The long winter is finally over, although March seemed reluctant to warm up (at best). But the sun is shining, the ospreys are back, and the spring boat show season is in full swing. Spring is always an optimistic time and despite everything going on in the world and in the news, the boating industry seems upbeat as well.
With this column we are pleased to welcome our new sponsor, Apex Marine Services at Herrington Harbour North in Tracys Landing, MD, to Boatshop Reports. Apex spokesperson Erin Greene kicks off this month’s reports with the following update: “Aaron Bradley started the business in Baltimore in 2022 as a full-service marine company. In 2024 a spot in Herrington Harbour opened up and we jumped at it and have been non-stop ever since. We joined forces with Chesapeake Marine Services so we could work on bigger boats. We just did a long block overhaul on a 6-CTA Cummings on an Evans Deadrise charter boat, Katherine, for Capt. Andy Gotis out of Abner’s in Chesapeake Beach and we are reinstalling it today. We are repowering a Grand Banks with a Nanni N-4.111, installing a new Zeus pod on a 2000 Stingray, and putting a NexGen generator in a Halberg-Rassy. And we are doing another overhaul of a 6-CTA on a Sea Ray motoryacht and repowering a Valiant motoryacht with a Nanni M-4.80 with a ZF Drive transmission. And we do service work on Amtrak’s Wanco Service Trailers as they are Kuboda based.”
Greg Shute of Judge Yachts in Denton, MD, brings us up to date on happenings at that busy Eastern Shore shop. “Despite the cold winter, Judge Yachts is full steam ahead in the shop. We’re making great progress with the production of our new 32 Chesapeake Outboard, with two already on order. At the same time, the 36 Chesapeake continues to command much of our build schedule, with several currently in production. These boats are heading not only to local waters, but also out of the area to the Gulf of America, New Jersey, and the Outer Banks of North Carolina. One even recently left to be a charter boat in Naples, FL. In addition, we have a couple of our popular 265 center consoles underway, a 27 Chesapeake in progress, and even a sharp gray 22 center console nearing completion. Judge welcomes factory tours to discuss your boating or fishing needs. Call (410) 479-9770 to let us know you are coming!”
Whitehall Yacht Yard in Annapolis, MD, has taken advantage of the winter break to do some major updates and repairs on their docking facilities. According to their website, “With our bulkhead replacement job nearing completion, we are excited to announce that poles will start to be driven soon for 12 new Golden aluminum high beam boat lifts. These lifts will be available this spring for boats up to an overall length of 28 feet. We are also nearing completion of some long-planned updates to the docks. We now have a number of slips available that have full length rectangular finger piers. Send us a message or give us a call if you need a slip.”
Smokey Glover of Lake Assault Boats in Portsmouth, VA, sends us this brief update and neat photo. “A newly constructed 28-foot Lake Assault Boats Landing Craft Fireboat, with paint and graphics completed, is ready to be delivered to the Eagle Bay, NY, Fire Department.”
BOE Marine in Stevensville, MD, reports that they… “Just upgraded this 2006 Triumph 191 FS from a cable steering system to the UFlex hydraulic system, offering smoother control, easier handling, and a big improvement on the water. Also, this Parker 21SE came to us needing a special touch, and the BOE team delivered. We installed a Garmin Kraken trolling motor, giving this boat 100 pounds of thrust along with wireless integration to the owners Garmin MFD. With features like anchor lock and seamless control right from the display, our customer now has effortless command of the boat’s position while fishing.”
Nancy Noyes of Chesapeake Light Craft (CLC) in Annapolis, MD, checks in with a lot of learning opportunities for do-it-yourselfers and a reminder about CLC’s annual open house. “Chesapeake Light Craft, the boat-kit experts, have long been recognized by boatbuilders in the Chesapeake region as a prime source for boatbuilding supplies and small boat accessories. But in addition to lumber, plywood, fiberglass, epoxy, and more, CLC helps people build boats with DIY kits for more than 100 different kayak, canoe, rowing, and sailing craft, and even powerboat designs.
“Also key to CLC’s mission are build-your-own classes, both in our fully equipped Annapolis workshop classroom and across the U.S. Classes typically run five and a half days, from Monday morning until Saturday midday, and are taught by our staff of experienced teachers who are expert boatbuilders themselves. At the end of a class, students take away their own craft, ready to finish and rig up at home.
“Fans of working with fiberglass and epoxy and professional-grade finishing techniques won’t want to miss CLC’s Spring Open House on Saturday, May 2 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. In addition to having dozens of boats on display, the Open House will feature several informative seminars with demonstrations of the professional tips and tricks used by CLC’s boatbuilding team. The event, at CLC headquarters at 1805 George Avenue in Annapolis, is free and family-friendly. For more information on the Open House and a list of upcoming classes, visit clcboats.com.”
Rob Hardy of Composite Yacht in Trappe, MD, posts a weekly online report he calls Friday Shop Shots. “This First Day of Spring Friday Shop Shots and the crew is in full stride! Pushing projects forward, dialing in details, and making serious progress across the floor. From clean laminates to bonding parts to systems installs, it’s all hands on deck, and it shows. Longer days and a little warmer weather have everyone fired up, and the craftsmanship coming out of the shop is something to be proud of. Huge shoutout to the team for the continued hustle and attention to detail. Stay tuned… a lot of exciting work taking shape!”
At the risk of sounding like a broken record, I will repeat my seasonal reminder again: Know how and when to recycle your winter shrinkwrap before you take it off! If you need advice or assistance, contact the Marine Trades Association of Maryland at mtam.org/shrinkwrap-recycling for more information.
See you at the Boat Show!
By Capt. Rick Franke