Floating Around Maine

Scouts Are Out To Getcha!

2012-02-22T10:02:00.000-08:00

A Blog by Kyle Ross:

On the plains of Africa, the cheetah is a predator that is unlike any other. To the common eye, the cheetah is a cute, fuzzy, beautiful kitty. From the view point of the poor grazers of the plains, the cheetah is a slick, elegant, killing machine. The Scout 245 Abaco is a cheetah. YOU are the prey.

Try all you want, the Scout always gets you in the end. You look at this boat and think of it as a beautiful, innocent masterpiece. This is where the Scout lures your interest. You cant resist looking into its belly, which will make your jaw drop. And once you see the spacious interior, you cant help yourself but get in and see everything up close. Little do you know, the Scout is digging in its claws, and you are about to fall victim.

You see that there is enough space on board for people to lounge inside the cuddy cabin. That there is a head on board as well, so frequent stops dont need to be made! The captain's area is equipped with all of the gauges and gadgets that he could possibly imagine. All of which are protected from the elements by the hard top overhead. The hunt is almost over...

As you exit the belly, you notice the bulk of a 300 horse power Yamaha outboard on the transom. The Scout has made its kill.
http://hamlinsmarina.com/scout-boats-dealer/item/390-scout-boats-245-abaco-series

A Purist's Fishing Boat...The New Polar kraft 179 Frontier

2012-02-21T14:01:00.000-08:00

Quite often, people are seeking a boat that can do it all. They figure if you're going to spend the money, a boat should be able to pull a 300 lbs man on waterskis, forge a shallow creek, take on an 8 ft swell head-on, seat twenty people comfortably, be able to top out at sixty mph, troll down to 1/2 mph, and sport several dozen rodholders and cupholders.

A wiser man than me once said..."Dan, ya know if you're gonna sell boats ya ought to know that people always want three things... lots of space, plenty of speed, and it ought not to cost more than a pocket full of change. Ya might get one out of three, but ya sure ain't gettin all three!

That's why I always love running into the purist...the fisherman. With the exception of the bass angler, most fishermen don't care about flash and dash. Quality and practicality are the name of the game for anglers in Maine, and I think Polar kraft just hit a homerun with the new Polar kraft 179 Frontier. The boat does what it is designed to do extremely well...that is catch fish, traverse a wide variety of water, and store a massive amount of tackle and rods.

The new model from Polar kraft matches form and function with a low profile gauge panel, functional accessories track, and very large reinforced storage compartment lids...

Although the features are exciting, the true joy of owning a 179 Frontier is the ride and the comfort. The Frontier features the exclusive V-Pad hull and 99" across the beam which would entice even Paul Bunyan to take up fishing.

Learn more at: http://hamlinsmarina.com/polar-kraft-boats

Chillin on an Aqua Patio

2012-02-18T06:23:00.000-08:00

A Blog Written by Kyle Ross:

Feeling the soft summer breeze and the rays of the sun upon your body, you dont have any worries while you lounge on the upgraded vinyl of your Aqua Patio 220. Everybody is different, but we can all agree that nothing beats a day on the water. So why spend your time out on the water in a boat that doesn't satisfy your every need? This is where Godfrey Pontoons and the Aqua Patio 220 step in with luxury and style.

This boat will turn the head of every resident on the lake! It has a sleek, black finish with a platinum backsplash that gives it a truly tough look. The external look of the pontoon is not the only part of the boat that is eye catching. The interior of this boat is fit for a king! The vinyl covering of the seats are upgraded and soft to the touch. And with the combination of this fabric and the plushness of the cushions, everybody will be begging you for a ride!

Now that all of your friends and neighbors are going to want to ride on your Aqua Patio, it is nice to know that you can seat a total of 12 people. This fact will really make you feel like royalty while you are driving on the raised helm seat. Not only is the helm higher than the rest of the floor, all of the controls/gauges/ and captains chair are upgraded for pure luxury. Along with these upgrades you have a Sony stereo system that will blast the music to your party.

The kids will have a blast with this boat as well! There is a ski tow that will allow for them to spend the day tubing! And there is no need to go to shore for bathroom breaks (because we know how nature can strike at any moment), for there is a changing room curtain on board. Stick a Porta-Potti in there and you have all of the privacy you need. It also provides a good area for changing into swimsuits and/or outfits.

Spending the day on the lake has never been so fun. You will be the envy of your neighbors, and the highlight of the fun. The Aqua Patio 220 has everything that is possibly needed to have a great time, and lets just admit it, it is almost time to work on your tan!
http://hamlinsmarina.com/aquapatio-boats/item/403-aqua-patio-220bc3

The Good, The Bad, & The Ugly...Reflections of the Bangor Mall

2012-02-13T11:17:00.000-08:00

Every year I step out of my comfort zone at our marina on the Penobscot River and open up shop at the Bangor Mall for the month of February.

Kyle Ross Manning His Post

The sounds of the Bangor Mall are much different than the rising and falling of the tide...it's a cacophony of crying babies and arguing lovers mixed with the infinite whirring of the Blizzard machine at the Dairy Queen. The mall is a great equalizer of sorts...the strong, the weak, the rich, and the poor become intertwined into one single macroorganism known as the general public.

What happens when you put seven beautiful fiberglass and aluminum masterpieces within arm's reach of the general public on a February day in Bangor, Maine?

Typical February Day at the Bangor Mall in The Hamlin's Marina Boat Store

Think depression-ea bankrun or an LA riot minus the violence and tear gas. If mall patrons are baracudas, then boats are like shiny diamond jewelry! My only weapons are a terry cloth and a bottle of Windex. Bring it on!

I can't imagine why people are going bonkers...check out this Mastercraft X25 http://hamlinsmarina.com/mastercraft-boats/item/480-mastercraft-ms225-x25 on display:

Can You Say Eye Candy?

One thing I've learned at the Bangor Mall is that boat love is pretty much universal. In fact, I spoke with this one tattooed ruffian who told me that fluffy kittens angered him...but he was so touched by the beauty of the Scout 187 Dorado (http://hamlinsmarina.com/scout-boats-dealer/item/453-scout-boats-187-dorado) on display, that it brought the man to tears. Luckily, I was carrying my trusty terry cloth and I dabbed away the wet trails on the man's weathered face.

So, shake off the winter blues and stop by the Bangor mall store. We've got some amazing boat specials going on, and it won't be long until the warm sun draws thousands of boaters out of hibernation.

Beauty & The Beast

2012-02-02T13:51:00.000-08:00

Do you want to catch fish? I mean, do you really want to catch fish?? If you do, then you are going to need a proper boat. I know Brad Pitt only needed waders when he pretended to fish in "A River Runs Through It", but real fisherman need a real fishing boat. You'd look pretty silly in waders trying to bring in a Mako shark, now wouldn't you?

Now not every fisherman is alike of course. If you're the type that likes a nicely pressed shirt, a close shave, and an occasional pedicure (you don't have to admit it), then you might appreciate Scout's 210 XSF center console fishing boat for its contoured lines and comfortable upholstery.

Beauty

Don't hate if for being beautiful, however, because you can stalk fish from Moosehead to Mt. Desert Rock in this rig. Yes, Scout makes you swoon with details like a powder-coated T-Top and loads of stainless hardware like a suicide knob at the helm, but she takes care of business like Ray Lewis laying out a running back. Scout's rugged good looks just enhance the overall experience of being out on the water. And a Scout 210 is just as comfortable in fresh water as she is in the ocean.

You might be the fisherman who values a different type of boat. I've never seen a pair of Carhartt pants that required ironing. You might think that the perfect complement to Canadian Club is a can of Vienna Sausages. You also might think that pairing a 21' Aluminum Polar kraft fishing boat with a 90 Horsepower Yamaha outboard WITH TILLER ARM is the greatest match since blue cheese dressing met the buffalo wing. For all of you that fit this description, meet the BEAST...

The Beast

Bottom line is that either of these boats are capable of chasing northern pike, landlocked salmon, lake trout, brown trout, brook trout, stripers, blues, halibut, mako sharks, blue sharks, thresher sharks, eels, yellow perch, pickerel, and gold fish. Guess what...we've got all those buggers in Maine, and you better start thinking about getting rigged up, 'cause iceout is right around the corner. Giddyup!

Counting Our Blessings at Hamlin's Marina

2012-01-09T12:23:00.000-08:00

Last year was a remarkable year at Hamlin's Marina, as we celebrated 5 years on the Hampden, Maine waterfront. The events that transpired in 2011 for our business are nothing short of miraculous, and I give credit to our employees, our customers, and town of Hampden.

The first major event was the purchase and renovation of the buildings formally owned by Sterns Lumber Company. In a matter of months, Payson Construction transformed the 1960's era lumber store into a stunning boat showroom and storage facility housing around one hundred boats. The new showroom has allowed us to bring all of our new boats inside providing a comfortable and clean environment for anyone shopping for a boat or marine accessories.

Next, McLaughlin's at the Marina opened a wildly successful restaurant on the waterfront to serve diners from land and sea. Kimberly and Reid McLauglin worked ridiculously long hours to expand the existing building while training twenty new staffers! They worked right into New Years booking private parties and organizing wine dinners.

And after five years working with the Town of Hampden on a land swap to build a new public waterfront park adjacent to the marina, Chevron wrote a big check to fund the park, new parking lot, and trail system. If that isn't a miracle, I'm not sure what is!

So, I am sitting here in my office on my first day at work for 2012. I am fresh off of a great family vacation, and I cannot wait to get things rolling on the waterfront again.

The Hurricane Is Taking Over By Storm!

2011-11-28T06:41:00.000-08:00

A post by Kyle Ross

When I first started working here at Hamlin's Marina in May, I thought that I had experienced all of the different types of boats here on the Penobscot River. Man was I wrong! I remember the first time that I laid my eyes on the hull of a Hurricane Deck Boat, I was confused as to why anybody would want to have one. The hull of the boat is wide, and resembles a barge. I learned first hand that physical looks can be deceiving.

