National Fisherman

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Michael Crowley

Contributor

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

Author Archive

In the Fastest Friendship Lobster Boat race, Andrew Simmons in Carson & Emma (right) edged out his brother Keith in Isaac & Colby (left). Though there was a slight dispute over the results. Jon Johansen photo.

Friendship matchup marks midway of 2023 Maine Lobster Boat Racing

In the Diesel Class N race at Stonington, Maine, the Natalie E. finishes barely ahead of Obsession, winning at 40.1 mph. The Terrie J took third. Jon Johansen photo.

Stonington Lobster Boat Racing never disappoints

Howard Makela restored the bow decking on the 71-year-old salmon troller the Claire H, replacing the original planked and caulked decking with marine-grade plywood. Howard Makela photo.

Makela Boatworks rebuilding 1952 salmon troller

The Supersonic was one of two Bristol Bay gillnetters built by Rozema Boat Works this past spring with a pair of Cummins 600-hp 8.3 diesels. Rozema Boat Works photo.

More bow- and stern-picker combination boats for Bristol Bay

At Rockland’s last race of the day, the Fastest Lobster Boat, La Bella Vita and Witching Hour are bow-to-bow. Maria’s Nightmare II (not shown) won the race at 49 mph. La Bella Vita took second at 41 mph and Witching Hour was third. Jon Johansen photo.

Maine Lobster Boat Racing kicks off 2023 season

Peregrine Boats launched this 32’ x 16’ 6’ Bristol Bay gillnetter at the end of May. She should be able to plane with 12,000 pounds and work in 20 inches of water. Peregrine Boats photo.

Design tweaks pack more horsepower, fish in a Bristol Bay gillnetter

Abe Philbrook, owner of the Katherine Pennington, straddles the boat’s sheer line at the hauling station. Behind him is a custom cabin top built by Oceanville Boatworks. Oceanville Boatworks photo.

Lots of custom work – and a shiny bilge – for Maine islands lobster boat

The Bristol Bay gillnetter Lady Mindy, built by Rozema Boatworks in the early 1990s, left Maritime Fabrication on April 17 with a new enclosed top house. Maritime Fabrication photo.

Upgraded boats, and a new gillnet drum design for Bristol Bay

Three Scania-powered lobster boats battling it out at the Harpswell lobster boat races. Gold Digger, on the left, won, hitting 39 mph, followed by Danica Haley in the middle and Mean Kathleen. Jon Johansen photo.

Summer Heat

Farrin’s Boatshop is finishing off this 46-foot Muscle Ridge hull for a California fisherman. Jon Johansen photo.

California dreamers are drawn to a Maine boatshop