A BOATBUILDING BOOM

You would think a pandemic would put a dent in the boatbuilding business, but it has not. In fact, in Maine, as elsewhere, it has been quite the opposite. A tour of six Maine yards showed there is no shortage of work with boatsheds jammed full of new builds and refits.

Maine continues to attract buyers from around the country and the world who want to have their dreamboats constructed to the designs of the best naval architects. They come to Maine for new builds, rebuilds or refits, in modern and classic styles in custom or semi-custom designs. Yards are operating at the highest capacity they want to be building, while still emphasizing quality.

Are there trends? When it comes to boats, the Pine Tree state can deliver whatever you want, but outboard power seems to be gaining momentum. And thanks to Penobscot Bay—one of the world’s great sailing grounds—new sailboat models continue to be in demand.

As always, the focus is on a quality-built, attractive boat, but Maine boatyards stay on the cutting edge. The latest technologies are being embraced for efficiency and accuracy. At least two yards added large 5-axis CNC cutters to their tool kits, including what may be the largest in all of New England, but there is still plenty of old-world craftsmanship. Workers continue to use mallets and chisels, apply gold leaf by hand and paint details with tiny brushes. Attention to detail is still the hallmark of the state’s boatbuilding industry.

BROOKLIN BOAT YARD

Ever since Joel White opened Brooklin Boat Yard (BBY) in 1960, the business has had a reputation for beautiful boats with classic