At any gathering of boatshop and boatyard folks, the subject of the lack of younger workers often comes up. A lot of us talk about the problem, but Tim Krause of Annapolis Gelcoat and Restoration in Annapolis, MD, has instituted a program called “Giving Back to the Next Generation of Marine Techs” to help do something about it. As Tim explains, “This season, we donated a boat to CAT (Center for Applied Technology) South through Anne Arundel County Public Schools (AACPS). Each week, Mike Welsh heads into the classroom to teach hands-on fundamentals—from fiberglass repair to tool skills to understanding boat structure and safety. We’re proud to support young marine professionals and continue growing the future of our industry. Invest in your craft. Invest in your community.”
Jake Glover of Ferry Point Talbot Marina in Trappe, MD, sends us this update. “Our shop has remained busy with a steady stream of collision repairs. We currently have a small Grady-White and a large commercial vessel nearing completion after fiberglass repairs and fresh topcoats. A Carolina Skiff has just received a new Awlcraft hull finish and may also be getting a Yamaha repower ahead of spring. On the mechanical side, our team is fully engaged with routine service work, repowers, and driveline projects. A Hydra-Sport is in for a new Yamaha VF200XB V MAX SHO, which has proven to be an excellent option for customers transitioning from two-stroke to modern four-stroke power. Additionally, a 38-foot deadrise will receive new Caterpillar power, while both a Jarrett Bay and a Cabo are scheduled for complete driveline service, including new shaft seals, cutlass bearings, and related components. We’re already seeing strong demand for spring slips, and availability is filling quickly. To support the upcoming season’s workload, we’re also actively working to bring on a couple of additional staff members.”
It is always a pleasant surprise when my inbox dings with a new contributor. Ken Overton from Chesapeake Yacht and Property Management in Chestertown, MD, who describes himself as a longtime reader and first-time contributor, sends us news of a busy winter. “After prepping seven boats this fall to head south to the Carolinas, Florida, and the Bahamas, the crew is busy with numerous winter projects. Along with standard winter tasks of jet services, 1000-hour services on engines with Shore Power Solutions, there are multiple refits in the works. A full suite of Garmin electronics including Starlink was installed on a 2026 Back Cove 390 for an Annapolis-based customer, with Yacht Interiors of Annapolis handling all of the soft goods projects. A Grady-White Freedom 307 for a Delaware-based owner is also getting a heavy hit of new Garmin equipment including a Garmin Kraken trolling motor supported with a lithium battery package installed by Horton Marine Service. Brown Dog Marine is working through the potential installation of a DC powered SeaKeeper 2 to assist with stabilization for “non-boater” guests. A custom Albin 46 Flybridge suffered multiple engine failures and Outstanding Marine is assisting with a full repower. New Volvo IPS600’s, pods, control systems, and Garmin Glass Cockpit multi-function displays are in process. Thankfully, engine access was a breeze requiring no structural work to get the original equipment up and out. A full bilge repainting has transpired to get the new iron properly situated. A custom fiberglass hardtop is being considered on the boat and planning is in the works with a St. Petersburg, FL, outfit.
“Unfortunately, a customer’s Viking 48 Open suffered a catastrophic failure on the port V8 MAN 1200 engine, so that fairly involved project is unfolding currently. This has led to a loss of the southern fishing season but come spring she will have two new 1200s in her belly to attack the Mid-Atlantic. Another Annapolis-based customer’s Azimut 43 is getting all new interior wall coverings as the original fabrics have delaminated over the years. Yacht Interiors of Annapolis is driving the bus on that project. As is always the case, time is slipping by too quickly, but they are pushing full bore ahead!”
Rob Hardy of Composite Yacht in Trappe, MD, sends us a brief report to remind us that in addition to new construction they also do repairs: “A 50-foot Post almost looks small in building one! This one is here for all-over paint and a few other odds and ends. Composite Yacht has placed an emphasis on quality finishes from the onset, and our well-trained and dedicated team remains committed to the craft. If you are thinking about putting a new shine on your boat, give us a call!”
Laura Shackleford from Tiffany Yachts in Burgess, VA, sends us this quick update. “In the shop we currently have Emerald Sea in for annual maintenance and pampering for spring! We’ve sanded and varnished all her beautiful brightwork, painted the bottom, and waxed the topside and hull. She’s now being shrinkwrapped and will be ready to hit the water in the spring. Need help with your boat’s annual maintenance? Give us a call today!”
Andy Dize of Roudebush Yacht and Engine Works (RY&EW) in Dundalk, MD, shares this newsy update with us. “Our current workload is full; however, we are taking orders for new projects for the spring and summer seasons. The 41-foot Utility Boat engine replacement for Aberdeen Proving Ground is making great strides with the old engines removed and system development underway for the new engines. Several additional work items were identified for this project once we started the dismantling process. Other booked repair projects include a 43-foot Chris-Craft in for topside fiberglass refurbishment and hull repairs, a 38-foot Egg Harbor starter replacement and various system repairs, a 19-foot Sea Fox electrical system repair and engine tune up, and a Soling Trailer repair and Sail Box installation. A future project being discussed involves building two additional aluminum 28-foot Dive Boats for Marine Solutions, this time with enclosed operating stations. RY&EW is a full-service repair yard able to build and repair boats up to 45 feet. For inquiries, reach out to Andy to discuss your repair or new construction projects.”
The Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum in St. Micheals, MD, helps to wile away these cold winter days by presenting a whole program of Bay related speakers and programs. Mark your calendar for “The Apprenticeship That Saved My Life: An Evening with Cory McCray, on Thursday, April 30, at 5:30 p.m. A journeyman electrician and Maryland state senator, McCray details how mentorship, skilled trades, and second chances create powerful pathways to success for individuals and communities in his debut book, “The Apprenticeship the Saved My Life,” during National Apprenticeship Week. CBMM is proud to host Senator McCray for an in-depth conversation on building stronger foundations for the next generation of workers and leaders, followed by a book signing. Additional speakers and programming will be announced in the coming months. Find more information about all CBMM’s upcoming events at cbmm.org/events.”
Until next month; stay warm and safe and be careful out there.
By Captain Rick Franke