We are going to add some spice to this year’s Maine Boat Builder’s Show, giving it a “sport fishing” theme. SW Boatworks of Lamoine is building the new TUNA.COM for Capt. Dave Carraro of Gloucester, one of the stars of the reality television show “Wicked Tuna” seen on the National Geographic Channel. Dave will be there meeting attendees, giving a couple of seminars and selling his “TUNA.COM” merchandise. There is no question that this will draw a huge crowd.
Capt. Dave Carraro will be at this year’s Maine Boat Builder’s Show on Saturday and Sunday. He sold his Duffy 38 TUNA.COM last year and went looking for a new boat. He said, “I wanted a Downeast boat. I have owned two before, a 31 JC and a 38 Duffy and since Maine is the home of Downeast boats that was my starting point. I also asked several friends that had Downeast boats where I should get it built? Who is a very reputable builder? All steered me towards Stewart Workman, owner of SW Boatworks. The Duffy had its idiosyncrasies as does every boat. It rocked and rolled a little bit, but we caught a lot of fish on it. We were happy with it besides the rocking tendency. When I was in the market for another boat I wanted a boat that had good lateral stability, and I knew one way of getting that was getting a wider boat. I also wanted a boat that was little bigger. We considered a Young Brothers, a Duffy 42, a Lowell 43, a Mussel Ridge 42, and they were all good choices, but not really what we were looking for. We wanted that width and we settled on the Calvin 44. This boat is very stable, and the cabin is a lot bigger, the cockpit is a lot roomier and even though it is bigger than my old boat the fuel efficiency is going to be very comparable.”
We are hoping to have the new TUNA.COM at the show, but we cannot guarantee that yet. TUNA.COM is scheduled to be finished the middle of March, and if that happens, she will be there.
Almost every Maine boat builder has finished off some of their hulls for the sport fishing community. This is a huge market and is an excellent way to showcase one variation of how a Maine lobster boat hull can be finished off. Sport fishing is a sizable industry on the Maine coast, but even larger the further Westward you go. Others associated with this industry will also be invited to participate as exhibitors and speakers.
For those that do not build boats for the sport fisherman, you will not be neglected. We will make sure that everyone is promoted equally. Maine’s boatbuilding community is extremely diverse. There are those that build dinghies, others mega-yachts, and anywhere in between and this show is here to promote everyone. Many boat builders do not know what they will have available at show time, but when we know what boats are coming we will send out press releases promoting them. Next year we will change the theme of the show to focus on another aspect of Maine’s boat building industry. Any suggestions are welcome.
I would also like to say that this is not the last year for this show. There are many rumors out there, but this show will continue. The Maine boat building community is very special and this show was developed to showcase what they have to offer. This show is unlike any other because you meet the actual boat builder and in many cases some of the most unique individuals anywhere. We will continue to do this show so they can continue to promote their businesses.
With the brain trust that is attracted to the show there is often animated discussions and as much going on in the aisles as in the booths. Friends make the show an annual pilgrimage. The fact that it is a gathering point and a celebration has attracted national organizations. The Maine Maritime Academy Alumnae will hold a Maritime Flea Market all three days in Bld #11. Lectures are free all three days for knowledgeable boaters. To celebrate the next generation, for the FOURTH year, there will be an engine diagnosis competition between the Maine Vocational High schools 10-12 Saturday.
The show is expected to draw around 10,000 people to the Portland Company Marine Complex, located at 58 Fore Street in Portland, Maine. Admission is $15 per day at the door or ON LINE tickets are available. Children under 12 accompanied by adults will be admitted free. Groups of 10 or more can purchase block tickets for $10.00 ea. It is open to the public and will run from 10am to 6 pm on Friday March 20th and Saturday March 21st and from 10am to 4pm on Sunday March 22nd .To learn more about the 28h Maine Boat Builders Show go to www.portlandcompany.com/boatshow.