Category: Boatbuilder

SW Boatworks: A full stable of Beals Island designs

By Brian Robbins LAMOINE, ME – The year was 2008. The economy was soft. Lobster prices were down. It seemed that the last thing anybody was thinking about was having a new boat built. So what did Stewart Workman, owner of SW Boatworks (who up to that point had been a custom finisher of other …

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CFN Shakedown Cruise: Wesmac 50

by Brian Robbins Welcome to another CFN Shakedown Cruise. Periodically, we will focus on a new launch and dig a little deeper into what went into the project – whether it be a new model or a hull well known to the New England commercial market.  What we hope to do is provide insight and …

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A visit with Osmond Beal: Corned Hake & ginger cake

by Brian Robbins  BEALS ISLAND, ME – The thermometer was struggling to get above zero – and who knew what it was with the wind chill. It was a Saturday, the end of a week that reminded you of what winters in Maine used to be: cold with plenty of snow. You ought to ask …

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CFN Shakedown Cruise:  Libby 41 

by Brian Robbins Welcome to another CFN Shakedown Cruise. Periodically, we will focus on a new launch and dig a little deeper into what went into the project – whether it be a new model or a hull well known to the New England commercial market.  What we hope to do is provide insight and …

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There & Back III: Benny, Tommy & the Donna Marie

by Brian Robbins  JONESPORT, ME – We’ve written about a lot of boats in Commercial Fisheries News over the years: small boats; big boats; real big boats. Wooden boats; fiberglass boats; steel boats. New boats hitting the water and ready to begin their working careers; older classics that have been refurbished, rebuilt, and ready to …

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CFN Shakedown Cruise: Mussel Ridge 44.5

by Brian Robbins Welcome to another CFN Shakedown Cruise. Periodically, we will focus on a new launch and dig a little deeper into what went into the project – whether it be a new model or a hull well known to the New England commercial market.  What we hope to do is provide insight and …

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CFN Shakedown Cruise: Wesmac Super 46

by Brian Robbins Welcome to another CFN Shakedown Cruise. Periodically, we will focus on a new launch and dig a little deeper into what went into the project – whether it be a new model or a hull well known to the New England commercial market.  What we hope to do is provide insight and …

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CFN Shakedown Cruise: Calvin Beal 42

 by Brian Robbins Welcome to another CFN Shakedown Cruise. Periodically, we will focus on a new launch and dig a little deeper into what went into the project – whether it be a new model or a hull well known to the New England commercial market.  What we hope to do is provide insight and …

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Farrin’s Boatshop: 45 years & counting

by Brian Robbins WALPOLE, ME – For years I’ve referred to it as “the crow’s nest” – Bruce Farrin Sr.’s office high over the back bay in Farrin’s Boatshop in Walpole, ME. You have to climb some stairs to get to the crow’s nest up there on the third floor, but it’s worth it.  For …

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Feeling good about WOOD

By Brian Robbins   When it comes to new lobster boat construction, it’s unlikely the pendulum will swing from fiberglass, as the most popular material, back to wood any time soon here in New England. There is a bit of a grassroots movement afoot, however – and if you want to take a deep, clean …

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