As I started to learn about the build of the Hurricane, I quickly realized that the boat is amazing in so many different aspects! This boat has a little bit of everything for everybody. If you like to spend the day water skiing or tubing, the Hurricane can do it. If you want to spend the day fishing, the Hurricane has a built in live well, so you can do it. If you like to have a lot of people on your boat, and have a nice party on the water, the Hurricane can do it! This boat is the best of everything that you can do on the water. Now some people like outboard motors, while others like the I/O (inboard outboard) engines. The Hurricane can come in either form, and has many different models for each engine type. There is always plenty of seating on all of the models, so getting all of your friends on board should not be a problem!

So in short, the Hurricane line of boats opened my eyes to even more fun on the water! The design of the boat is genius, and it is the perfect choice for people looking to have the space of a pontoon boat, but keep the agility of a recreational skiing boat. I know for sure, that if I were able to purchase a boat, the Hurricane line up would be my number one choice!

A Very Special Boat...Mastercraft 300, Hull #1

2011-10-17T11:35:00.000-07:00

What happens when a cutting-edge wakeboard boat company gets mixed up with some straight up yacht design engineers? I will show you what happens...

This my friends is a picture of the first Mastercraft 300 ever built. It is an extraodinary example of creative design and ridiculous performance. Guess what 700 HP worth of Cummins Turbo diesels does to a 30' boat?

I can tell you first hand that when you hit the throttles in the cockpit, it is a religious experience. The anticipation starts with the super low bass rumble underneath the teak floor. Then when you advance the levers, a split second passes before the gentle whirrr of the turbos engage. Yes, and then it is off to the races, folks. It is truly an out-of-body experience, and one that you will not soon forget!

Hull #1 has just about every option anybody ever contemplated putting on a boat. Of course the boat features a bowthruster, but you may not believe it has a custom joystick that electronically controls both straight shaft inboard engines and the thruster to allow computer-assisted docking. Yes, the boat will crab and pivot with wind and current with just the manipulation of the stick. Just think about how many calculations are occuring to allow the system to vector thrust with straight shafts!

The interior cockpit is exquisitely appointed with a full hand-laid teak cockpit sole, textured synthetic leathers, and amenites including a grill, a concealed flat screen TV on an actuator, and a manually controlled misting system to refresh passengers on a hot day.

Fiber optic lights deliver a range of colors to suit your mood under a tempered glass hardtop which is dark tinted to shelter you from the sun's rays.

The 300 serves as a testament to the fact that Mastercraft is the undisputed champion of the world when it comes to marine audio. The sound system in this boat is probably superior to Radio City Music Hall, and the 300 boasts around 24 high performance speakers and maybe a half dozen amplifiers. I am not kidding...not in the least. Everything that has to do with sound and video is controlled with a touch pad in the cabin.

I had the unique opportunity to travel to Tennessee with the new owner of the boat before he took delivery in 2010. The video below is a highlight film of our trip and a wonderful demonstration of the capabilities of this amazing vessel

Now, Hull #1 has been listed for sale at Hamlin's Marina. It is truly a wonderful opportunity for someone to own a piece of boat building history. Come in and see this incredible machine and example of what can happen when brilliant minds come together for a common cause.

Winterization and Storage the Hamlin's Marine Way

2011-10-03T10:10:00.000-07:00

Yes it’s that time again...time to start thinking about putting your boat away for the long, hard winter. Life is truly unfair. Don’t worry, spring will arrive soon enough, and your boat will be ready and waiting provided it was properly serviced and stored.

Many of our customers choose to do there own winterizing. Hamlin’s strongly suggests that you specifically follow the manufacturer’s recommended procedures. Yes, that includes buying the more expensive OEM oils and lubricants. All engine manufactures specially formulate their consumables to provide optimal performance and reduce the risk of serious damage.

If you have an Inboard/Outboard motor, DO NOT FORGET to drain all of the water out of the engine block and flush your cooling system with antifreeze. Avoiding to follow this advice will provide you with nightmarish consequences, most commonly a cracked engine block!

The best way to ensure that your boat is properly serviced and stored is to throw your keys to the service department at Hamlin’s Marine.

Hamlin’s will service your boat according to manufacturer’s specifications. You can be sure that Hamlin’s Marine will:

                   1.   Change engine oil and filter.
           2.   Service gearcase and replace all drain seals.*
           3.   Treat fuel system.**
           4.   Change fuel filter.
           5.   Fog motor to lubricate surfaces vulnerable to corrosion.
           6.   Remove charging battery for separate dry storage.

(*) Worn or rotted drain seals is a common reason for water intrusion in the gearcase.

(**) Hamlin’s uses a separate, auxiliary fuel tank to treat your fuel system to ensure treated fuel runs throughout the entire system.

We also:

           1.   Completely remove the outdrive from the boat to inspect the bellows and service the gimbal   bearing.*

           2.   Install new mounting gaskets and lock nuts when outdrive is re-installed.

(*) Removing an outdrive is grueling work, but it allows us to replace vital seals and gaskets and guarantee that your bellows boot is not worn or torn. This extra step can prevent very expensive repairs.

Winterization practices for our large cruisers and sailboats include many of the basic services already mentioned, but may also include bottom painting, servicing fresh water systems, a/c units, heaters, and refrigeration units.

Hamlin’s Marine applies the same detail-oriented approach to boat storage. All of our customers have the opportunity to store their boats in dry, indoor storage. Many of our customers have been storing their boats with us for years, and we can tell immediately when a boat has been stored indoors. The paint and finish is less subject to fading from powerful UV rays and there are fewer stress cracks from extreme temperature changes.

Many of our customers request a full detail on their boats which may include cleaning their boats inside and out, wax and buff, and treating stainless and wood accents.

While your boat is in storage, it is a great time to have Hamlin’s Marine take care of major issues. It may be time to file an insurance claim if you damaged the fiberglass on your boat or if you struck your lower unit during the season. Winter is also the time to re-power your boat, complete a major restoration, or take care of major mechanical issues.

Stop by our showrooms in Hampden or in Waterville to learn more about marine accessories available for installation over the winter months. We will assist you in choosing the right electonics, marine accessories, and fishing equipment so your boat is ready to go next season.

Hamlin’s Marine offers pick up and delivery service (please call for rates) as a convenience to our storage customers. In Hampden, our winter storage rates include launching and loading boats up to 50,000 lbs with our hydraulic lift trailer.

The information provided is intended to be a brief overview of service available to Hamlin’s Marine customers. We encourage you to contact us via email or telephone with any questions you may have.

Cruisin', Trollin', Haulin', and Chumin'

2011-09-21T09:28:00.000-07:00

I've found the best place to be right now is out on the water. The mornings are brisk, the sun shines bright, and the fog has left for the winter. Plus, the fall is the only time that I am able to leave the shop for a few hours and see what all the fuss is about!

The last few weeks have been full of boating adventures. I took my first ride on Lake Michigan in a 29' Rinker. I must admit, that I always chuckled when people say the Great Lakes can be rough. I thought it would pale in comparison to some of the days I've been caught out on Penobscot Bay in six footers. The day we chose was beautiful except for the fact that the wind was gusting to about 30 mph. Trying to navigate narrow granite channels in wind driven chop can really get the blood pumping!

Back on our home turf, I tried to race a new 310 Rinker with twin V8s http://hamlinsmarina.com/rinker-boats/item/384-rinker-310 in a Downeast-style 248 Eastern with a Honda 150 http://hamlinsmarina.com/eastern-boats/item/228-eastern-248-explorer. The battle began on the Sunday trip back from the Maine Boats, Homes, and Harbors Show in Rockland. My classic hull tailed the Rinker to about Camden Harbor. I pinned the throttle but in the end...I got smoked on the way up the Penobscot River! You never lose though when you are surrounded by surrounded by the beauty of the Maine Coast and the Penobscot River.

The best part I've saved for last. The Discover Channel is responsible for this nonsense. You see they have this "Shark Week" series that really got a lot of the guys around Hamlin's Marina thinking. Yeah, we could do that too! Yeah, we live near the ocean and there are mean sharks everywhere! Well we put our heads together (scary thought) and started drafting a list and a plan. Well of course we needed all that exotic shark fishing gear, and you know you've got to drive all over the state to get fresh bait like pogies, frozen mackeral, and buckets of chum. In the end there were four foolish souls who ended up waking up at 3:30 a.m. and launching a 22' Scout Abaco http://hamlinsmarina.com/scout-boats/item/386-scout-225-abaco-series at Southwest Harbor. The morning started off just perfect with a Box of Joe and we quickly filled the bait well with live mackeral which we hoped would become unwilling victims to Mr. Sharky. I had made it my business to load the perfect shark fishing song mix on my Ipod. The Scorpions, Survivor, and Guns n Roses streamed out of the sound system as we made our way 25 miles out to Mt. Desert Rock where the big boys play. Six hours of cutting bait and dropping bloody entrails over the side of the boat produced not one Maneater. Oh well...there will be a next time soon!

Scout Boats...Coming to a Harbor Near You!

2011-08-20T12:34:00.000-07:00

At Hamlin's, we choose our boat brands very carefully. You see, we kind of do things the old-fashioned way. We believe in building trust with our customers and our boat manufacturers. This may seem like a common sense way of doing business, but lately it has become more and more of a challenge.

All too often, people and companies are here today...and gone tomorrow. Hamlin's Marine wants to sell boats from builders that will be there for generations to come. That way, Joe Smith's grandson will inherit a boat and still find parts for it years down the road.

There are lots of choices in today's world. Just walk in to your local convenience store and try to purchase something to quench your thirst. Maybe you are looking for juice, a soda, a high-potency energy drink, or just plain old water. The low end soda may be a buck, and the strange 40 ounce can with the angry red cow on it may run you $6.50. What really sets these liquid potions apart? Marketing? Vitamins? Who knows...but in the time it takes you decide what to purchase, you've lost about an hour of quality time with your family.

What I do know is that it's a good thing I sell boats and not drinks, because boats are a lot more simple. There are good boats, there are bad boats, and there really isn't much in between. An old salt gave me the best advice I've heard yet when it comes to boats. He said..."Everyone wants a boat that is big, fast, and doesn't cost much. You'll never find all three, and you're lucky to find two!"

