Lyman Morse Boatbuilding Receives Governor's Award

We were in the state capital this Friday where we received a Governor's Award for Environmental Excellence. We were recognized because of our participation in the Environmental Leaders of Maine program, which we joined in 2005. Our membership in the program asks us to make certain committments to reduce our environmental impact. Thanks to the hard work by everyone here, we were able to exceed our environmental goals as follows:

reduced energy use by 36;
reduced solid waste by 20%
reduced toxic releases by 39%
reduced hazardous waste by 75%
reduced toxic use by 33%



A big part in helping achieve our goals was the construction of our green building which utilizes energy efficiencies including solar and structural integrated panels, and in-floor radiant heating while also diversifying into renewable energy projects including production of the solar cube.

We also signed another commitment to go beyond compliance for three more years in the Environmental Leaders of Maine, Smart Growth through Smart Production Program. We have made the following voluntary commitments in our Agreement:

To further reduce greenhouse gas emissions from energy usage by 20%
To further reduce the total amount of solid waste by 10%
To further reduce the total amount of hazardous waste shipped off site by 10%
Mentor three companies or organizations
Maintain ourISO 14001 equivalent Environmental Management System, including audits, updates, and improvements as needed.

Thermoforming

Thermoforming is the process where core is heated to a pliable forming temperature in an open "oven" to a high-enough temperature that it can be formed into a mold and cooled to a finished shape. Our oven utilizes a long-wave infrared heat -- this is superior to a flame style heat in that instead of heating the material from the outside, it creates a chemical reaction to heat the entire piece quickly and evenly.

Once the entire mold is covered, it is trimmed to form a tightly fitted layer. The core is then removed so that several layers of dry structural laminate can be laid into the mold to form the first layer of outside skin. The core is then refit on top of that, and a final inside skins of structural laminate are laid on top. The entire piece is then bagged and resin infused.

This heating process serves several advantages. Fist, it is faster. Second, it allows us to build a much lighter boat because we can use core with less kerfs -- meaning there are less pockets for resin to pool and add weight to the overall structure.

In this video, our resident expert in composites, Roy Lupien, walks us through the thermoforming process on the 70' we're currently building. Our not-so-expert camera crew decided to stand next to someone using a grinder so there is significant background noise. Keep your speakers low.

The Mock-Up Process

Getting to the point of being ready to build your dream yacht is a daunting thought. With so many options in finishes, fabrics, materials, etc. it's enough to overwhelm almost anyone. You then have to add in the logistical concerns... is there enough headroom? Will these cabinets be deep enough? Is there enough space to get in and out of the helm seat? One of the most integral pieces of building a custom yacht is the mock-up. At Lyman Morse, we construct a full-scale mock-up for every yacht that we build so the owner can experience first-hand the boat's spatial relationships and configurations. Even with today's sophisticated technology, this hands-on, walk-through step quickly converts the dream to reality. We created a video with the owners of No Slip III, a Hunt 52' launched in 1994. Though this video is 15 years old, its content remains remarkably timely and on point. We still build them the same way, now in facility in Tenants Harbor. Feel free to stop in the next time you're down there. Stuart Farnham will be happy to show you around!

Boats We Wish We Owned: Windwalker II

We've built over 90 yachts throughout our 31 years, each one a unique representation of Lyman Morse's pride, tradition and quality. Though impossible to pick the best, there remains one that has stood out as a perennial favorite amongst our customers and crew. Windwalker II, a Ted Hood designed sloop launched in 1999, holds that distinction.

Perhaps the greatest feature of Windwalker II is her rare combination of luxury and practicality -- this is a yacht you love to admire for her immpeccable aesthetics, yet you're not afraid to actually put her gear to use. Four winters in the Caribbean, 3 Bermuda races, summers in Nantucket and Maine -- she has provided comfort for her owners, guests and crew consistently. In addition, Windwalker II has cruised Nova Scotia, the Chesapeake, participated in the Annapolis-Newport and the Marblehead-Halifax races.

Justin Wiegleb, our Assistant Service Yard Manager, has kept her in tip-top shape as her captain over the years. Justin recalls his favorite experience during the 2006 Newport-Bermuda race. Scorching heat, no wind, seeing other participants in misery... while the Windwalker team all enjoyed her air conditioning, catered food and comfortable berths for all. (Perhaps not the hard core stuff of legend, but not a bad way to travel!)

The owners have had less time to use her over the last year so she is being offered by the Lyman Morse Yacht Brokerage. Asking $1.2M, her next owner is sure to enjoy many happy experiences!

Catamaran Launch Photos

We had a great time last Thursday afternoon at the launch of MALA CONDUCTA. There was a great turn out and we're happy to see our newest project outside at the dock. Here are a a few pics from the big event.



Our next launch will be on May 14th for our 54' C. Raymond Hunt designed jet express cruiser, WHISTLER.

First Splash of the Season

You know you work at a Maine boatyard when the temperature outside is just barely breaking 40 degrees and you think it's the perfect time to put boats in the water. Earlier this week, we pulled the first two vessels from their long winter hibernation inside the shed and reintroduced them to water. Puffin, a 1969 Aage Walstead cedar planked yawl, and Perseverance, a classic wooden lobster yacht, are both happily sitting at the Renaissance docks. We reintroduced them to the water first so their wooden hulls could soak up some water and swell after drying over the winter.





The yard crew is now in full swing, preparing the rest of our 80+ storage boats for the upcoming season. We're looking forward to seeing everyone return to pick up their boats soon!