Our Story

My father, Ralph Stanley, founded his boatyard in 1973. During his decades long career as a designer and boat builder in Southwest Harbor, dad became well-known for constructing wooden lobster boats and Friendship sloops.

Today, my wife Lorraine and I continue these traditions with Great Harbor Boatworks. We have an eye toward the future and a focus on innovation. Although we offer the same high quality wooden boats my dad's yard was known for, we simultaneously incorporate the best of modern marine technology. We also run a full-service maintenance yard, specializing in the care, maintenance and storage of wooden boats.

Great Harbor Boatworks is centered around our customers and their boats. We know the intricacies and unique aspects of every boat we build and service. We know how each customer uses their boat and how to help them get the most from their boating experience. As a small boatyard, we can communicate better with our customers, and make sure each boat gets the attention and care it needs. As a family-run, values-driven shop, it's important to us that each boat and each owner receive the attention they deserve.

We'd like to meet you, and make your dream of a wooden boat become a reality. The first step is a conversation. Please send us a note, give us a call at 207.244.3795 or drop in to say "Hi!" Click here for a map

- Richard