After sailing our Haven 12 ½ for a few years in the vicinity of Georgetown, Maine we knew we wanted to commission a new wooden daysailer. We wished for a larger boat that would increase our range both via speed and seaworthiness. We also needed a reliable auxiliary power system to counter the strong currents in this area and get us back to the mooring when the late afternoon breeze drops off. Lastly we wanted a boat that emulated the classic form, function and beauty of our gaff rigged Haven 12 ½. In Artisan Boatworks and Alec Brainerd we found the perfect boat builder to create our “dream boat”.
Early on in the process, Alec showed us various wooden daysailers that he had restored, built or maintained for others. He listened as we listed our criteria and he thoroughly described the sailing characteristics of each of the alternative designs. Together we settled on the Herreschoff Fish Class with a gaff rig and a ten horsepower diesel engine.
We visited the shop on numerous occasions during the construction of our boat. We were always welcomed warmly by Alec and the crew (Ben, Chad and Justin) who were working on our boat. They took the time to describe the work at hand, show us other components underway or complete in other parts of the shop and to explain the upcoming work. Alec gave us timely notice of decisions needed on our part and after a few consultations with him we grew to trust his “aesthetic sense” when is came to color choices, materials of construction and proportion. Alec proved to be a true perfectionist. The fit and finish of our Fish Class was excellent.
We’ve completed our first sailing season with “Tulip”. She was everything we wanted in a sailboat. We sailed with confidence in a variety of conditions from light morning breezes to stiff winds – calm coves to choppy offshore conditions. All systems functioned as designed with only two minor adjustments or repairs needed (the gaff jaw needed to be repaired and a washer replaced on the engine fuel filter). In both cases, Alec effected the repair so quickly that we didn’t miss a day of scheduled sailing. Any questions that we had were promptly responded to – usually within the same day. Without hesitation, we recommend Artisan Boatworks.
- Peter & Kathy Wagner, Cape Neddick, Maine
“What a team, what a boat!”
- Bernie Gustin, owner of Murmur
I continue to return to Artisan Boatworks because they concentrate on a particular segment of the market, and are the best I have seen at that segment. I don’t have to worry that the jobs will not be properly done, or that the estimates were unrealistic. Great folks to work with, good instincts on upgrades in keeping with classic boats, excellent carpentry skills, great paint and varnish work…for me it is an experience with no anxiety to it. It makes having boats a pleasure.
- Haywood May
Working with Artisan Boatworks, we have just completed a substantial rennovation of “Congar”, a historic cruising yacht designed by Wink Warner and built here in Maine by Paul Luke in 1949. We were encouraged to contact Artisan by a friend who is a professional captain and we’re glad we did. In addition to their craftsmanship being exceptional, we have found Artisan to be friendly, knowledgable and thoroughly reliable. The company’s capabilities are substantial and their knowledge of historic sailing craft is exceptional and thus we are pleased to recommend them highly.
- Chris Finn
“If I’d known how much fun this (building a boat) would be, I’d have done it along time ago.”
- Bill Saltonstall, owner of Phoenix
We would be grateful if our current customers would e-mail us their testimonials for inclusion in this section.
