Frank Luke Frank Luke of the Paul E. Luke Boatyard in East Boothbay demonstrates the wireless control of the yard's newly acquired marine travel lift. (Photo Dan Fayen)

The small but versatile Paul Luke Boatyard of East Boothbay has contributed to the area's rich maritime heritage by maintaining high quality standards in boat construction, products and services since 1936.

The Luke yard is pleased to announce the addition of a new marine travel lift to its many services. The 35-ton lift significantly improves the yard's ability to launch and haul boats with ease and safety.

On a recent July foggy morning, Frank Luke, owner and manager of the yard, lauded his recently acquired lift's attributes. Luke exclaimed "It is an awfully nice rig, which cuts down on the number of people required to haul a boat." He cited the travel lift's marked improvement over the old means of hauling and launching via the hydraulic trailer.

The new two-speed travel lift features a wireless remote control which Luke asserted "Puts the decision-maker in control of the process." Non-wireless travel lifts, where operators stand on the corner of the machine, Luke attested, are handicapped by significant blind-spots requiring spotters to communicate with the operator. Communication breakdowns between spotters and operators have resulted in expensive mishaps.

The new travel lift is easily and safely operated by one individual. Luke added, "This marine travel lift is a significant asset to our yard." The Luke Boatyard, in addition to providing boat hauling services; provides yacht storage, repair, outfitting and renovation services. The yard is currently restoring a stately Concordia sloop.

The Luke yard has a well-deserved reputation for building quality vessels such as its QT (quality tender) dinghy. "When you are in the boat business," Luke observed, "you are in the dream business." He mentioned the sleek QT dinghies complemented the beauty of vessels like the Concordia or Friendship sloops.

Luke's 25 full-time employee yard produces top-quality products such as three piece storm anchors, Heritage Galley Stoves, feathering propellers and the new Luke Bowlock hardware.

The Luke Boatyard continues the tradition of quality craftsmanship and sevices which has made this region well-known in boating circles.

You may see some of the yard's products and hear more about its services at the Boatbuilders Festival at East Boothbay's Shipbuilders Park on August 7.