We think we've really picked a winner with Scout Boats, and that old man would be surprised at how much value these boats pack. Models will be turning up at our Waterville and Hampden showroom over the next few weeks. These fiberglass beauties range from 15'-35' feet, and feature a nice mix of sport fishing, family runabouts, and offshore cruising boats.

15' Sportfish

Scout is family owned and operated; it is obvious that the family goes through tremendous effort in delivering an incredible product. I've seen no other boats in this class with such high quality upholstery, hardware, and finish.

There are some big names in this segment of boating like Grady, Pursuit, and Whaler. Those names conjure up images of dollar signs. Scouts are serious fishing boats too, but I bet you won't find another brand that allows you to fish in such comfort while keeping your initial investment in check.

210 XSF

Oh, and Scout is a serious family man's boat. The Abaco series provides ample cabin space for camping trips out to the island. The no nonsense cockpit provides plenty of room for pack and plays, strollers, firewood, and all those drinks I was writing about earlier. Better yet, it's just a good looking boat. Even Joe Smith's grandson will be proud to run the bay with a Scout thirty years down the line.

Maine Boats, Homes & Harbors Show

2011-08-05T12:12:00.000-07:00

At Hamlin's we are getting ready for our summer boat show...The Maine Boats, Homes & Harbors Show in Rockland, Maine from August 12-14 http://maineboats.com/ . This show is definitely a good time, and I think we enjoy it just as much as all the visitors that come by to check out the boats. For a weekend, the Rockland waterfront transforms into a showcase of some of the world's most beautiful boats. Move in is a little nerve-racking because we have to navigate through a network of multimillion dollar toys. We make sure to bring plenty of fenders with us!

This year we will be displaying three boats on the water including:

A 2012 Rinker 310 with twin engines, Axius joystick control, full electronics, and a gorgeous Buttercream interior... http://www.rinkerboats.com/boats.cfm?model=310

310 Rinker in final production

The Eastern 248 Explorer will be in the water as well (http://hamlinsmarina.com/eastern-boats/item/228-eastern-248-explorer). This classic downeast design features comfortable seating for a crowd and a Honda 150 set off the transom with an Armstrong bracket. I've had the pleasure of testing this boat in varied conditions in Penobscot Bay, and I think I have a new favorite!

Eastern 248 Explorer Underway

Finally, we are excited to have our brand new line of boats represented with a Scout 225 Abaco (http://scoutboats.com/225AbacoSeries.html).

Scout 225 Abaco

Hamlin's Marina is excited to be bringing on this exciting new line which appeals to families and the serious fisherman.

Hope to see you at the Rockland Boat Show. If you are in the market for a boat, this is a great time to take advantage of promotions and discounts.

Wet, Hot, American Summer

2011-07-21T12:22:00.000-07:00

Has anyone actually seen the movie "Wet, Hot, American Summer"? Well I did. Turns out it takes place in and around Waterville Maine in the early 1980s.

The movie is about the misdirected antics of teenage councilors at one of our great summer camps. The movie features a lot of rayon clothing, above-the-calf althetic striped socks, and some of the most irresponsible boating stunts I've ever seen.

I believe that we will one day look back at this movie and realize it as one of the great American movie classics. Well, maybe not...but it least it shows people all around the world that Maine is a great place to spend the summer!

This year we've seen summer hit us like a freight train. For every 90 degree day in Maine, we've got about 30 days of shoveling snow; we deserve it and need to enjoy these wonderful summer days. There's no better cure for the heat than to launch a boat and be out on the water with friends and family.

Enjoy your Wet, Hot American Summer and get out on the water before its football season!

The Ultimate Penobscot River Ride Will Be Here in 45 Minutes!!!!

2011-04-29T06:30:00.000-07:00

I'm so excited. To me, it's 5 A.M. on Christmas morning and I'm a twelve year old lying in bed with my eyes wide open waiting for my parents to let me come down the stairs and see my brand new bike. Only I am really 34, its a beautiful April morning, and I am about to unload a 2011 Rinker 310 Express Cruiser at the marina. I swear, though, it is the exact same feeling.

You see, I've had to wait a long time for this boat to arrive. In January, I painstakingly picked out options, colors, and the engines. Of course, my instinct was to load up the boat with every bit of marine candy I could. Unfortunately, it's not my boat, and it is important for the future boat owner to customize the vessel to his/or her preference. So, I didn't go crazy...the boat is white with a black boot stripe and some other nice finishing touches. The twin V8 Mercruisers will push the boat in excess of 40 MPH if needed, but will cruise efficiently at around 25 mph.

Rinker has broken the status quo with this new vessel and has, in my opinion, manifested what all boater's desire...a perfect balance of form and function. Really, this boat is a work of art. But the 310 is certainly no wall ornament, as it will hand deliver you to countless ocean-going adventures. Life is short and fleeting...buying a 310 will transform your existence and provide you, your family, and friends with memories of seascapes, lobster bakes, and beach combing in Maine. No regrets...just a feeling of real satisfaction.
Check out some of the photos of our adventures in Penobscot Bay... http://hamlinsmarina.com/photo-gallery/category/7-kickin-back

The interior is spacious and there is plenty of room to lounge in the open air; just imagine rounding the corner in to Castine Harbor, cutting a 3' chop, and feeling the warm sun on your skin. Pull up to the dock...walk to the market and pick up a couple of ribeyes to throw on the integrated grill.

Oh, the anticipation is killing me. Got to shoot down to the waterfont to unload her right now!!!

Check her out... Rinker Boats - 2011 Rinker 310 Express Cruiser and view all of our other boats at Boat Sales at Hamlin's Marine

Polar kraft Outlander...Inspired by Maine Waters!

2011-04-18T13:19:00.000-07:00

Here's a great story...kind of a modern day "David and Goliath". It's a story of how a small Maine dealership stood up to some pretty big corporate players and proved them wrong.

Hamlin's Marine has been the world's top volume dealer of Polar kraft aluminum boats for the past four years running (Polar kraft Boats). But not too long ago, Hamlin's was a top dealer for a brand of boats that had a pretty good reputation at the time. Our prior brand of aluminum boats was built by a proud group of people in Minnesota and these boats bore the name of Lund. In 2005, Lund was purchased by Brunswick Corporation, the world's largest boat company. Brunswick also happens to own the Mercury outboard brand. As you may be aware, Brunswick proceeded to force dealers to power Lund with Mercury outboards.

For many reasons, the atttitude of Brunswick Corporation did not meld well with Hamlin's Marine, nor our customers for that matter. Soon, we made the tough decision to take on a new brand of aluminum boats, the little known brand of Polar kraft. In order to launch the brand, Hamlin's Marine teamed up with L.L.Bean to design a series of Outlander boats in the Polar kraft line. Quality construction with a focus on the hull and substructure was the primary focus on the Outlanders. Check out this video to see the extruded aluminum stringers, horizontal connecting torque boxes, and extruded hat ribs:

Within one year, the Polar kraft line was outselling our Lund line at our dealership...4 to 1. An executive at Lund made a personal visit to Hamlin's Marine in 2006 to let us know they would be taking the line away from our dealership and relocating it to a Tracker Marine dealer that believed in the Mercury line of outboards.

Now there are twelve different models in the Outlander series, and sales are booming across the country. Check out Outlander 186 SC that started it all here: Polar kraft Outlander 186 SC

This boat was first drawn on a big boardroom table in Freeport by a team from Hamlin's and L.L.Bean! Here at Hamlin's we couldn't be more proud of the Polar kraft and the Yamaha and Honda outboards that power them. Please come in into our showrooms and see for yourself. http://www.hamlinsmarina.com/.

Hamlin's Marina...The site of legendary Norumbega?

2011-04-12T10:59:00.000-07:00

Check out this exerpt from Wikipedia about the lost City of Norumbega:

"Norumbega (or Norumbègue, Nurumbega, etc) was a legendary settlement in northeastern North America, inextricably connected with attempts to demonstrate Viking incursions in New England. Like Cathay, it was a semi-legendary place name used to fill a gap in existing geographical knowledge.

An early reference was that of the French navigator, Jean Allefonsce (1542), who reported that he had coasted south from Newfoundland and had discovered a great river. "The river is more than 40 leagues wide at its entrance and retains its width some thirty or forty leagues. It is full of Islands, which stretch some ten or twelve leagues into the sea. ... Fifteen leagues within this river there is a town called Norombega, with clever inhabitants, who trade in furs of all sorts; the town folk are dressed in furs, wearing sable. ... The people use many words which sound like Latin. They worship the sun. They are tall and handsome in form. The land of Norombega lie high and is well situated."

The word "Norumbega" was originally spelled Oranbega in Girolamo da Verrazzano's 1529 map of America, and the word is believed to derive from one of the Algonquian languages spoken in New England. It is often cited as meaning "quiet place between the rapids" or "quiet stretch of water"."

Maybe you've heard of Norumbega...or maybe you haven't. The subject actually arose during a discussion between myself and Dean Bennett, the Town of Hampden's director of economic development. You see, Dean and I, have been working on building a waterfront park on the Penobscot River just south of our marina. The new park will be situated on a spectacular piece of land which forms a 10 acre penninsula. Chances are you have never seen this piece of land as it has been left undisturbed for about 100 years since Stern's Lumber mill vacated. Well we were brainstorming about park names, and I remembered this old story I'd heard about a lost civilization somewhere in New England. Also, I'd once spent a night at the Norumbega Inn in Camden, ME.

Now with all the technology and resources available to the common man like Google Earth and Wikipedia, Dean and I quickly discovered that the new park actually may be the site of the mythical people. The Wikipedia entries state that the city lies 15 leagues into the river. Well, neither Dean nor I could remember how far a league was, but Google was quick to let us know its about 5.5 km. And, yes neither one of us was very good with kilometers either, so Google informed us that a kilometer is .62 of a mile. Anyway Dean and I put our heads together and figured out that Norumbega should be about 51 miles from Penobscot Bay. The Google Earth measurement gave us about 25 miles up from the mouth of the river, but of course that is "how the crow flies". Well, I'm pretty sure that those Vikings who found the Norumbegans couldn't fly like crows. Our mighty Penobscot twists and turns like an ornery snake.

