After a strange spring it is finally really summer, and the boating weather couldn’t be better. Halfway through the season the economic situation continues to be confusing to say the least. But people are still using their boats, and the maintenance and repair industry continues to be “guardedly optimistic.” A ‘wait and see’ attitude seems to be the way to go. In the meantime, a lot is going on in area boatshops.
Susan Campbell of Campbell’s Boatyard in Oxford, MD, starts us off with a bit of surprising news. “Campbell’s Boatyards has had a lot going on this spring! On May 30, the Bachelor Pt. facility was sold to the Hinckley Company. Our talented staff at Bachelor Pt. stayed on and are still there to service your needs.”
“There have been a lot of projects happening at our Jack’s Pt. location as well.” Susan explained. “We are finishing up restorations of two Boston Whalers that were started last fall. One was also repowered with a Yamaha 90-hp motor. A 26-foot Pursuit was repowered with a Yamaha 300-hp engine. We also installed a Helm Master on the new Oxford Volunteer Fire Department fire boat which is powered with three Yamaha 300-hp engines. Other projects include a blast and bottom job on a 30-foot Sportsman, a rudder replacement on a 27-foot S2 sailboat, and continuing carpentry and paint work on a 41-foot Penbo Trawler.
Campbell’s Yacht Sales is now located at our Town Creek location and has many great boats currently for sale; view our inventory online. If you have a boat you would like to sell, please reach out to PJ Campbell at (410) 829-5458.”
Gregg Shute of Judge Yachts in Denton, MD, shares the following update with us. “Judge Yachts has been busy keeping up with 36 Chesapeake orders. An offshore-rigged boat with a spotting tower was just delivered to the Pamlico Sound area of North Carolina. The boat was rigged with two of Honda’s new V8 350-hp outboards, which was a first for this model. There are also a number of orders still in process, going to other regions as well. One, nearing completion, will be heading to New Hampshire with twin 350-hp Suzuki outboards, another to Long Island, NY, and one going to the Panhandle of Florida. We will soon be laying up parts for a 36 Chesapeake to be used as charter boat, which will be operated on the lower west coast of Florida.
“In addition to the 36 model orders, Judge has some of their popular smaller models in process as well. A 27 Chesapeake that will be the first of this model to get the new Honda V8 outboard should be ready for delivery within weeks. Of course, there is a 265 center console and a 22 center console just hitting the rigging bay at the shop as well. In the lamination building, there is a 265 center console in the mold that is currently awaiting a new contract that could be completed sooner than a new order. Contact the shop if you want to jump on this opportunity or discuss a new build.”
Jake Glover of Ferry Point Marina in Trappe, MD, sends us this newsy update. “Our inboard driveline specialists recently wrapped up a job on a 60-foot Viking. The shafts were pulled and sent out for testing, and all four cutlass bearings were replaced. The Tides shaft seals and rudder systems were also fully serviced. In the fiberglass shop, the team just completed a full stringer and transom replacement on a Seaway Sportsman, along with a new transom installation on a 23-foot C-Hawk. Meanwhile, next door, the paint crew wrapped up an Awlcraft application on a 29-foot Robbins. Our mobile services team has been busy with service calls and cleanings. On the schedule is a Hull Maxx application for a brand-new 38-foot Grady.”
“While we’re well known for our Yamaha Master Technicians,” he continued, “Don’t forget our inboard driveline specialists. With decades of experience and a deep understanding of a variety of systems—including PYI, Tides, Duramax, and CIP—our crew is equipped to handle boats approaching 50 tons.”
Tiffany Yachts in Burgess, VA, features Bay Retriever, a 40-foot Mainship this month on its Facebook page. “Bay Retriever is going back in the water after we’ve completed our work. Service included new flooring in the forward cabin, fresh water wash down added to the bow anchor locker, fresh water flush for the engine, added underwater lights, re-caulked the joint around the stairs to the bridge, serviced the engine, and painted the bottom and waxed the hull. Ready for the summer! Call us today to get on our schedule for all your needs.”
Chesapeake Light Craft (CLC) in Annapolis, MD, has had a couple of years of rain at their annual small boat festival on the Chester River. According to CLC’s website, however, this year the heavens smiled, and the sun shone brightly. “The 27th Annual Big Little Boat Festival (née OkoumeFest) was held on the Chester River near Centreville, MD, on May 17. In 2023 and 2024 heavy rain filtered out all but the hardcore attendees. Would 2025 make it a rainy hat trick? Friday night’s biblical thunderstorm had us worried. But Saturday morning dawned bright and clear. The spell was broken, and it was a lovely “mess about” in boats! (There were a number of lovely Teardrop campers on hand, too.) A fresh breeze at midday kept the bugs away, and, combined with the tall trees shading the site, kept the day cool and pleasant. The wind did make things exciting at times for the sailors. Tying in reefs and frequent glances to windward to anticipate the puffs were good ways to avoid a spill... Our profuse thanks to everyone who made it to Conquest Beach on the Chester River. See you in May 2026!”
Most of us think of CLC as the world’s largest supplier of kit boats and the last bastion of hard-core boating do-it-your-selfers. CLC is all those things, but it also offers a custom boatbuilding operation. The custom service is described in their website. “Would you like a Chesapeake Light Craft design—or any other design—but don’t have the time or space to build it? CLC was undertaking commissions for completed boats as early as 1994, and that side of the business has grown steadily over the years. Our custom shop is in demand thanks to our decades of expertise in CAD/CAM design and fabrication, and the depth of talent in our 25-person team. In 2021 we added a 2000-square-foot shop devoted entirely to custom projects.
"The new shop is helmed by CLC’s lead boat builder, WoodenBoat School instructor, and degreed wood scientist Andrew Schroeher. Over the years we’ve delivered innumerable boats of all shapes and sizes, and, recently, many CLC Teardrop campers. Other specialties include boat restoration; paint and varnish; prototypes; plugs; architectural elements and sculpture work; and CNC-milled keels, centerboards, and rudders for yachts large and small. We are a one-stop shop. Whether you want a quick coat of varnish, you›ve started your project but misplaced your mojo, or you simply want your project hand-built from scratch by seasoned professionals, we have experience and expertise. Time to stop dreaming and get out on the water. Call us for a quote today!”
Brittney Parrish from Higgins Yacht Yard in St. Michaels, MD, sends us this reminder that from the last weekend in June through the second weekend in September the waters of the Miles River host that quintessential Chesapeake Bay event, the Log Canoe Races. “These iconic Chesapeake workboats turned racers are as dramatic as they are historic. Originally used for oystering, they were modified with oversized sails to be the first boat back to the dock—because that meant top dollar for your catch. Now, they race for pride, tradition, and some of the best photo ops on the Bay. Best viewed out on the water! Let us know if you plan on leaving your slip for the day to watch the races.”
(Editor’s note: Go to the Higgins Yacht Yard website at higginsyachtyard.com/log-canoe-races to view the entire summer’s racing schedule kindly posted by the marina folks. You can also check out the SpinSheet calendar.)
That’s it for this month. Enjoy the Bay and remember if you have guests without lifejackets, BoatUS has a loaner lifejacket program for all sizes.
By Captain Rick Franke