National Fisherman

Michael_Crowley

Michael Crowley

Contributor

Michael Crowley is the former Boats & Gear editor for National Fisherman.

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Linda Greenlaw’s 41-foot, cedar planked over oak frames and silicon-bronze fastened, 41-foot lobster boat Ernest hauled out at Wesmac Custom Boats prior to being refastened. Wesmac Custom Boats photo.

A full house at Wesmac Custom Boats

The last wooden boat built at John’s Bay Boats is this 34 footer, being planked with 1-inch cedar for shop owner Peter Kass, who is retiring. Once it slides down the launching ramp, no new wooden lobster boats will be built. Jon Johansen photo.

John’s Bay Boats building one more – for the owner

The seiner Odin is being hauled at Hansen Boat Co. for yearly maintenance work. Hansen Boat Co. photo.

Fall season in full swing at Hansen Boat Co.

The Heron, built by Fogg’s Boatworks. Photo courtesy of Patrick Fogg

Electric boats are making waves

At Saturday’s Long Island race, Obsession and Natalie E appear to be bow-to-bow. Obsession won the Class N(A) race (40 feet and over, 751 to 1,000 hp) at 43.5 mph. Jon Johansen photo.

Maine’s 2025 lobster boat racing wraps up

At Winter Harbor, Fifth Generation leads Size Matters across the line in Diesel Class P at 34 mph. Jon Johansen photo.

Maine lobster boat races in the home stretch

Kimberly Ann and Alex Rose are nearly bow-to-bow in Diesel Class B, 40 feet and over, 501 to 750 hp race, which Kimberly Ann won at 32 mph. Jon Johansen photo.

A crowded field at Stonington races

In Harpswell's Diesel Free-For-All, Blue Eyed Girl and Miss Ava Elaine lead a pack of 11 boats. At the end, Blue EyedGirl stayed barely ahead of Miss Ava Elaine (in the foreground) to win at 50.4 mph. Jon Johansen photo.

Racing with the pack at Harpswell

At the Freindship lpobster boat races La Belle Vita won the Diesel Free for All at 43.9 mph. Natalie E. was in second place. Three other boats, Mean Kathleen, Alex Rose and 4 Ladies followed them across the line. Jon Johansen photo.

Lobster boat racers converge at Friendship

Chad Libby in the 34-foot Myrtle Belle leads Ivan Libby’s Wrecking Crew and four other boats across the finish line in the Class D, 236 to 335 hp, 34 feet and over race at Moosabec Reach, hitting 28.8 mph. Jon Johansen photo.

Massive turnout at Moosabec races