The best we could tell with our limited cartography skills, is that Hamlin's Marina is 51 miles north by water from where the Penobscot opens up into the mighty Atlantic.

The other piece of evidence that pretty much guarantees that Hamlin's Marina is in fact the modern day Norumbega is that all of our boaters here "worship the sun" and many of them are "tall and handsome in form". I don't know how clever they all are, but I've heard some folks around here speak a language sharing some similarities to Latin.

Anyway, I think the new park should be called "Norumbega Park". What do you think?

Degree of Fish Fever

2011-04-01T07:57:00.000-07:00

Why should you fish anyway? You will spend endless hours trying to retrieve fish from water that is too deep, shallow or discolored. You'll have moments of disgust and moments of joy. Sometimes you'll wonder what you’re doing wrong; other times you'll wonder what you’re doing right. And after those long tireless hours, some of us will even return those fish to the tannic stained waters of Maine.

I fish a lot. But some people fish harder and longer than me. I like to blame their ability to out fish me on my age, but I have a strong feeling that it has to do with something else.

My brother in-law tells me how much he likes to fish. Every time I ask him to go, something gets in the way. It may be a barbecue he has planned with friends or a baseball game he wants to see. His degree of fish fever is probably low.

I have another friend. I asked him to go ice fishing with me last winter. He hates the cold and tepidly declined. But latter that evening, I received a call from him asking how the fishing was. He has a higher degree of fish fever and fished with me the following weekend.

Several years ago I was fishing Rangeley Lake, in western Maine, shortly after ice out. When we were pulling out of the water, after a long weekend of fishing, we ran into John. John had been fishing the Lake for two weeks. He had caught over fifty salmon during that time. John takes several weeks off from work moment Rangeley Lake opens up. John has a higher degree of fish fever than me.

What degree of fish fever do you have? Take the following test and add up the degrees to find your fever!

You've called in to work stating you were sick to go fishing =1* -You regularly skip family get-togethers to go fishing=1* -All you friends fish; if they don't, they're not your friend=1* -You own more than two fishing poles nut less than five=1* -You'll walk more than a mile or paddle more than three for a fishing spot=1* -You own more than five fishing poles=2* -You suck up to your friends that own a boat or fishing camp=2*

-You get pissed off when people catch more fish than you=2* -You regularly get up earlier that 4:00 AM to go fishing=2* -You dream about leaving your spouse, abandoning your family, purchasing a rig to travel across country with one thought in mind, fish, fish, and more fish=3*

-You regularly get up earlier than 3:00 AM to go fishing=3* -You decided to marry your spouse, or are deciding, because of her fishing ability=3* -You have spent more on your truck and boat than you paid for your house=4* -You think about fishing more than twice a day and read fishing literature or the FishHead blog at work=5* -You find a trip to LL Bean, Kittery Trading Post or Cabela's more exhilarating than a trip to the hospital for your first born=5* -You've sold your house to purchase your rig and obtain more time to fish=6* -You’ve quit your job because fishing season is open and you don’t know what you’re going to do other than fish=7* -Your contemplating a divorce because your spouse complains about the amount of time you spend fishing=8* -You've left your wife, abandoned your family, purchased a rig and are traveling across country with one thought in mind, fish, fish, and more fish=10*

How high is your fever?

(1*-3*)If you're degree of fish fever is between 1 and 3 degrees you have a mild fever. Limit your interaction with fishing buddies and fish less than once a month to cure the fever.

(4*-6*)Your fever is critical. It is important to sell all fishing equipment and cancel fishing plans if you want to stop the fever from progressing. This is a critical stage and if not managed properly your fever could become worse.

(7*-9*)You have a bad fever and have entered the management stage. The selling of equipment or canceling of fishing trips could cause panic attacks or worse. It is important to fish on a weekly basis to keep your composure but limit contact with other fisherman if at all possible. This could invoke the desire to out fish them and spend more and more in an attempt to do so.

(10* and over....) You have the fever baaaad! It is important to manage your life in a way that evolves around fishing. Limit your friends to people that fish and choose your spouse and her family carefully (marital problems could result if this is not followed properly) Fish every weekend and at least once during the week to limit the temptations to blow off work and go fishing. And finally fish till you drop! (Booking trips to Labrador or Alaska can help you with this endeavor).

You only live once!

Check out some of the finest Aluminum Fishing Boats here.

By: Marc Gilbert (A Hamlin's customer and very serious fisherman!)

Boat Sales, Service, and Marina at Hamlin's Marine

The Fresh and Saltwater Angling Connection

2011-03-26T07:45:00.000-07:00

Many freshwater anglers feel that it is a whole different world when it comes to fishing in saltwater. There is a common belief that you need a 10’ rod, 4oz lead weight, and a chunk of mackerel to go after striped bass and bluefish. Not so!

For most freshwater anglers, you can use the same setup that you catch smallmouth with for stripers and blues. If you have a smallmouth rod that is spooled up with 10#-12# test line of good condition (line that is less than 2 years old) you can fish for stripers and have a blast.

Of course playing a striped bass will test your fishing skills with some of the fish over 10 pounds but to be challenged is all apart of the fun of fishing. You can land stripers up to 25 pounds or more with good technique, but most fish average 5 pounds, which makes the smallmouth setups perfect.

You need to keep in mind a few good fishing habits if you hook up with a fish over 10 pounds. The drag needs to be adjusted for tension but lets line out before breaking. Rod tip needs to be kept parallel to the ground or lower during the fight, this will avoid the dreaded “ high tipping” that puts too much stress on the tip and breaks it. This occurs mostly when trying to land the fish. Instead of lifting the rod tip to get the fish within arms length, sweep the rod parallel to the water, this will help keep the majority of the pressure on the butt or backbone of the rod that is the strongest part. Of course those of us who regularly catch 5-pound smallies already know this, right?

You may be surprised what hits. My clients and myself love to fish top water plugs. There is nothing more exciting than seeing 3 or 4 stripers fighting over your plug on the surface.

The fishing begins and ends around the same time and the fish are most aggressive at the start and the finish just like fresh. You don’t have to go to the crashing surf to catch fish; in fact the tidal rivers are where all the fish are at the end of May. Just ask some of the fishermen in Waterville who have benefited nicely from the removal of the dam in Augusta a few years ago.

We are very lucky to live in a beautiful part of the country where we can fish for and catch fresh and saltwater fish in the same day. In most cases if we have the equipment for fresh water than you are already set up for stripers. Keep it simple and have fun.

On the subject of caring for your equipment, always rinse your reel, rod, and lures with fresh water after each trip.

We know the rod to use but what about lures? Use the same lures you catch smallies with. Bass are bass and stripers will respond to the same lures you use in fresh. Of course some of the smaller plugs have hooks that are too light, but many of the manufacturers make “saltwater versions”. Just to give a few examples, Chug Bug by Storm, Slug-Go by Lunker City, and Zara Spook by Heddon all make models with upgraded hooks suitable for stripers and are just as deadly.

Present your lure for stripers the same way you do for smallies. Look for the same structure (rocks, holes, rip lines) and pretend your fishing in fresh water.

By Captain Keith Hall

Find some great saltwater and freshwater Fishing Boats here at Hamlin's Marine!

Super Bowl of Boat Shows This Weekend!

2011-03-18T05:46:00.000-07:00

Spring is in the air, and it is time for the annual Bangor Boat show at the Bangor Auditorium this weekend.

This show will feature six local dealers showcasing the best new boats of 2011. Hamlin’s Marina hopes you are able to attend the show and join us in welcoming in warm weather again. We can’t wait to get our docks back in the river this spring. Hopefully, your plans include a new boat this year!

Here are a few of the best deals being showcased in Bangor this weekend. Make sure you check out both the photo galleries and the product video.

Sweetwater Sunrise 206C Pontoon Boat:

Sweetwater Sunrise 206 Pontoon Boat Boat Show Package Special

Stingray 225SX Sportboat:

http://www.hamlinsmarina.com/stingray-boats/item/221-2011-stingray-225-sx

Polar kraft 179 SE TC Aluminum Fishing Boat:

http://www.hamlinsmarina.com/polarkraft-boats/item/156-outlander-179-se-tc

These boats are just a sampling of nearly 30 boats we will be bringing to show.

Also, Hamlin’s Marina is renovating a brand new 11,000 square foot boat show room and marine accessories store in the buildings formerly owned by Stern’s Lumber Company on Route 1A in Hampden. Stay posted for our Grand Opening and Open House in the coming months!

Boat Shows Begin This Weekend...What's All The Ruckus?

2011-03-09T11:44:00.000-08:00

I would wager a bet that most folks in Maine do not consider March their favorite month of the year. December is wonderful because of the holidays and family. January and February are cold and snowy, but Mainers are somehow fascinated by sub-zero temperatures and drifting snow. Plus it gives us a chance to fire up the woodstove. March, however, is the final stretch for Old Man Winter in Maine. We are still getting belted by snow, our skin has turned to a pasty white, and we are tired of taking our boots off in the mud room. Cabin fever has set in. What better way to scoff Mother Nature than to attend a show and buy a new boat?

It’s a popular phenomenon. Believe it or not, Hamlin’s Marine sells almost a third of our boats for the year during the month of March. Cabin Fever may be one of the reasons people attend March boat shows to buy, but there are other reasons that make boat shows an excellent opportunity to purchase a new or used boat.

Consumers always have an advantage at a boat show. A boat show allows you to compare and contrast dozens of different boat models and dealers. At a boat show, you can learn more about features, quality, and value than a years worth of research. Since dealers are sharing space with competitors, you can be assured of getting the most for your money.

The boat shows are also an excellent time to take advantage of discount pricing on 2010 models still in stock; previous year models are known as hold-overs. Hold-over models are deeply discounted to make room for new inventory. Better yet, most boat show incentives also apply to hold-over inventory. Very little hold-over inventory makes it past the March show season.

Another reason people tend to buy in March, is that a we generally have time to custom order a boat in time for the season. This way you don’t have to settle for a model that is the wrong color or may not have a certain feature, just because you want to get your family on the water.

