Professional BoatBuilder Magazine

Spring is here, and so is International Marine Service Technician Week—running from April 21 through April 25! This week is all about recognizing the hardworking marine technicians who keep our boats operating safely and smoothly. From regular maintenance to complex repairs, their expertise keeps us on the water with confidence. Thanks to the American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC) for shining a light on these essential professionals in the boating world. Join us in celebrating the dedication, skill, and commitment of our marine service teams. They’re the reason boating stays enjoyable season after season.

We are saddened by the passing of our founder and every boatbuilder's best friend, Carl Cramer.

To flange or to weld? Naval architect Patrick Bray shares more of his design experience optimizing material choices and construction methods for custom metal yachts.

Join systems expert Nigel Calder for a close look at the newest galvanic corrosion protection from Martyr.

AI for marine applications is still a developing sector. Join Editor Aaron Porter in discussion with technology companies Hefring Marine and Tocaro Blue about the potential for AI to improve vessel handling and performance.

AIRMAR® Technology Corporation, a world leader in ultrasonic transducers and Chirp technology is excited to announce their SmartBoat® Solution has achieved OneNet certification, the third generation NMEA Standard for marine data interfacing and networking. SmartBoat is the only marine electronics solution that integrates devices using current, future, and legacy standards including NMEA 0183, NMEA 2000®, and OneNet. Learn more: https://buff.ly/3X8gp8l

Recyclable thermoplastic resin and a crew of trainees are put to the test building a commercial fishing boat at DJ Marine in Pointe-Sapin, New Brunswick. Learn more: https://buff.ly/4dqvbyb

"What’s the greenest boat we can build?” The question was casually asked over coffee at the Northwest Maritime Center in Port Townsend, Washington. Someone offered a short, glib answer: “None.” But in our consumer society, it’s impossible to stop making stuff, so thinking about making it better with less impact on the environment seems like a good idea. How do we tally the impact of a single new boat? Like any industrial process, boatbuilding requires hydrocarbon-fueled energy. Learn more: https://buff.ly/4crNXDT ✍️ Dieter Loibner 📷 11th Hour Racing

Designing, engineering, and building sailing yachts 90' (27.4m) or more in length once was common in the U.S. It's happening again at Rockport Marine in Maine: Project Ouzel, a 95' (29m) classic cutter with a pilothouse, has a cold-molded hull with elements of carbon and fiberglass and a foam-cored plywood-fiberglass deck. Designed by Langan Design Partners (LDP) in Newport, Rhode Island, the boat has traditional lines and proportions, with long overhangs and a low deck-house but decidedly modern performance expectations thanks to her carbon rig and optimized appendages. Learn more: https://buff.ly/46El5an ✍️ Dieter Loibner 📷 LDP & Rockport Marine

From the drawing board of Stephens Waring Design (Belfast, Maine) comes Isobel, a 26'6" (8.5m) 1950s-inspired runabout being built at nearby Belmont Boatworks. The boat was commissioned by a longtime SWD client, who will run it as a lake commuter/watersport boat and has specified a sustained top speed of 25 mph (22 kts). As shown in renderings, Isobel will have a low sheer; a stern platform for swimming, tubing, and water-skiing; and a minimal draft of 11" (28cm) for ramp launching. Learn more: https://buff.ly/3LM9H2l