Category: Projects

Shortly after we launched the prototype of Doug’s Top Hat design in 2002, he sketched another version along the same lines but with a higher topsides, a windshield and shelter top. The idea was to provide better protection from the elements and more accommodations space for short cruises.

Eleven years later a couple approached Doug about a small lobster boat design for day use and weekend cruises. On a whim he showed them his sketch and they were smitten.

The new boat has a lot in common with Top Hat: a narrow twisting V-bottom with a fine entry and fairly flat run for good sea keeping, fuel efficiency and semi-planing speed; shapely topsides with flared bow sections transitioning gracefully to tumblehome at the quarters and a radiused transom; powered by an outboard in a well for quiet, fuel efficiency, economy and space saving.

There are plenty of differences too: The sheathed strip plank construction method allowed us to do away with the sawn frames which saved labor and space; a cored foredeck eliminates the need for deck beams providing more head room down below; the main bulkhead was moved aft allowing space for a toilet opposite a sink and cupboards aft of the V-berth; and of course the higher raised deck sheer with windshield and shelter top.

We’re excited about the looks and the capabilities of this little cruiser. From their home port in Brooklin, her owners will be a day’s cruise or less from countless friendly harbors, quiet coves, and islands to explore. They’ll cruise safely, quietly, and comfortably. They’ll get there in good time but they won’t break the bank on the fuel bill. And they’ll do it in style!

GATSBY’s hull is essentially the same as Doug’s Bowler and Top Hat designs. But each of the three designs has different sheer heights and main bulkhead locations. GATSBY’s sheer was lowered from Bowler’s to achieve a sleeker profile, and her main bulkhead is further forward to provide for an ample cockpit. With her raised foredeck, flaring bow, tumblehome stern and radiused transom, GATSBY’s topsides are a feast for the eyes.

Forward of the windscreen and under the raised foredeck is a simple V-berth with plenty of storage beneath and a private head. A varnished mahogany windscreen fairs into a continuous coaming that establishes an inviting aft seating and social area. Along with the two fore and aft seat consoles further forward, GATSBY can comfortably seat as many as eight. A drop in mahogany table quickly converts the aft seating to a perfect space in which enjoy a chilled glass of wine, which is at the ready in the built-in refrigerator. The wonderfully curvaceous mahogany joinery is a joy to behold. Whether it’s in your gaze, under your hand, or against your back, the craftsmanship throughout is unmistakable. Topped off with custom colors and a brushed finish GATSBY cannot be missed!

Underwater the narrow twisting v-bottom transitions from a fine entry to a fairly flat run, resulting in a wholesome combination of good sea keeping, semi-planing speeds and fuel efficiency. A 115 HP Yamaha engine provides quiet and reliable propulsion at speeds up to 30 mph.

GATSBY was launched on July 2, 2018 in Hawkin’s Cove. Despite our best efforts to keep our launching plans under wraps, a small crowd of friends and family assembled to witness GATSBY’s first dip. It was all business as we checked bilges, scrutinized her trim, trialed systems and got underway for her first sea trial. But within 30 min we were already feeling really good about this boat and we were glad for the hugs and high fives that awaited us at the dock. As we have sorted out details and fine tuned her performance in the past few weeks, it has become clear to all of us involved that this is a special boat, and a shining example of how a collaborative process can really pay off.

GATBY’s owner is an experienced boater but new to Maine waters. An avid fisherman, his experience aboard a wide variety of sport fishing boats informed his decision making throughout the process. But from the start it was clear that this boat wasn’t about fishing, it was about family. There were conference calls involving multiple generations with a variety of opinions and perspectives, hundreds of drawings and photos exchanged covering everything from freeboard to color scheme, visits, lunch meetings, and a few last minute text messages. It all amounted to a very successful process and a vessel in which every one involved feels a great deal of pride.

In 2018 we designed and built GATSBY for a family with a new summer home in Rockport Maine. Since then, they have loved her dearly and used her extensively for picnics and day trips around Penobscot Bay. As they discovered all the wonderful places to see and explore by boat, they began to realize they needed a boat with a bit more size, range, speed, capacity and comfort in a range of conditions.

A conversation began in 2021, and we brought in Matthew Smith, N.A. to develop the design. He worked closely with Ellery and the owners to ensure the new boat would build upon what they loved about GATSBY while also providing a whole new boating experience. Lead Builder Matthew Elwell and Designer/Systems Architect Ben Parson worked out the myriad details. Kit Macchi headed up hull and pilot house construction and Alina Johns worked tirelessly to make her shine!

Photo: Nick Parson

Photo: Nick Parson

At 31′ 6″ on deck, with a 10′ 4″ beam, and displacing approximately 10,000 lbs, GATSBY II is nearly three times larger than GATSBY. But part of the challenge was to design a boat that was easier to use and handle in all ways, despite going up substantially in size. This was achieved with thoughtful design and well-placed technology: Hull doors and a “walk around” layout for moving in/out and around the boat with ease and safety; the latest technology from Yamaha provided joystick controls with bow thruster integration for effortless and intuitive docking and in-harbor handling; a SeaKeeper gyrostabilizer for comfort and stability at anchor and low speeds; a Zipwake dynamic trim control system for comfort and efficiency at speed; autopilot; electric windlass and much more.