Finally, Hamlin’s Marine brings in outside experts to assist you in making a decision. Experts include professional fishermen, boat manufacturers, and some of our long-time customers. Sometimes it’s nice to have a third-party’s opinion when you are struggling to make a decision.

Big Things Afoot At Hamlin's Marina

2011-03-04T13:27:00.000-08:00

Almost five years ago my family opened up shop on the Hampden waterfront as Hamlin's Marina. In that time we've managed to grow into a thriving marina. It's truly a wonderful place with colorful people, spectacular scenery, an quite a bit of excitement on any given day.

In the five years since we've opened, we've seen the place grow from a sleepy backwater to a thriving waterfront. Many days the parking lot is full of trailers and the river is alive with cruisers hanging out on the docks, or headed off to far off places like Butter Island, Portland, or even Cape Cod.

We've managed to grow the staff little by little and we've invested in the facility to accomodate the service needs of the boaters who call us home.

This year is a banner year for Hamlin's Marina and the Hampden waterfront. Both Hamlin's facilities and the public facilities will grow dramatically. First, Hamlin's bought the retail lumber buildings from Stern's Lumber on Route 1A just above the waterfront.

New Hamlin's Sales Showroom Prior to Renovation

This new showroom, when completed in April, will showcase new boats, marine engines, and accessories. Hamlin's showroom will feature approximately 10,000 square feet of retail space allowing us to display forty new boats inside. I believe this will be the largest facility dedicated to boat sales in New England!

Just as exciting is that we have finalized plans to swap ten acres of land adjoining the ramp at the marina to be developed into a public park with walking trails, a new parking lot, scenic vistas, and municipal dock and mooring facilities. This has been in the works for over four years and work should begin within the next year. Below is a conceptual drawing of the future waterfront with the new park:

Future Plans for the Hampden Waterfront

Finally, this is my favorite part! I love food, and we are going to have a brand new restaurant opening on the waterfront where Dana's snackbar has operated for many years. This new restaurant will be featuring a full lunch and dinner menu with waterfront patio seating. The menu will include a selection of beers and wines. More information on this piece will be available soon!

Come join us on the Hampden waterfront at Hamlin's Marina this year! It is truly a year to remember.

Maine Marina in Hampden, Maine at Hamlin's Marine

Does this boat belong in the Smithsonian, or on your dock?

2011-02-25T12:43:00.000-08:00

Mastercraft. What does it mean? The brochure may have you believe that it is a line of boats straddling the line between luxury and performance. To us at Hamlin's on the northern fringe of the developed world, we view the Mastercrafts as art on the water. Mastercraft simply offers the best design and features available on the market today. We ordered three masterpieces for 2011...an X2, an X15, and the new 214V. The X2 has already found a home for next season.

The 214V is of particular interest to us this season as it is a completely new design, seemingly cut from a piece of granite rather than fiberglass.

Somehow, someway Mastercraft manifested a seamless combination of form and function. Comfortable seating and practical storage combines with exilirating performance. The 214V is an engineering marvel powered by an Indmar LY 6 delivering over 400 HP to just over 21' of boat.

The 214 is a V-Drive (managing to push the motor to the back of the boat without comprimising soft and flat wakes for slalom skiing). If you are skiing, you better trust your driver not to pull your arms out of their sockets.

A functional and beautiful new windshield design allows clear and unobstructed viewing of a skier on a boom.

Now if you are the chosen one to pilot this beautiful craft, visiting hours are available in our Waterville showroom with an appointment. The only thing that will make me happy when this one leaves the showroom is the thought that I might be able to order another one! http://hamlinsmarina.com/mastercraft-boats/item/184-ps214-v

Pen Bay Explorers Memories

2011-02-21T14:00:00.000-08:00

One cold and nasty January afternoon back in 2009, a group of avid boaters gathered at Hamlin’s Marina with the intent of forming a cruising club. That day people from all walks of life came together to have lunch and talk about a common passion...boating. At that meeting, The Pen Bay Explorers cruising club was formed.

Together we planned trips to different destinations surrounding Penobscot Bay to places like Castine, Belfast, and Butter Island. Although it seemed that it rained every day in June and July, the Pen Bay Explorers took to the seas despite the weather. We had plenty of fun though thanks to the many restaurants, taverns, and festivals. Here’s to a bright and sunny summer for the Pen Bay Explorers! We welcome new members with boats from 20’-32’ in length who have both a sense of humor and adventure. Here are just a few of the pictures of the good times we've had:

This Ain't Your Grandpa's Pontoon Boat!

2011-02-13T08:50:00.000-08:00

Nothing has spawned more confusion in boating than the emerging popularity of pontoon boats, a.k.a. party boats, float boats, or party barges. It seems that only a few years ago big, powerful sport boats were the ticket to family entertainment. Now, a much larger and younger sect of buyers are scouring boat shows and dealerships nationwide for the perfect pontoon boat for entertaining, water sports, fishing, or often all three.

The rising popularity of pontoon boats is no mystery. Operation and maintenance costs are much lower than fiberglass runabouts, and pontoon boat manufacturers have stepped up to the plate with new styling, features, and performance options that will compete with the best sport boats on the market.

Shopping for a pontoon boat is not for the faint of heart. Compared to sport boats, the buying process is often much more complex. Sport boats are fairly easy to compare. All you have to do is choose the proper layout, check performance (seconds to plane, top end speed, and fuel consumption), research the warranty, and most importantly...buy from a reputable dealer. Often the most difficult decision facing a consumer buying a sport boat is choosing color.

This is not the case with pontoon boats. At Hamlin’s Marine, we offer forty-three different pontoon boat models to choose from. Each model has a unique layout, size, or style. Choosing a model is actually the easy part. The biggest challenge is deciding on a brand and a dealer.

What Brand?

Choosing a brand is a challenge because boat builders in this segment seem to follow the old adage, “There’s more than one way to skin a cat.” Each brand seems to have an entirely different set of construction guidelines. Of course, each brand believes they are building the best boat. The problem the consumer faces is that there is no consistency, and it’s impossible to make accurate quality comparisons. This is troubling because most of the cost of the boat is wrapped up in the build and not the layout.

Here is some common sense advice when it comes to identifying quality construction.

Wood is good, and comes with a lifetime warranty against rot. Nearly every manufacturer agrees that marine-grade, pressure treated plywood is the answer for the deck. Wood provides superior anchoring for top-deck upholstery when it is properly fastened with stainless bolts, backing washers, and nuts.
Carpet linings in storage compartments are bad. Even if ventilated, the carpet will hold moisture and encourage mildew and mold growth.
Check under the deck to verify that upholstery has been anchored through the deck with stainless bolts, washers, and backing nuts. It is less time consuming for a manufacturer to screw upholstery to the deck, but eventually the seats will come loose.
Be wary if a dealer tries to sell you on one or two features that make their boat superior. Buying a boat is like buying a house. Just because the kitchen has beautiful granite counters, doesn’t mean the roof isn’t going to leak or the foundation won’t crack.
Finally, choose a manufacturer that has been around at least twenty-five years. The best boats are built with experienced hands.

Which Dealer?

After you’ve chosen a brand, you need to choose a dealer. For convenience it makes sense to buy from the dealer nearest you. That way if you experience any problems, the dealer will make your problem a priority and get you back on the water quickly. Make sure that your local dealer has the facility, personnel, and equipment necessary to provide the best service experience.

Which Boat?

This is the fun part. For example if you plan on using your boat for fishing, and you have to trailer the boat because you don’t live on the water you might consider the Sweetwater Tuscany 1880 FC.

This model has four fishing seats...two at the stern for trolling and two at the bow for bass fishing. There is also a comfortable L-shaped seating near the helm for resting after a hard day’s fish. The boat measures 18’ long and 8’ wide, so it’s a breeze to tow and squeeze into tight landings. Fishermen should consider the vinyl floor option, seat covers, Ez Loader 2075 lbs rated pontoon trailer, and Yamaha High-Thrust 25 fourstroke outboard for slow trolling. http://hamlinsmarina.com/sweetwater-boats

If you are lucky enough to own a camp or home on the water, a larger pontoon boat designed for entertaining may be the answer. As is the case with any other type of boat, it usually makes sense to go larger than you think necessary. Your family will only grow...and so will your circle of friends when they hear about your new boat! Chances are if you do live on the water, you will be spending a great deal of time on your boat. The more you use the boat, the more you’ll want to consider comfortable upholstery and options that cater to entertaining. Those of you fitting into this category may want to consider a model like the Aqua Patio 220. Our line of Aqua Patio boats feature beautiful styling and upholstery with comfort in mind. Pontoon diameter is standard at 25” to handle even the roughest of lakes. It’s impossible to appreciate an Aqua Patio without taking the time to lounge in one of the chaise seats with armrests. Then make sure you do your homework and check out all of the onboard storage. There is an extensive list of options available on our Aqua Patio line of pontoons, but our recommendations might include a changing room curtain, vinyl floor covering with snap-in carpet, seat covers, stainless pull up cleats, stainless cupholders, and a Yamaha F90 fourstroke (if you plan on watersports like tubing or wakeboarding). If you do have a waterfront home, you may not need to purchase a trailer. Why? Because Hamlin’s Marine offers pick-up and delivery service for our pontoon boat customers. http://hamlinsmarina.com/aquapatio-boats

For some, only the best will do. That makes a decision easy...the San Pan line of pontoon boats. No other brand even approaches the styling, functionality, and sheer beauty of a San Pan. The 2010 models were actually inspired by the 1930’s Dusenberg automobile. Stepping aboard a San Pan is comparable to stepping into a fine lounge or a luxury suite. The list of standard equipment is voluminous. If you must add options, here are some recommendations: lifting strakes (high performance option), changing room curtain, vinyl floor, snap-in carpet, seat covers, stainless steel grill center, pull up cleats, flag pole, raised teak helm pedestal, and I-Pod adapter. Go for at least a Yamaha F115 for plenty of power. http://hamlinsmarina.com/sanpan-boats

Final Thoughts

A boat show is the best place to help you decide on the right boat for your family. First, take the time to meet each dealer and research each brand. When you’ve found a dealer and a brand that you are comfortable with, the rest is easy….just pick a layout, a color, and wait for spring to arrive. Good times await!

