Welcome to the New Year. The 2025 season turned out to be better than expected, and expectations for 2026 seem to be shaping up as well. Area boatshops are busy starting the new year.
Andy Dize of Roudebush Yacht and Engine Works (RY&EW) in Dundalk, MD, starts us off with this newsy update: “Hope all have had a great 2025! The yearly migration of our wet slippers to winterization and dry storage is almost complete. Our future workload is at a manageable level, but we have room for a few more projects over the winter season. With the completion of our 28-foot aluminum dive support boat project, we can get back to a number of yard and boat repair and modification projects. We are still discussing with the owner a third boat with a cabin. Facility upgrades include our Travelift getting a much-needed makeover with new steering cylinders and hoses.
“The Sea Otter 18 conversion from an inboard/outboard drive to a 150-hp jet ski propulsion system is again underway. The operating systems of the jet drive are being reconnected and glass work for the new console has started. We encountered a slight delay in the completion of the Sea Otter project due to having to replace the driveshaft, bearings, shaft seal, and jet pump unit. After reassembly, next up for the Sea Otter is a preliminary sea trial, repainting, and exterior outfitting. The 41-foot Utility Boat engine replacement for Aberdeen Proving Ground is finally back on after a pause due to the government shutdown. This project replaces two old eight-cylinder diesel engines with more fuel efficient six-cylinder engines, electronic controls, and a new console. The scope of the effort recently increased to include a topside and bottom paint refresh. RY&EW is a full-service repair yard able to build and repair boats up to 45 feet. We currently have openings for boat repair work on our schedule. For inquiries, reach out to Andy to discuss your repair or new construction projects.”
Caitlin Sims from North Point Yacht Sales in Annapolis, MD, suggests an interesting upgrade to consider over the winter. “If you’ve ever wished your boat could stay level, smooth, and more predictable while running through chop, SeaKeeper Ride may be the upgrade you’ve been looking for. Unlike the traditional Seakeeper gyrostabilizer—which works its magic primarily at rest—the SeaKeeper Ride system actively controls vessel attitude underway. Using precision blades and ultra-fast sensors, it counters pitch and roll before you even feel it.
“At North Point Yacht Sales and Service, we’ve seen firsthand how transformative this technology can be. We’ve now completed or have scheduled SeaKeeper installs on 14 boats, ranging from 24 feet to 48 feet, giving owners a dramatic boost in comfort, performance, and control.
“SeaKeeper Ride is built around real-time motion control. With sensors sampling over a thousand times per second and compact blades mounted to the transom, the system automatically adjusts to keep your boat stable and composed. That means:
- Reduced pitch, roll, and list while underway.
- Faster hole-shot and improved acceleration.
- A more balanced, predictable ride in varying sea conditions.
- Better handling and comfort for everyone onboard.
“Whether you fish offshore, cruise with family, or run long distances, the system makes the boat feel more planted and confidence-inspiring. SeaKeeper Ride has quickly become one of the most popular upgrades among our customers—and for good reason. With 14 installations completed or already on the schedule, our team at North Point Yacht Sales and Service has the experience to make sure the fit, finish, and performance exceed expectations.”
Susan Campbell of Campbell’s Boat Yards in Oxford, MD, sends us this update. “As the boating season for 2025 ends, we want to thank our customers for their business! We have seen a busy year with our slips at Town Creek and Jacks Pt. almost full with a waiting list! Our Yamaha business has been productive and our lead Yamaha mechanic, Nate Dunker, has completed two Yamaha courses this year and plans to take the final class in February to be able to take the Master Tech Certification after completion of the class. We received our new 35BFMII Marine Travelift in mid-December, and it is set up and ready to get to work. We look forward to a productive 2026.”
Rob Hardy of Composite Yacht in Trappe, MD, shares the following news. “The Composite Yacht CY39 is the latest fully custom, wood-free offering in our lineup! Melding modern materials and build techniques with timeless elegance, the CY39 provides outstanding performance, ease of ownership, and oozes dock appeal. Available with twins or triples, in Pilothouse, Walkaround, or CC configuration. Contact us now to discuss your new Composite Yacht.”
Jim Weaver of Weaver Boat Works in Deale, MD, reports four boats under construction and one of them offers a rare opportunity. “Why wait years for a new Weaver when you can take the helm of one already in progress? This 65-foot Sportfish is nine months into construction, giving you a unique chance to jump ahead in the build process. Secure your spot now and customize the details that matter most—from powerful 2000-hp engines to your choice of a three- or four-stateroom layout. Opportunities like this don’t come often. Start enjoying your custom Weaver sooner rather than later.”
Hank Reiser of Marine Services LLC at Pocahontas Marina in Edgewater, MD, is also upbeat. “2026 looks cautiously optimistic. We have a lot of winter work, and we will see what the spring brings. You know, surprisingly, at the end of August things start to slow down, and you think maybe you’ll have some down time. Then out of the blue a big job will suddenly appear to keep you hopping till haul-out season begins. It seems to happen every year. You don’t expect it and then it comes along to keep us busy right up to winterization. I have plenty of work to keep me happy. There’s always something to do.”
When I stopped into Mast and Mallet in Edgewater, MD, a worker was sanding an upside-down hull. He introduced himself saying, “My name is Dave Levine. I’m working on a 1966 16-foot Boston Whaler. This is my first boat restoration project. I’m learning under Joe, and I’m having fun with it. I’m a volunteer. I do odd jobs for Joe and he’s teaching me about restoration.”
Master craftsman and owner of Mast and Mallet, Joe Reid has trained many aspiring boat builders over the years. He reports a good year: “2025 was relatively steady. I had a lot more personal projects that I was working on for myself, trying to wrap up a couple of boat projects that I started. Also, I was working on several different customer boats that required quite a bit of attention. We did some work on Sawdust this year (the boat on the first issue of PropTalk and on the July 2025 cover; read more about it in our Classic Boat article). Actually, we are going to be doing some more work on her this winter, repainting the side decks and the foredeck. Also got another interesting project in here, a 1954 Freres design 41-foot sailboat that’s in for major work such as fiberglassing the whole exterior of the hull, repairing or replacing several planks, and then repainting the whole boat. This particular boat will be in our shop for the rest of 2025 and part of 2026. We’ve already done some work on it, prepping it for the fiberglass work on the bottom. We removed the cotton caulking from the seams and put new epoxy in there, and we’re getting ready to fiberglass the bottom. We’ve got another couple of projects coming up in the springtime and it looks as if it’s going to be an interesting year. We are doing just fine.”
That’s it for this month. If you have not winterized by now, you’d best hurry up!
Happy New Year to all our readers and contributors.
By Capt. Rick Franke