National Fisherman

Boatbuilding

Fred Wahl Marine Construction specializes in building and repairing commercial fishing vessels for the West Coast and Alaska. Their shipyard is located on the Oregon Coast. Photo on Fred Wahl Facebook page

From humble beginnings to iconic vessels: Celebrating 50 years of Fred Wahl Marine Construction

Paul Molyneaux

A design for a methanol-fueled tug offers an idea of the challenges designers will face trying to get alternative fuel propulsion and generator systems into fishing vessels. Photo Elliott Bay

U.S. and Europe tackle emissions and costs for fishing vessels

Paul Molyneaux

Now that her LNG tanks and unique power plant are out of sight in the bowels of the vessel, the MERV-1 looks like any other modern steel shrimp trawler as she undergoes completion and outfitting at Deep Sea Boat Builders in Bayou La Batre, Ala.

Slashing fuel costs with methane-diesel hybrid engine

Carli Stewart

Myles Cockrell of Heathsville, Va., built this 20-foot skiff out of PVC materials for a commercial pound net fisherman. Larry Chowning photo.

Larry_Chowning

PVC gives new life to sharpies and skiffs

Larry Chowning

The 34-foot, 53-year-old Dab Chick has gained five fish holds, a new fuel tank space (white hold) and a trolling cockpit at the transom. Coamings down the center of the deck will support a sliding drum on an I-beam. Veronica Staggs photo.

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Alaska yard helps fishermen diversify

Michael Crowley

The next step for new builds is Tier IV. MAN Engines is leading the way with a relatively compact after-treatment system. It still takes up considerable space and will be a tight fit on smaller vessels that need power. Photo by MAN

Maine fishermen eye Tier IV engines: MAN leads the charge

Paul Molyneaux

Of the 180 vessels that were repowered with support from The Maine Clean Marine Engine Program, the vast majority have been lobster boats and other fishing vessels. Photo by Maine DEP

Maine program drives cleaner engine upgrades for fishermen

Paul Molyneaux

Wesmac Custom Boats has built several patrol boats for Maine’s Marine Patrol, such as the 46' Guardian III. Wesmac Custom Boats photo.

Wesmac builds patrol boat with Tier IV engine for Maine

Paul Molyneaux

At least two New Bedford scallop boats have been built using skewed propellers from Schaffran USA rather than nozzles, and both vessels have maximized speed while retaining towing power. Photo by Schaffran

A skewed approach to props: Schaffran Propeller

Paul Molyneaux

Rollins’ bread and butter is a 26-footer. Based on the 42’ deadrise work boat that dominates the bay’s fisheries, his unusually smaller version, offered in a sport fishing model, incorporates several modifications, including more deadrise in the bottom af

Larry_Chowning

Fishing back when: Virginian builds 26’ deadrise in juniper or fir

Larry Chowning

Creighton Palmer built the wooden long-planked bottom cabin cruiser Lauralia, above, in 1968. He also built 42-foot workboats for Maryland’s soft-shell clam dredge fishery. Photo by Robert Hurry

Larry_Chowning

Last of Potomac River dory builders passes

Larry Chowning