Ethanol...the Devil's Offspring?

2011-02-06T10:30:00.000-08:00

I woke up at about 3:30 in the morning. I was having a dream that I was Superman, and one of my enemies had secretly sprinkled Kryptonite on my Wheaties. As you can probably guess, my dream had not been going well. I had broken out into hives, I was wheezing, and it felt like I’d been kicked in the stomach.

I’d woken up from this terrible dream soaked with sweat and shivering. Why would anyone want to put Kryptonite on Superman’s cereal, but more importantly why in the heck was I dreaming I was Superman.

I started thinking and I realized that there was a convoluted connection to my dream and the recent drama that is going on in my life. You see, an intruder has just stepped into my life. That intruder is called E-10, or gas tainted with 10% Ethanol (corn alcohol).

Kryptonite on Superman’s Wheaties is just like E-10 in a boat. Superman doesn’t feel so hot when his cereal is laced with Kryptonite, and your boat isn’t too happy when you put E-10 in its gas tank.

Here’s why E-10 is bad for boats:

Ethanol is hydrophilic, meaning that it absorbs water from the air through the boats fuel vent. This is especially true when air is moving over the vent, as it naturally does when you are cruising along.
It is a solvent. It cleans all the gunk and dirt in your fuel system that has built up over the years and dumps it into your carburetor.
Ethanol likes to pull a stunt called “phase-separation” which means the ethanol and water pull out of the fuel in layers which may cause your engine to suddenly stop.
E-10 reduces overall fuel economy and performance because the net energy of the fuel is reduced.

So, Ethanol is something to get serious about right now, as E-10 was only introduced this fall.

Here’s what you can do to ensure that your boating is not ruined by a few creative politicians and corn farming lobbyists:

Make sure that you run the existing fuel out of your tanks before you put E-10 in your boat. Last years fuel will not mix well with the new blend.

If your boat is not equipped with an in-line fuel/ water separator make sure that you purchase a 10 Micron filter and have it installed before you hit the water. Hamlin’s recommends a Yamaha or Racor manufactured filter.

Add Star Tron enzyme fuel treatment to your fuel. One bottle costs $12.99 and will treat 128 gallons of fuel. The enzymes in Star Tron allows for a more complete burn of E-10; the enzymes also fight phase-separation of the fuel.

Finally, this goes against what everybody’s told you about keeping your fuel tank full. Carry only as much fuel as you need, and don’t let the fuel set undisturbed in your tank for long periods of time. The best way to adhere to this rule is get out in your boat as much as you can. Heck, I don’t even care if you blow off work. Tell your boss that you’ve got a bad case of E-10!

Choosing the Perfect Boat

2011-01-29T07:40:00.000-08:00

Well, it's still early being only the end of January. But for those of you intent on purchasing a boat this year, there are many things to consider when choosing the proper vessel. My professional life is dedicated to matching people with the perfect hull for their needs. The list of options available to a boater is just mind-boggling!

I mean think about it...when you buy a car what do you consider? Your purchase may be based on a number of factors including seating capacity, horsepower, and styling. But cars are just tools to get us to and from places, and most people are looking for a mix of practicality and cost.

Its not the same with a boat. Unless you are a commercial fisherman or a ferry operator, you do not need a boat! So the first thing to do when you are in the process of buying a boat is to throw "practicality" overboard. And for the sake of argument's sake, let's just assume you are disgustingly wealthy. If you are not practical, and you are stinking rich...it makes it a lot easier to find the perfect boat.

So for those of us that fit this category, here is the description of the perfect vessel:

Hypothetical boat must have lots of open area for fishing, with nothing in the way to foul hooks. Of course there must be plenty of seating throughout the fishing area with delicate, soft fabrics that do not stain, wear, and are hook-proof. The seating is of course, U-Shaped in the cockpit to accomodate the most friends while fishing. Of course these seats should recess into the floor, so that if one determines friends are in the way, annoying, or catching too many fish, one can push a button, and the entire seat assembly along with friends will disappear below the deck.

Now, the next thing that is important is the boat needs to sleep six comfortably. During the day,however, the beds need to disappear so that one can have room for coolers, a fold-up bicycle, dining table, helicopter, and fishing rods.

On sunny days, the boat needs to be a center console, on rainy days it needs to have a full windshield with canvas, and on cold days the boat needs a pilot house so it can be properly heated.

The boat needs to be trailer-legal and have less than a 1' draft so one can bass fish a few feet from the neighbor's lawn. It should definitely have twin engines and a bow thruster to allow trouble-free docking, but fuel consumption should be no more that two gallons per hour.

Finally, the boat must be seaworthy enough to take a 12' sea head-on, but light enough so it can be moved about the yard by hand.

This my friends, is the perfect boat. I wish you luck on your quest in finding yours!

Artificial Summer at the Bangor Mall

2011-01-23T09:19:00.000-08:00

It's cold! I don't mean chilly or brisk. I mean chapped lips, runny nose, skin freezes to stuff you touch, can't get out of bed, oil bill is way too high, car won't start, clothes make you look like the Stay Puffed Marshmallow Man, roof is about to collapse from snow, driving across town is downright dangerous, and blankets are now part of your wardrobe cold!

It can make someone go crazy...maybe decide to jump on a plane to warmer climates. Not me though...I've taken refuge in a magical place called the Bangor Mall. Here, the temperature is always a perfect 72 degrees and new, high-efficiency lighting can be mistaken for actual sunlight. And to ward off the evil winter gods, I've surrounded myself with brand new boats.

Believe it or not, a lot of people seem to like my little island here. There is plenty to look at, and the prospect of warmer weather seems to be popular with folks. It may not seem logical to order your boat when the windchill is -35, but right now you can pave your boating future this summer and feel good about saving a lot of money with incentives from the boat and motor companies!

Even if you aren't ready to buy a boat, you should definitely come down and see our artificial paradise we've constructed in the food court. Come on down, sit in the helm seat of a new boat, close your eyes, and take a bite of that Dairy Queen Blizzard. Oh yeah...just like summer!!!!

The Grinch Who Stole the Hamlin Herald

2011-01-07T08:16:00.000-08:00

I'm sitting down again to write a new edition of the Hamlin Herald for our upcoming boat shows. The Hamlin Herald is our newsletter that I started writing about 6 years ago. A few years ago, my newsletter was pretty hip. Now, I feel like I might as well be writing on papyrus and stuffing it into tubes in a cave somewhere to be discovered by future archaeologists. Does my newsletter belong on the same shelf as the Dead Sea Scrolls? What I mean is...will people really read a ten-page, black & white newsletter in 2011?

I really don't know. I don't know because some freckled-faced twenty-six year old kid named Zuckerberg changed everything I know about the way people communicate. You know him..."Time Man of the Year" and CEO of this little Ma & Pop called Facebook. Zuckerberg is the human form of the Grinch who Stole Christmas. If you take the Town of Whoville and consider it the entire world, I can draw a lot of similarities between what happened in the make-believe town and what is happening all around us today.

Whoville was a joyous town because it was a winter wonderland with cute little cartoon creatures who trusted everyone while spreading unconditional love. They also did a heck of a job decorating the town for Santa's arrival. They were naive little creatures, and they were ripe for some villain to come take advantage of them.

I liken the overall atmosphere of Whoville to our world prior to social networking. Prior to social networking we could pretend our friends and family were perfect, moral citizens of the earth doing their best to spread joy and love just like the folks of Whoville. Now, through our ability to see the day to day activites of those all around us, we can no longer live blind.

Now for that green furry Grinch guy. That guy busted into town and made everyone feel that no one was safe anymore by stealing all those presents. When Zuckerberg created Facebook...he didn't give a flying squirrel about my Hamlin Herald. My once loved piece of literary genius began sitting in stacks on the counter collecting dust. Did my writing now stink...had I run out of things to say? Maybe, but I also think that people stopped reading anything printed on 8 1/2" x 11" inch paper, neatly stapled in the upper left-hand corner.

So, I've got a bit of personal beef with Zuckerberg...I'm sure he is soooo worried. But then again, I don't have to suffer from papercuts while stacking and labeling a few thousand newsletters anymore. And I can save a bundle on postage. My ego is a little bruised though, because I see those poor Hamlin Heralds from years past still hanging around in our stores.

So, there will only be one Hamlin Herald this year, and it will probably be more condensed and "to the point". No time anymore for literary tangents. I may splurge on a color edition with all the money I will be saving on postage. If you still are from the Stone Age and find comfort in tangible reading material, please let me know. I will make sure you get one of the rare copies. It is so nice and cozy to snuggle up by the fire with a real live newsletter.

So, Zuckerberg...thank you. Thank you for showing all of us the way of the future. Like the Grinch, we know that you will turn out to be a benevolent creature in the end.

The Night Before Shutdown...

2010-12-17T09:54:00.000-08:00

Twas the night before shutdown, and all through the yard

The only thing moving was a cutter from the coast guard.

The docks were stacked out in the field so neat,

In the hopes that winter would soon retreat.

The boats were stacked all snug on their stands,

With their bows held high stuck on dry land.

And Reno in his parka, and Sass in his overalls,

Jammed the bays with work clear to the walls.

When way down river I heard booming thunder,

I sprang from my desk…what spell was I under?

Away to the riverbank I made my weary trudge,

Reminding myself that I was sober as a judge!

It was a full moon and all was a glow,

It was like day with the fresh fallen snow.

And I know what I saw and I saw what I know,

A whole fleet of boats with a something in tow!

A Mastercraft, a Hurricane, and a red Stingray

Buzzed by the no wake zone in a mountain of spray!

At first I was angry but decided I didn’t much care

When ten elves on wakeboards launched in the air!

Ho, Ho, Ho! Merry Christmas!

WOULD'T IT BE AWESOME IF SANTA SHOWED UP IN A MASTERCRAFT SKI BOAT?!

2010-12-13T07:06:00.000-08:00

IT’S GOING TO BE A MERRY, MERRY MASTERCRAFT CHRISTMAS.

