After 18+ months of focused design and tooling, our do-it-all classic is back. The new 15′ Maine Lobster Boat planes happily with a 10 hp outboard, rows from two stations, and now ships with a simple, confidence-building balanced-lug sail rig. The boat carries up to six people, features thoughtful storage, a deeper transom for long-shaft motors, and a clean, modern interior liner that’s tough, easy to maintain, and looks great.

Below, a quick tour of the final stages—from deck plug and mold making, to the first completed prototype.

Liner: Non-Skid & Hatch Placement

What we did: With the liner plug nearly complete, we laid out non-skid panels and finalized the locations for dry-storage hatches to keep gear secure and decks tidy.

Why it matters: The integrated liner gives the boat crisp interior lines, better durability, and straightforward cleanup.

Hull #0 & Plug Work: Releasing the First Parts

What we did: After finishing the hull mold, we “popped” Hull #0 and released the liner plug from the mold. At the same time we were also crafting the deck plug, which needed several rounds of shaping, sanding, and buffing to achieve smooth surface.

Why it matters: Perfect plugs make perfect molds—and perfect molds make clean, repeatable parts.

Hull #0 and liner plug releasing cleanly; deck plug mid-fairing.

Deck: From Plug to Production Mold

What we did: We rolled the deck plug into the gel-coat booth and built up multiple layers—gel coat, then a black top coat—before buffing out any imperfections. Structural backing in fiberglass and plywood locked in the shape. We then added external supports so the deck mold stays rigid under layup loads.

Result: The deck mold released cleanly. Final steps included a meticulous sand, buff, and wax before the first deck part can be made.

Below: First gel-coat layer on the deck plug; cure underway.

Below: Top coat applied—back to the booth for final buffing.

Fiberglass, corematte, and balsacore are added to the deck plug to ready the mold for release

One of the final stages of making the deck mold is to add supports so when the deck is up-side-down (but the mold is right side up), it is supported.

The deck mold is popped from the hull! But the work is not complete,
we still need to sand, buff and wax the mold before the first deck can be made.

Because Hull #0 housed the liner plug during tooling, it’s a non-service hull and will be retired. Meanwhile, Hull #1 is ready for liner and deck fit-out.

Building the First Deck

What we did: With the mold prepped, we sprayed gel coat, then hand-laid fiberglass chop, roving, and resin for a strong, consistent laminate. After cure, we added targeted plywood reinforcements at the bow, stern, and under the deck rails for stiffness and long-term durability.

Result: Deck #1 complete and production-ready.

Ron is applying fiberglass chop, roving (fabric), and resin (hand rolled) to build up the deck.

After the (above) fiberglass stage is cured, Jeremy add additional stability to the deck mold, which are the plywood pieces in the bow, stern and inside the deck rails.

Final results of the deck to come!

Prototype Assembly: Hull + Liner + Flotation

What we did: While deck tooling progressed, we dry-fit the first liner into Hull #1 and verified flotation foam volumes between hull and liner. We tested different foam thicknesses to optimize buoyancy and serviceability.

Why it matters: Correct foam spec ensures our rated capacities and real-world safety in swamped conditions.

Jeremy fitting the liner; flotation foam trials in progress.

Sail Plan: Balanced-Lug, Standard

Update: We originally explored both a balanced-lug and a sloop option. After prototype testing and customer feedback, we are proceeding with the balanced-lug as the standard rig for the production Lobster Boat.

Why you’ll like it: Faster setup, fewer parts, excellent control, and a friendly learning curve—perfect for a boat that splits time between outboard work, rowing, and sailing.

Mast step fit-up; hardware placement verified; lug rig at full hoist.

The Big Moment: Deck On, Boat Launched

What we did: With the gel-coated deck complete, we bonded deck to hull and liner, then finished hardware, steering, and rig.

Result: Prototype launched. On the water she’s stable, responsive, and—true to her roots—just as happy hauling gear as she is slipping along under sail.

Above & Below: Deck bond in progress

The Prototype is in the Water!!

Above & Below: Prototype alongside the dock

Our First Sea Trial!

Thank you to King Salmon Marine for outfitting us with the 9.9 HP Yamaha motor for our prototype Lobster Boat.

What’s Next!

• Pre-orders: We’re fulfilling existing pre-orders through early spring.
• General orders: In celebration of our prototype, orders are open! Please note, we are fulfilling pre-orders first and new orders will be placed on the Lobster Boat waitlist and potential build dates are March 2026 or later. Pricing, available options and accessories here!
• Rig & options: Balanced-lug standard; trim, storage, and hardware options comparable to our Salish Voyager.

Questions about the New Lobster Boat or any of our boats, call 253-851-2126 or get in touch via our website to discuss options, accessories and our boats!

Thank you to the Gig Harbor Boat Works Team!

Our team is small but mighty and completing the Lobster Boat prototype was a full team effort.

Bringing the Lobster Boat prototype to life was a true team effort. We’re a small crew with big standards, and every person below had a hand in turning CAD files and plugs into a finished boat on the water.

• Jeremy — Master Fiberglass Craftsman
  With 15+ years at the bench, Jeremy engineered the most efficient layup methods for the hull, liner, and deck, setting our production playbook for quality and repeatability.
• Ron — Laminating Specialist
  Ron’s 10+ years of hand-layup experience—roving, resin, the whole traditional toolkit—kept our laminates consistent, strong, and clean through each stage.
• Kyle — Assembly Floor Lead
  Nearly five years building GHBW boats means Kyle knows what works on the water. He championed smart details—like a flip-over rowing seat that also houses the mainsheet cleat—to maximize function without clutter.
• Boatbuilding Crew: Lily, CJ, and Buford
  Our assembly trio turned parts into a boat, nailing the fit, finish, and pace that keep the line moving and the quality high.
• Julie — Purchasing & Logistics
  From resins and cloth to hardware and fasteners, Julie kept materials flowing while we trialed fittings—so testing never waited on parts.
• Katie Strong — Sales Manager
  Your go-to for specs, options, and orders. If you’re configuring a Lobster Boat, Katie makes it straightforward.
• Emilie & Emberley — Accounting
  Clear invoices, smooth deposits, and timely ownership documents—Emilie and Emberley make the paperwork easy.
• Falk – Production Manger
  Led a nearly two-year design and fabrication effort to bring the Lobster Boat across the finish line.

To our whole team: thank you. Your craftsmanship and grit brought this classic back to life.

— Sommer, VP of Sales & Operations