![]() Engine power has increased to satisfy demand for speed and led to the popular annual lobster boat races in Maine! Modern Maine lobster boats still retain the original classic lines, but with some changes to take advantage of new marine technologies and other innovations. Many Downeast Style boat builders owe their beginnings to the iconic Bunker and Ellis designs. Wood planking gave way to fiberglass in the 1970s which greatly increased production. Heads were added and the interior fit and finish featured high end materials like varnished teak and mahogany. According to Don Ellis, who heads the Ellis Boat Company today, the hull shape remained the same seaworthy, fuel efficient, and fast-with a low power-to-weight ratio. The helm station was expanded, and the minimal cabin was made luxurious with brightwork, galleys, heads, and comfortable V-berths. The Downeast Style is essentially the same lobster boat as it was customized and upscaled to the desires of yachtsmen wanting pleasure boats with the same pretty lines. These fine-looking sturdy boats attracted the attention of wealthy summer residents that frequented coastal Maine in the late 1950s and they began ordering pleasure cruising versions for themselves around 1960. Their boats were characterized by the same classic lobster boat sweeping sheerline, a narrow 3 to 1 length-to-beam ratio, semi-displacement hull, generous deadrise amidships that flattened out aft for stability, large cockpit working space, low freeboard, fine entry for parting head seas, and unballasted keel (a design feature taken from 19th century sail-driven commercial fishing boats off coastal Maine). After WWII, lobster boat building shifted to Southwest Harbor in Maine, when Raymond Bunker and Ralph Ellis began their boat-building partnership in 1947. The low-slung cabin structure also served to minimize windage and gave the vessel a lower center of gravity providing safety, comfort, and economy. A skeg running the centerline of the boat gave added directional stability by keeping roll to a minimum in heavier seas and protecting the running gear. The pilothouse and cabin were located just forward of amidships giving plenty of deck workspace. These boats featured a long sheer forward and sweep to aft with the low aft freeboard making it easier to haul in heavy lobster traps or nets over the sides. In the same way that recreational trawler yachts were developed from the commercial tuna fleets of southern California by legendary naval architect, Arthur DeFever, the Downeast Style boats were developed from the Maine lobster fishing boats built by Will Frost of Jonesport, Maine in the 1920s. Some of the most prolific downeast yacht brands include:īelow are some frequently asked questions about downeast boats. ![]() Many downeast-style brands followed suit and have continued to be a popular segment of the boating industry. This boat is centrally listed by 26 North Yachts.In Rhode Island a few models were built that possessed the Downeast style -DyerCraft as well as the Dyer 29. United Yacht Sales is pleased to assist you in the purchase of this vessel. Ripple handles easily in the tightest of spaces thanks to her twin Volvo D6-435 engines, 7" bow thruster, and Hinckley JetStick control system. The space is finished in satin varnished cherry, varnished teak, and tulipwood sole. ![]() The forward cabin features a v-settee which converts into a berth, galley, head, ample storage, skylight, and overhead lighting making overnight stays not only possible, but enjoyable. The helm station is beautifully finished in varnished teak. At the touch of a button, Ripple's 15' powered convertible retracts fully. Professionally maintained by a knowledgeable captain, she features comfortable cockpit seating and aft deck, full beam sun pad making her an excellent boat for entertaining. "Ripple" is an impeccable 2008 Hinckley Talaria 38 Runabout Convertible. Classical style defines the Hinckley line, and "Ripple" is no exception.
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