CAN’T FIGURE OUT WHAT TO GET THAT SPECIAL SOMEONE THIS HOLIDAY SEASON. WHAT ABOUT A MASTERCRAFT SKI BOAT? YES THEY ARE HERE...THE LONG AWAITED SUMMER CAMP TRADE-IN MASTERCRAFT SKI BOATS HAVE ARRIVED. ALWAYS THOUGHT ABOUT BUYING ONE OF THOSE AMAZING STATE OF THE ART MASTERCRAFT BOATS? NOW IS THE TIME TO BUY ONE.

FOR THOSE OF YOU THAT DON’T KNOW ABOUT THE CAMP PROGRAMS WE PARTICIPATE IN, THIS IS HOW IT WORKS. WE SELL MASTERCRAFT BOATS TO AREA BOYS AND GIRLS SUMMER CAMPS. EVERY THREE YEARS THEY TRADE THEM IN FOR NEW ONES, LEAVING THEIR USED ONES FOR CONSUMERS TO BUY AT A REDUCED PRICE. THESE BOATS ARE EXTREMELY WELL KEPT. THEY ARE SERVICED AND STORED RIGHT HERE AT HAMLIN’S MARINE. THAT MEANS THAT BEFORE WE STORE THE BOAT FOR THE WINTER, IT IS COMPLETELY WINTERIZED CLEANED AND STORED INDOORS FOR THE WINTER. IN THE SUMMER THEY ARE TAKEN OUT FOR THREE MONTHS OF USE AT THE CAMP AND IF THERE IS EVER A PROBLEM WITH THE BOAT DURING THAT TIME A HIGHLY-TRAINED TECHNICIAN WORKS ON THE BOAT. IN SHORT, IT IS A GREAT DEAL ON A BOAT THAT HAS BEEN EXTREMELY WELL TAKEN CARE OF.

RIGHT NOW WE HAVE Five 2007 PROSTAR 197s Left IN STOCK. ALL OF THEM HAVE BETWEEN 350-400 HOURS ON THEM. These boats are in a variety of color combinations and all feature Mastercraft's Wakeboard Tower. WE ALSO HAVE three 2011 MASTERCRAFTs in stock...one of them has over 400 HP! All of these boats freature EVERYTHING YOU COULD IMAGINE FOR YOUR WATERSKING OR WAKEBOARDING NEEDS.

SO, COME ON DOWN TO HAMLIN’S FOR ALL YOUR CHRISTMAS SHOPPING NEEDS. ALONG WITH MASTERCRAFT BOATS WE ALSO HAVE MANY OTHER GIFT OPTIONS SUCH AS MARINE RADIOS, LIFE VESTS, FISH FINDERS, AND MUCH MORE. FOR THE WATERSPORTS FANATIC, WE NOW HAVE IN OUR 2011 HO SKIS AND HYPERLITE WAKEBOARDS.

MERRY MARINE CHRISTMAS!!!!

Polar kraft Outlander...Built in Indiana, Bred Here in Maine!

2010-12-07T07:45:00.000-08:00

Captain Arnie Clay is not your typical fair weather boater. For the past 15 years, Arnie’s outfit, Thornehead Guide & Travel, Inc., has offered seaduck hunting trips during the months of November through January . His clients are waterfowlers from all over the United States who come to enjoy world class duck hunting in Casco Bay.

Many people can not even imagine getting into a boat in January, but folks like Arnie live for those frigid winter days when the sky is crystal-blue, and the winds are light. Those are the days that he’s out in the bay with his new Polar kraft 2010 Center Console designed specifically for men like him. Arnie has modified his boat so that it is perfectly suited for his guide business. He has added a Lowrance Sonar/ GPS, a VHF radio, dual batteries, a custom leaning post, kayak accessory brackets for the layout boats, and plenty of safety gear, decoys, and firearms. Arnie calls it a “seaduck hunting machine.”

Make sure you check out Thornehead Guide & Travel, Inc. at: http://www.thornehead.com/.

The 2010 CC is just one of five new Outlander models offered including a 2010 Side Console, a 2010 Twin Console with full canvas, a 2010 Tiller model, and a 163 Twin Console with full canvas. These new offerings compliment the 186 SC and 179 TC that have been available for the past few years.

The Outlander series was developed in cooperation between Hamlin’s Marine, L.L.Bean, and Polar kraft specifically for the harsh waterways and weather conditions of Maine. Hamlin’s Marine was present at the factory during the engineering of the new Outlander models (check out Youtube for videos of the 2010 design), and we can say with certainty that these boats are the most practical and rugged aluminum boats that have ever touched the water in Maine. Whether you are hunting, fishing, or just want a safe way to explore Maine, come to Hamlin’s and check out the new Outlander series.

Boating Memories, 2008...

2010-12-03T06:04:00.000-08:00

Fourth of July weekend certainly gave us a reason to go out and celebrate, as the Belgrade Lakes Association turned 100 years old. There was an antique boat parade at Great Pond, and Hamlin’s Marine was invited to participate with the 20’ Sweetwater Tuscany we donated for the fundraiser. Great Pond was teeming with boaters, and the weather was incredible.

The weather wasn’t so incredible for the First Annual Penobscot River Rally at the beginning of August. The winds were gusting to about 25 knots, and if you weren’t in a 30 footer, it was a bit uncomfortable. About fifty brave souls attended the rally and reception at the Sea Dog on the Bangor waterfront. More fun was to be had on land than in the water with Reggae music, appetizers, and frosty beverages.

Tops on the water this year was my time spent with Keith Hall, of Maine Coast Guide Service. He picked us up in Diamond Cove in Casco Bay for a day of near shore saltwater fishing. We had two boats in the water...a 20’ aluminum guide boat and a 22’ Eastern Lobster cabin boat. In the morning we pushed through the fog to the breakers just south of Portland Head Light. We had our sights on stripers, but as luck would have it we happened upon droves of blues. As you may or may not know, blues have wicked sharp

teeth and getting them in the boat is similar to competing in an Ultimate Fighting Competition. Our crew managed to boat about a dozen of the bad boys, and we brought them back to Diamond Island for a huge fish feed.

One of my customers was excited to show me how his 2008 Stingray 205LX handles the water. He picked me up after work the other day, and we shot down the Penobscot River with near perfect conditions. It was flat calm and the big V8 in that Stingray pushed the boat about 60 MPH down the river. I couldn’t believe it...I thought we were doing forty, but that throttle definitely threw you back in the seat. We buzzed around Verona Island and back up river, and it served to remind me why we’ve sold Stingrays for nearly two decades. Stingrays run smooth, fast, and efficient...not another boat on the market that will satisfy the need for performance while keeping you out of the poor house.

A little about Hamlin's Marine & family business

2010-11-29T09:42:00.000-08:00

I think that we take for granted that Hamlin’s Marine has a great relationship with our customers . It just occurred to me that we now store over 500 boats, service nearly 1500 boats, and sell nearly 300 boats each season. To top it off, our new location in Hampden turns five years old this April!

So, you know how it feels when you haven’t spoken with your folks in awhile, you totally spaced on Christmas cards, or you forgot your kid’s birthday? Well that’s how I feel right now. You know what... you probably don’t even have a clue who I am! My name is Dan Higgins, the Hamlin’s Son-in-Law.

While I am at it, I might as well provide you a full disclosure of Hamlin’s Marine.

A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away (Fairfield, ME), Dave and Chris Hamlin opened Hamlin’s Sporting and Marine World, Inc. Actually, it was the year 1984, and back then, Dave and Chris sold just about anything to keep the lights on and the furnace going. The Hamlin’s stocked snowblowers, rifles, bait, fishing tackle, snowmobiles, and...you guessed it...boats!

Pretty soon boats and snowmobiles became the focus of the business, and the Hamlins picked up shop and moved to 290 West River Road in Waterville. Then Dave Hamlin got on his John Deere tractor and built a facility to be proud of.

Today, Hamlin’s Marine has two locations and twenty-five employees. Among the employees are five family members including Dave, Chris, my wife Katie, and my sister-in-law, Jessica.

Everyone at Hamlin’s Marine hopes that a trip to our facility is something you look forward to, and not just another stop on your errand list. The world of retail services has made a dramatic change in the last few decades. In my experience, it’s like pulling teeth to get answers to my questions at the big box stores, and what is with those self-checkout barcode machines. They might as well just let us walk out the door with our groceries, and we’ll just tell them what we got at the end of the month.

So, please introduce yourself the next time you stop into Hamlin’s. If you don’t like something, let us know and we’ll change it. And for heaven’s sake, let us know if you do like something, because guess what...we care. Oh, and one other thing...if I ever ask you if you want to purchase a $50 extended warranty on a $200 pair of waterskis, I give you permission to slap me

Step up to a Big Boat!

2010-11-26T08:58:00.000-08:00

It was November 27th, 1992. In an act of faith, my dad tossed me the keys to his Chrysler Lebaron Convertible. I pulled out of our driveway with a sense of guilty pleasure, knowing I was licensed by the state of Maine to drive a car. The temperature was in the thirties, but I dropped the top and cranked the heat. There I was at the controls of the hottest car that ever was...or so I thought. I spent most of the day driving around with no place to go, showing off to my friends, and seeing how different the world felt as the “King of the Road”. I find it interesting how something as mundane as driving was once sinfully exciting.

My first experience with Rinker boats made me feel sixteen again. My wife, Katie, and I boarded a 32’ Rinker Express Cruiser with twin 5.0L V8 sterndrives. As I advanced the throttles, I felt a burst of adrenaline. Then as I looked around me, I saw an unfamiliar world...an exciting new realm of endless possibilities. Maybe you’ve thought about buying a vacation home, a pool, luxury furniture, a flat panel T.V., or even a stainless steel blender. You may want to consolidate your wish list and check out the Rinker line of Express Cruisers that Hamlin’s offers for sale.

