Smith Access, is original or aftermarket.   The Smith Access on Tess II has enough in common with a yard built Access to make you look twice.  Certainly the joinery techniques are those OEY would have used.    Look closely though and there are some tells in the finish and function.  The color of the wood in the panel's trim pieces and the bulkhead's jam are darker than the surrounding wood.  The latches are not like anything on any other tug.  The bulkhead jam pieces are held in with stainless screws about 3" o.c. but OEY glued the jams in.

Aftermarket Smith Access on Tess II #22

The biggest tell though is the two copper water pipes crossing the opening.  OEY routed the water pipes above the Access.

The open Access