Few boats have the lines, performance and natural feel of a classic. A Post is one of them. Russell Post began producing these traditional Jersey sportfish style boats in Mays Landing, NJ, in 1957. Originally in wood, they moved quickly to fiberglass. By the time production ceased in 2008, more than 750 in a dozen sizes and models had been built. The 42 Post Sportfish was the most popular. Compared to their competition, the 42s were not known for their speed but made up for it with better overall performance, maneuverability, and excellent sea-keeping capabilities.

Post Yachts - the legend lives on!

In December 2011, John Patnovic, owner of Worton Creek Marina, established Post Marine Group, LLC, and purchased the assets of Post including hull, deck, and component molds and spares as well as all the files and records. These were then moved to and set up in new buildings at Worton Creek outside of Chestertown, MD. According to John, returning Post Yachts to production is in the same tradition of “honesty, passion, and spirit” as the originals. In all, eight models are offered. There are six Convertibles in six sizes: 42, 47, 50, 53, 56, and 66. There is also an Open arrangement for the 42 and 53 models. Worton Creek is in a strong position to do this.

The yard is already well known for remanufacturing classic Bertram 31s. Essentially, they strip out the old 31 and deliver a product with a new paint job, engines, electronics, and interior, with everything new. The result is a “customized” rebuild. As Worton is a full service yard, they also have a continually growing order book for repair, upgrade, and re-fit for larger yachts in the 50 to 90 foot range. Many are Posts. The same customizing techniques, expertise, and quality apply to the Post new builds or refits. The process for these new Posts will differ only in that new hull and deck units will be laid up and then finished out to the customer’s needs and desires. Whereas the demands of performance, safety, and sea-keeping must meet basic requisite construction standards, the customers will have considerable flexibility in the general sense in putting together a custom package.

Starting with the interior, Posts were known for their superb teak and mahogany joiner work and rich wood finishes. Expect no departure here. In the Post tradition individual components will be “stick built” and then pieced together rather than the drop-in and tabbed modular process preferred by mass production builders. The principal choices are on “galley up or down arrangement,” engine access, and saloon and stateroom layout. A major improvement is that Belkov Yacht Company of Annapolis will do the interiors relying on their CAD/CAM technology. The results derived include greater construction efficiency; a reduced build time, and more efficient weight to power ratio. Customer choices extend to electronics suites, bridge, and tower arrangements, galley configuration and appliances, upholstery, furniture, canvas work, communications packages, and entertainment and sound preferences. And for the fisherman; fighting chairs, fish wells, and bait stations, tackle lockers, and outriggers.

A major consideration will concern the choice of diesel propulsion options. Cummings is a good match for the 42 and 47. Cats, Volvos, and Man diesels are possible choices for the larger models. Pod Drives will be an option on some configurations. Maneuverability is enhanced with thrusters. Several genset configurations are also offered. The Post market includes former owners and of course boaters attracted to the reintroduction of a classic. Although the original Posts were very popular among off-shore fishing enthusiasts, there were plenty of cruisers who also were attracted to these beauties. John feels that both these groups will be interested in these new Posts. For more information, go to postyacht.com.

by Merf Moerschel