To give you an idea of what to expect from Rinker, I'll tell you a little about what you'll find on a 32' Rinker that spends the summers at Hamlin's Marina. In the cockpit, you'll find a huge helm with easy to read gauges and a large Raymarine information center with radar, chart plotter, and GPS. The cockpit features wraparound seating galore, a refrigerator, and even a flip-up blender! But step below deck, and you'll struggle not to gasp. You may even forget you are on a boat! The cabin features teak floors, corian countertops, stainless fixtures, and supple furnishings. There is a stove, lounge area, flat-panel TV, and a large bathroom with shower. Simple climate controls adjust heat and air conditioning.

I know what you must be thinking...

1. Hmmm...must be really expensive.

Or,

2. Seems like a lot of boat to handle.

Well, Rinker Express Cruisers are a bit more expensive than a typical 18' runabout or the average pontoon boat, but they aren't nearly as much as most vacation homes (you don't have to pay property tax either!).

And yes, except for the 26' model, Rinker Express Cruisers are too wide to trailer. But who wants to haul a boat around when it can be at home at one of our slips at the marina! Docking and maneuvering takes a little bit of practice, but I can guarantee it is no more difficult than trying to parallel park your dad's car for the first time!

check out the boats at: http://www.rinkerboats.com/

PenBay Explorers Cruising Club

2010-11-22T06:12:00.000-08:00

I’ve worked at Hamlin’s for nearly seven years now. Before that, my professional life was a mosaic of cubicles, cold calls, sales quotas, and traffic jams. I wore a suit, and I hounded people until they bought something from me. My customers were nice enough, but I don’t think they really liked me. That’s probably because I was selling phone service.

Now I sell boats...but I don’t just sell boats. I get to meet some really cool and colorful people from all walks of life. I’ve made quite a few friends, and I don’t even care if they even have a phone.

I’ve noticed a strange phenomenon when it comes to selling boats. It goes something like this:

1. Customer buys boat.

2. Customer takes boat to his favorite spot.

3. Customer’s friends and family pat the boat owner on the back and thank him/her for the good times.

Look...I’m all about sharing, but there’s got to be more to boating than playing party host. Boat owners are the facilitator of all the fun, and they tend to be masters of their domain. Boat-owners are calm, cool, and collected, and most of the time they are responsible and well-prepared.

So, I thought it was about time to get the boat owners together for some real fun and adventure. I realized that our marina is perfectly suited to be a gathering spot for these extraordinary people.

I was right! Two years ago, in the middle of January, we had a meeting for interested boat owners...I thought maybe we’d see a couple of folks trudge through the snow to pay us a visit. But, no...about a dozen boaters showed up in the middle of winter!

So we decided to form a club called the PenBay Explorers for boat owners interested in taking day trips together in Penobscot Bay.

The club’s goal is to explore all the amazing harbors, islands, and towns in and around the Bay. PenBay Explorers is suited for power boat owners from 20-30 ft.

We'll be getting everyone together again at some cozy pub over the winter to make plans for next season. We are alway looking for new boating companions to join us. Please check our website http://www.hamlinsmarina.com/ for updates on the group.

Leather Boating Wear?

2010-11-18T11:59:00.000-08:00

Boaters are a rowdy bunch. I know because I get to talk to boaters

all year round. Boaters tell outlandish stories about parties,

gigantic fish, and crazy vacations. One of my customers came

by early in February to pick up gear because he was hauling his

new Polarkraft down to Key West just to go fishing. Most people

might not find that practical, but I think it is pretty cool. A lot

of boaters come into our stores just to hang out, tell jokes, and

harass the staff. In fact, I don.t know if I have ever met a boater

that didn.t like to have a good time.

Growing up, I went to grammar school at St. Joseph.s Catholic

School in Connecticut. I think my parents sent me to this particular

school because they thought it might teach me some discipline.

I was a very loud child known to race go-carts down

busy streets, throw spitballs, and rip the crotch out of my pants

sliding across the grass; I believe that the misadventures of my

youth helped form me into the boater I am today. However, the

nuns at my school evidently didn.t care about my boating future.

In fact they wanted me to be quiet and modest, but most of all

they wanted me to stop ripping my pants. After many lectures

and a few detentions, I realized the nuns weren.t going to let me

have my way. There were a lot of kids like me at that school,

and I bet a lot of them grew up to be boaters. We all liked to

have a great time, but it just seemed as though the nuns didn.t

want us to have fun. Many of us came to believe that fun was

actually bad.

Maybe some boaters feel guilty about how much fun they have.

It might be left over from some non-boating disciplinarian they

knew as a child. Maybe certain people actually believe that fun

is bad.

Well, if fun is bad, then all of us that are avid boaters could be

considered rebellious. And who was the world.s most beloved

rebel? James Dean of course! Do you think James Dean was a

boater? I bet he was! Only I don.t think leather really works on

the water. Certainly wouldn.t have helped his tan any, and it

would be restrictive if he was wakeboarding. Although leather is

probably alright for fishing...I imagine it would be tough to hook

yourself.

I think this line of thought might be considered a tangent. Anyway,

I think we can conclude that fun might be bad, but boaters

don.t care because they are rebels. I think we have determined

that it is questionable as to whether leather is appropriate boating

wear.

A Boating Odyssey (Reprinted from the Hamlin Herald Newsletter Spring 2010)

2010-10-27T06:14:00.000-07:00

Hello and welcome to a whole new season of boating! Can you believe it's 2010? It's been a full decade since people quit hoarding canned food, hiding in basements, and worrying that computers would cause unimaginable chaos because they couldn't deal with the number "2".

Of course, alot has happened since then, but one thing has remained the same...People still worry about stuff.

Worrying doesn't accomplish much in the end. It can lead to heart disease, panic attacks, and even a nasty cold sore. If something bad is going to happen, why not be oblivious to it? What better way to be blissfully unaware than to be out on the water with your friends and family!?
...

If you have a boat, here are a few reasons to commit to getting out on the water more in 2010:

...

1. Every year we get older. As we age, we gain respect and wisdom. However, we become more responsible and we get roped into things that we really don’t want to do. People can’t ask for favors when you are five miles offshore on a boat.
...

2. Boating is a great way to lose weight. Typically people wear fewer clothes on a boat, and love handles look horrible in rough seas. Planning boat trips this year is the surest way to shed a few pounds.
...

3. Practical people don’t own boats. So, if you own a boat and you think you should cut the grass or go grocery shopping...Don’t Do It. Boater’s recognize these common chores as mundane. Boating keeps you focused on the important things in life...like your tan.
...

If you are reading this article and you do not own a boat, do not despair. Maybe you are ageing, getting thick around the waist, or you just can’t seem to find the time or energy to get things done around the house. If any of these ailments sound familiar...well, it’s time to buy a boat.
...

If you aren’t already convinced...continue to read:
...

1. Buying a boat now is the best time to buy a boat in the entire history of mankind. Not only are there great deals, but there have been great enhancements in technology. Ancient Greeks used to enslave people to row their boats to save on gas and reduce emissions. Today, clean burning fourstroke engines allow quiet and efficient propulsion without violating people’s basic human rights.
...

2. When you buy a Sweetwater pontoon, a Polar kraft aluminum deep-v, or even a Stingray sport boat, you can toss a line and hook a fish. When you catch a fish (make sure you are within your daily limit), bring it home and filet it. Then, smoke it for several days over hickory and seal it in a Ziploc bag. Finally, FedEx the smoked fish to Hamlin’s Marina c/o Dan Higgins. By doing this, you have performed a good deed.

...

3. When you buy a boat, you will probably buy a trailer. Hauling your boat on a trailer is a public service. Imagine how many people will pass you on the highway this summer on your way to the lake. Every one on those people will wish that they were just like you. And why shouldn’t they want to live by your example? You are successful, good looking, and enjoy life. One of those people passing by is sure to have an epiphany and buy a boat so they can be just like you, and thus find happiness. Buying a boat has taken you one step closer to walking in the path of Ghandi.
...

If you still refuse to do more boating in 2010, you may be destined to grow old, gain weight, and do chores for the rest of your life.
...

Others may now feel a sudden lust for life. You are the chosen ones...the ones destined for long hours on the water this year. Please let Hamlin’s Marine know if we can help you in your quest for greatness in 2010!

The Penobscot River...Rediscovered

2010-10-23T08:11:00.000-07:00

Almost five years ago, my family bought a boat yard on the Penobscot River just south of Bangor. At one time the place was thriving, but the yard had become a backwater sanctuary for a few hardy do-it-your self types fixing up their boats.

The sad part was that the yard sat on a beautiful section of river with roots steeped in history. Right where our marina sits was the site of the worst U.S. Naval defeat on record. See for yourself at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Hampden

This was way back during the War of 1812. To this day, there are hulks of battleships blanketed by fine silt along the river bottom. In a way, that naval defeat signaled the decline of boating on the Penobscot River. After that, the river became a working river whose banks swelled with timber for the sawmills. In the winter, it was harvested for huge blocks of ice to send all over the country.

The Industrial Revolution was not kind to our lovely river. Factories from Bangor to Bucksport dumped byproducts of manufacturing right into the river. The worst was coal tar which sank to the bottom of the river and slowly bubbled up like a witches brew.

I am told that by the Oldtimers around here that the mighty Penobscot River was an open sewer back in the 50s and 60s. Nobody cared to recreate on the river, and folks built their homes far away from the foul smelling waters.

It's hard for me to image the scene sitting in my office overlooking a particularly scenic bend in the Penobcot. The river is pristine now. Atlantic salmon, sturgeon, harbor seals, bald eagles, and even fresh water loons make this place their home. Even in the few years I've been here, I've seen the river continue to heal itself with the ebb and flow of the tide and the heavy spring runoff. Groups like the Penobscot River Restoration Trust (http://www.penobscotriver.org/) are helping this beautiful lady back on her feet.

Lot's of folks may feel guilty about the scars we've left on our landscape and our surroundings, but the Penobcot River has actually been preserved by our past abuses. The stinking waters stunted any of the of the development experienced by other bodies of water. A trip down the Penobscot delivers a unique experience. You'll have glimpse of what life was during the War of 1812 without the cannonballs, looting, and blood curdling screams. Plus, you can always shoot over to the Marshall Wharf in Belfast for a handcrafted brew from Three Tides!

A Brave New World

2010-10-21T12:44:00.000-07:00

My very first Blog! Now that wasn't so hard...