Family Craftsmen Creating Your Vision

West Bay Boats is located in the Down East coastal town of Steuben, ME - east of Mt. Desert Island, and right in the hub of Maine boat building,
(where the 'real' Down East begins).

Passionate about our heritage, West Bay Boats, a family run business, is now training members of the fourth generation. We are proud to be carrying on the tradition of boat building, an industry that was established in our area many years ago.

The company was started when owner Paul West, together with his son Vaughn, began building custom-built boats in the early 1980's. Paul had previously apprenticed under Henry Hinckley and mastered both the art of wooden- boat construction and the science of modern high-tech composites. They began with little more than a few power tools, skills acquired through a background in carpentry and a shared desire. Soon thereafter, Paul's two daughters joined the workforce and a family boat building business was established.

The father and son team built their first boat in 1985, a 31' designed after a classic down east lobster boat. The semi-displacement hull (with keel & skeg) has proven to be very seaworthy. This design provides stability of the boat as well as protection for the running gear. Additionally, its soft chine allows for a comfortable, smooth and quiet ride. The underbody is designed to allow for a soft entry at the bow dispersing the agitated water laterally ahead of the propeller, thereby leaving a clean path of water to the prop. This translates to, less cavitation of the wheel, more horse power (thus more speed), and also more fuel efficiency.

West Bay 31 ( Mollie Ann) Rockport Harbor

It is the goal of West Bay Boats to create the power yacht which you seek, equipped to your specifications and crafted to the industry's highest standards. Each boat is constructed with skill, integrity, and an eye for detail, together with the latest materials. Hulls and decks are laminated using stitched fabrics, vinyl ester resins and are constructed with either a balsa or a foam core. Infusion molding (a new technique using vacuum bagging, replacing the hand lay-up method) is now also being incorporated into our production process.

West Bay Boats offers the "Evolution Shaft System", which greatly enhances the quietness, fuel efficiency and speed of the Company's boats. The 'Evolution', a one-piece sealed shaft system replaces the traditional cutlass bearing and stuffing box. This system allows for the thrust to be transferred to the hull rather than onto the engine, thereby maximizing the overall performance of your boat.

Recently, West Bay Boats added a new 37' model to their long successful 31' model. The West Bay 37 is likewise a traditional built-down semi-displacement hull, designed by Spencer Lincoln who is a well known marine architect. Further refinements were recently made in the offices of C.W. Paine Yacht Design.

West Bay 31 ( Alice Ann ) Rye Harbor

Both our West Bay 31 and West Bay 37 were architecturally designed to replicate the early commercial vessels. We know that like the "old time" fisherman, boat owners today depend on their vessel to perform well for them in all types of seas. Owner John Savage is one who has testified to the stability of the West Bay 31. John charters a 6-pack and reports that when he is heading out with sports fisherman aboard his West Bay 31, he often meets other boats returning to harbor due to the rough sea conditions

More recently the owners of West Wing sailed their West Bay 31' from Florida back to its home port in RI. The photo below was taken in route at the Boat Shed in Georgetown. Here is an excerpt from their letter to us:

"Interesting that your inquiries have concerns about on-board space. You'll be interested to know that we have two kayaks on board this year, and two full sized (collapsible) bikes, plus our clothes, food and beverages, cushions, chairs, inflatable mattresses for guests, etc. We live on the WW for 4 months, and we're going back to do it again. As boats go, she's very spacious the way you built her for us. And with all the dishes, pots, and pans and serving dishes, I could easily make dinner for 8 on-board.

I can't image what the stability concerns are, but if you get any more info let us know. We've been in some amazing weather with WW, and although it wasn't fun the boat handled it well."

West Bay 31 ( West Wing) Georgetown

West Bay 36 ( Kayla Rose) Orcas Island, WA

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