National Fisherman

Boats & Gear

https://divcomplatform.s3.amazonaws.com/www.nationalfisherman.com/images/3a69453a42282a255b690fa1fc7f2554.jpg — The Norsap chairs that IMTRA have caught on with captains who spend long hours in at the helm. The Norsap chairs feature replaceable cushions and many options for customizing. Image Credit: IMTRA

New Bedford based IMTRA is a one-stop-shop for boatbuilders for new builds or retrofits

Paul Molyneaux

A MSHS field crew technician taking precise measurements inside the crankcase on one of the big engines the company overhauls. MSHS has built a reputation on keeping hard working engines functioning smoothly. MSHS photo via Instagram.

The spa for engines

Paul Molyneaux

An Alaska Wildlife Trooper patrol boat on Bristol Bay. The AWT will be measuring boats in 2023 and working with fishermen to bring all vessels into compliance with the 32-foot limit. AWT photo.

Measuring up in Bristol Bay

Paul Molyneaux

Bill Keeling, above, built his first deadrise workboat in 1976. At age 77, he has started a new 42-footer at his boat shop in Mathews County, Va. Larry Chowning photo.

Larry_Chowning

Virginia boatbuilder, 77 years young, at work on new deadrise

Larry Chowning

At the Boothbay races in the Diesel Free For All, with the cruise ship American Constitution as a back drop, La Belle Vita (left), Maria’s Nightmare II (center) and Blue Eyed Girl fight for 1st place. At the end, Maria’s Nightmare won at 57.5 mph. Jon Jo

2023 Maine Lobster Boat Races schedule

Carli Stewart

Quarters are tight in each of Taylored Boats two boatbuilding shops but even in the preliminary stages there’s a good sense there will be enough deck space for 200 lobster traps when Taiyored Boats finishes this 46-foot lobster boat. Taylored Boats photo.

Michael_Crowley

Maine boat builder resists the rubber-deck trend

Michael Crowley

While Starlink’s expanded coverage to the Bering Sea was not yet rolled out as expected in January 2023, two Bering sea trawlers rigged up with the system anyway to be ready when the signals become available. Network Innovations photo.

Starlink's marine satellite system opens up new, speedy data transfer for vessel operators

Paul Molyneaux

The 34’ x 11’ Cobra fishes multiple fisheries off Washington state’s Olympic Peninsula. Crozier Craft photo.

Michael_Crowley

New boat does it all on waters off Washington’s Olympic Peninsula

Michael Crowley

The Emilie Virginia is presently up on the hard at Crown Pointe Marina in Hayes, Va., getting a new bottom, stern and pilothouse. She is shown here with her captain and owner Peyton Mason. Photo by Jimmy John Hunley.

Larry_Chowning

Virginia waterman needs his classic wooden boats ‘just to keep up with the work.’

Larry Chowning

Aboard Spiny lobsterman Chris Dabney's boat at Channel Islands Harbor, California — Aboard Spiny Lobsterman Chris Dabney's H&H Marine boat at the Channel Islands Harbor in California

Six marine safety devices that could save a fisherman

Megan Waldrep

The 70' Columbia is shown here with three other Conn. boats that were brought south to Chesapeake Bay, three of which will work in the State of Maryland's Oyster Replenishment Program. Photo by Benny Horseman.

Larry_Chowning

New homes on Chesapeake Bay for Connecticut oyster schooners

Larry Chowning