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.