By the time you read this, we will be on daylight savings time, and the first day of spring will be only about a week away. Congratulations, we survived the winter! Lots to talk about this month, so let’s get to it.
Jake Glover at Ferry Point Talbot Marina in Trappe, MD, starts us off this month with this newsy update. “Our mechanical crews have wrapped several Yamaha and Caterpillar repowers and a handful of 5.7L inboards, along with the usual run of shaft seals and cutless bearings. They’re now shifting into full spring commissioning mode as the season begins to ramp up. The paint shop is closing out a couple of larger projects, including a fresh Awlcraft topside job on a Brooks Boatworks 34-footer and a complete topcoat update on a 35-foot Markley. With those just about finished, the team is moving into the steady flow of gelcoat touch-ups and cosmetic work that always arrive at this time of year.
“Across all four companies—Ferry Point Marina, Composite Yacht, Evolution Marine Electronics, and Composite NC—our combined crews recently teamed up on a number of larger vessels: a 60-foot Jarrett Bay, 52-foot Buddy Davis, 50-foot Post, and 38-foot Northern Bay, all carrying long winter lists. Having all four companies working onsite allows these big projects to move seamlessly from one phase to the next. As we head into the spring season, we’re operating with our strongest staffing yet. Ferry Point now fields four certified mechanics, including two master techs, and the paint, fiberglass, and yard teams are fully staffed with certified applicators and detailers. With warm weather on the horizon, the crew is ready to get customers back on the water and make this one of our smoothest spring seasons to date.”
Jessica Abell of Abell Custom Marine checks in with an interesting project and an update on the company’s new home at Casa Rio Marina in Mayo, MD. “This customer entrusted us with his 1977 32-foot Vineyard Yacht, ready for a cosmetic refresh. The vessel was finished in a faded green paint scheme that had reached the end of its service life, making it the perfect candidate for a hull side refreshing in Awlgrip Aristo Blue, accented with a professionally painted white boot stripe. Upon inspection, we identified typical wear consistent with an actively used and well-loved boat: minor hull damage, isolated areas of rot, compromised stainless hardware, and paint failure along the wooden rub rail. Our team developed a comprehensive scope of work to properly address each issue—repairing structural deficiencies, restoring damaged components, and preparing all surfaces to meet coating specifications prior to refinishing.
“With the boat already scheduled for haul-out, we are also completing essential maintenance, including bottom paint application, Propspeed coating on running gear, and full zinc replacement to ensure optimal corrosion protection. Decals will be reapplied, featuring the redesigned vessel name and hailing port, bringing renewed identity to the hull. Jolene will return to the water fully refreshed and protected, ready for her 2026 boating season debut. We are so excited for this project, so please follow along for picture updates on our Facebook page and watch with us as Jolene transforms into something even more amazing. Stay tuned… BIG things are on the way for Jolene!
At the marina our team has been actively hauling and blocking vessels for winter storage while advancing offseason refit projects. We now have a dedicated heated area in our shop to do refinishing jobs year-round; not even the coldest of winters can slow us down! We also have updated both Travelifts, and we continue investing in operational improvements and property enhancements designed to elevate both performance and presentation. This spring boaters can expect to see continued upgrades that reflect the craftsmanship, attention to detail, and signature Abell standard that define our work.”
Bill Griffin sends us some neat photos and an update of a 26-foot Garvey boat restored at Jennings Marine Railway in Reedville, VA. I realized I did not know anything about Garvey boats. So, like all modern writers, I resorted to the internet and came up with this interesting history. The following is an excerpt from an article by Reul B. Parker which appeared on the website traditionalsmallcraft.com:
“The Garvey is a small-craft type well known in working waterfronts all over the world. The type is a relative of the Scow, whose wide, flat bottoms made them excellent for carrying cargo and fish. Garveys evolved on the New Jersey coast perhaps more than in any other American locale—their shallow draft made them ideal for fishing the bays, creeks, rivers, and estuaries of that state.
“Most early Garveys were small—under 20 feet—and had flat bottoms with nearly vertical sterns and transom-hung rudders. The bows were simply a continuation of the cross-planked bottom, curving sharply upward to terminate at a short foredeck. These craft were used for everything from carrying cargo to several kinds of fishing, shellfish gathering, and duck hunting.
“While most of the river craft were rowed, many were fitted with centerboards and sailed surprisingly well on protected and semi-protected waters. Indeed, they sailed so well that many were raced—due to their flat bottoms and long runs, they tended to plane under a good press of canvas.
“Over many years of development throughout the 19th century, the flat-bottomed Garvey grew progressively larger and evolved into a V-bottomed model around the turn of the century, so could sail in rougher water and perform better under sail... These later Garveys were often 25 feet to 30 feet long, had inboard rudders, strongly raked sterns, and were generally decked fore and aft with wide washboards (side decks) and cockpit coamings.”
Rob Hardy of Composite Yacht in Trappe, MD, shares an update on a major project underway in his shop. “Progress continues on the CY46 Marine Sciences Research Vessel, and this one represents something bigger than a launch date. Purpose-built from the keel up, the CY46 is engineered to support the Marine Sciences department at St. Mary’s College here on the Chesapeake Bay. Although “work boats” are not something we typically do, we have gained a reputation for being willing to work outside the box, and this iteration of the CY46 is definitely that. From structural reinforcements designed to handle demanding tasks, to thoughtfully integrated lab and equipment spaces, every decision is being driven by function.
“Under deck systems are nearly complete and are ready for above deck equipment. The modular interior cabinetry is ready for installation, the hydraulic gantry is underway in the metal shop, and surfaces are being prepped for top coat. As with all of our builds, our team is coordinating closely with the client to ensure the vessel performs exactly as intended on the water. We’re proud to bring our custom boatbuilding expertise to the world of marine science. More updates to come as the CY46 Research Vessel takes shape. Stay tuned!”
Ken Overton from Chesapeake Yacht and Property Management in Chestertown, MD, reaches out again with an update. “Hey, Captain Rick! We’re battling weather like everyone here on the Bay, but we’re making solid headway. Paint, fiberglass, and varnish projects have started but are moving more slowly than desired due to the temperatures. With the addition of some supplemental heating in the building, we have been able to commence bottom, jet, engine, electrical, and carpentry projects. The electronics refits are in full swing, and the Grady 307 is all but wrapped up and ready to head to Brown Dog Marine for the SeaKeeper 2 installation. We’re very excited to see how that upgrade affects the boat’s comfort and performance.
“The Albin’s two new Volvo 480s have been fitted by Outstanding Marine, and the pods will be installed by the time this issue hits the press. The associated Garmin Glass Cockpit equipment and the balance of the electronic refit are well underway. Both helm stations are getting totally refit. We are in discussions with Humphree on exactly which products will be employed to refresh the aging trim tab system currently fitted on the transom. Horton Marine Service is working on flushing out an HVAC refit on the boat. This promises to greatly improve the climate control systems.
“The Viking 48 repower is going well and the two original MAN 1200s are out of the boat so we can see if there are any engine room improvements needed while space is seemingly huge and available. The new iron is on-site and ready to go in once we have everything ready. A new teak deck is being constructed and will top off the helm area once the engine access patch has been reinstalled.
“We have a Neel 45 Trimaran that we manage in for service. The rudder found bottom a few times and needs some fiberglass attention along with a smattering of other updates.
"Horton Marine Service has the Hinckley’s Hamilton Jets all serviced and cleaned up, and all we need now are suitable temps for varnish! The calendar is ticking by too quickly, but all is progressing well! Chat soon!”
Don’t forget to dispose of your shrinkwrap properly! And happy spring!
By Capt. Rick Franke