Seeking boat construction resources

[HuffandPuffSailor]

Looking for help, recommendations, suggestions and expertise for a boat building project. I reside in the Northeast US and am trying to locate a small yard(s) and/or experienced craftsmen for complete systems and interior fit out on a new 53' Aluminum Monohull. The hull is being built in the Netherlands and then shipped to the States. I am new to posts on this site so am not exactly sure I am placing this in the right location. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[WanderingStar]

I have no experience hiring out such a project. There are numerous yards that can do the work. Derecktor is famous for quality work on big projects. I passed their Bridgeport Ct yard yesterday, they had a beautiful modern sloop at the dock.

[CharlieCobra]

HuffandPuff, you're going to the wrong side of the country for us to help.

[sailingdog]

You're probably better off working with a yard, rather than individual craftsmen, since a yard will probably have a project manager, who can over see the various projects and act as a single point of contact. Your best bet would be in Newport, where there are several boatyards that do this kind of work. Fairhaven Shipyard and Marina might also be a good choice.

[paulk]

There are quite a few outfits Massachusetts and Maine that handle this type of fitting-out project. I'd get a copy of Woodenboat magazine and check out the builder's ads.

[peikenberry]

I suggest you post your question on Boat Design Net Boat Design Net - the Boat Design and Boat Building Site. That forum is directed more toward building and construction. Many of the members are builders and can help you find someone in your local area. Another resource is the Metal Boat Society which is made up of builders of metal boats. Welcome to the Metal Boat Society

[LinekinBayCD]

Originally Posted by HuffandPuffSailor

Looking for help, recommendations, suggestions and expertise for a boat building project. I reside in the Northeast US and am trying to locate a small yard(s) and/or experienced craftsmen for complete systems and interior fit out on a new 53' Aluminum Monohull. The hull is being built in the Netherlands and then shipped to the States. I am new to posts on this site so am not exactly sure I am placing this in the right location. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

IMHO Maine probably has the greatest concentration and variety of boat builders in the world. From high tech composit builders like Hodgden in East Boothbay (one of their recent projects is a prototype rescue boat for th US Navy, tug boats Washburn & Daughty, wooden boat restorations, Rockport Marine. Just saw a fit out of a 40' container yacht by Johanson Boatworks in Rockland at the Maine boats and Harbors Shoe last August. Spoke with the owner. He was extreamely pleased with their work. Here are a few places to start:

Maine Built Boats - World Class Boats on the Cutting Edge

Maine Nautical Links

Maine Boatbuilders Show | A gathering of the finest fiberglass and wooden custom boatbuilders on the East Coast

Maine Boating, Sailing, Boatbuilding, Home Building, Tide Charts, Coastal Guide | Maine Boats Homes & Harbors

Bareboat Charters Midcoast Maine - Johanson Boatworks

Hodgdon Yachts

Lyman Morse Boatbuilding - Custom Maine Boat Builder - Thomaston, Maine

Rockport Marine: Home Page

Washburn & Doughty


The buildlers I've linked are all within a 30-60 minute drive of each other. Hodgdon and Washburn & Daughty are next door to each other. Labor rates in Maine are also relatively low. Sorry if I sound like a commercial but I love the state and people there.

If they can't do it in Maine it probably can't be done. It seems like there is a quality boat builder in every harbor.