National Fisherman

Boats & Gear

Enough power, but not too much. Integrity Machining photo

Switch hitting with slinkies: Integrity Machining dials in perfect balance for blackcod haulers

Brian Hagenbuch

Two speeds are better than one. ZF Marine photo

An outboard with smooth moves: ZF Marine introduces new two-speed outboard transmission

Brian Hagenbuch

Equipped with a Fred Wahl designed and built crane, the lengthened Keta will be able to handle more crab pots and quota. Fred Wahl Marine Construction photo

In the long run: The 45-year-old F/V Keta gets a stretch to increase her capacity in Alaska’s king crab fishery

Paul Molyneaux

The original doors of the king crabber Wizard required each dog to be turned. When the boat took a sea through the wheelhouse, the rebuild included new Libra doors, sold by Imtra Corp. of New Bedford, Mass. Eric MacDonald photos

We got you covered: In rough seas, a vessel’s integrity depends on sound hatches, doors and windows

Paul Molyneaux

Cut into strips, the new packaging is soil in a year.

More fishing, less plastic: Grundéns introduces compostable packaging

Brian Hagenbuch

Get the power of satellite technology in your palm.

Satellite comms in your hand: ACR’s new Bivy Stick has one-touch tracking and SOS

Brian Hagenbuch

At Boothbay, Heather Thompson in Gold Digger, a Wayne Beal 36 with a 675-hp Scania, wins the Diesel Class J race — 551 to 700 hp, 36 feet and over — hitting 43.9 mph. Jon Johansen photo.

Michael_Crowley

It’s time to put everything on the line for Maine’s lobster boat racing season

Michael Crowley

Teknotherm photo.

Just chillin’: Designs that incorporate refrigeration innovations are helping vessels of all sizes land quality product

Paul Molyneaux

George Butler is building this rowing 12-foot skiff out of white cedar in Reedville, Va. Larry Chowning photo.

Larry_Chowning

Southern fleets look north for supplies; a builder’s life is measured in skiffs

Larry Chowning

The Carpe Diem, a 60-foot Dixon, is built to fish offshore in the worst weather, when catches are big and prices are high. Asher Molyneaux photo.

Seize the day and slay: Ethan Whitaker’s outsized Carpe Diem dwarfs other Maine lobster boats, but is built for the future

Paul Molyneaux

The Mary Lu left Fashion Blacksmith with a new stepped pilothouse that provides better visibility all the way around, especially toward the back deck. Fashion Blacksmith photo.

Michael_Crowley

Better visibility for Texas step-pilothouse; boat carpenter clamps down worst leak he’s seen

Michael Crowley