It is the Hampton style boat that is generally accepted as the true beginnings of the modern day lobster boat. T o the casual observer, most lobster boats look alike. They do have some basic characteristics in common, like a fine bow entry forward, a fair amount of deadrise amidships, that flattens out towards the stern, a graceful shear line, a full length keel and a single inboard engine. These are the end result of decades of trial and error, in search of a seaworthy, efficient and maneuverable hull. Within these parameters there are many variations of the theme.
Some details even vary from village to village up the coast of Maine.
These regional differences are based upon the geographic factors and type of fishing that vary from region to region. The majority of fisherman in the mid-coast region of Maine, fish the rugged and more open waters around Mount Dessert Island. It has a bit shallower bilge where the keel sticks down proud from the deadrise of the hull more like a skeg in the forward and amidships sections. The skeg boat style of lobster boat is generally faster, and although it is cause for lively debate, we feel that the built down type of hull generally offers a softer ride and more interior volume for the same given length. Everything in life is a trade off, but the built down hull is the best compromise for cruiser looking for an efficient yet very seaworthy and comfortable boat.