Bugs and Bass 2010 and the Pease Air Show
I'm a little behind on Bugs and Bass 2010. And not ready to start anytime soon.
Let me tell you why.
The USS Coalman is a Norton and was built in 1972 in Hampton, NH. She is #14 of approx 50 boats built. Mr Norton sold his patten to the Eastern Boat Company.
The years had begun to take their toll on her deck, transom and cuddy. I had a desicion to make this winter, buy a new boat or have the USS Coalman restored. I chose restoration.
Here are a few posts I did this spring.................
04-17-10
Today is the day. The USS Coalman is going into dry dock for a makeover. After 38 years on the seacoast with 13 of those years with me at the helm it is time for some TLC. Our list includes a new deck, new cuddy, new wheelhouse and a strengthening of the transcom.
I have looked at purchasing another lobster boat. But I don't need to mortgage to follow me for another ten years. So it is time to put back into the Coalman everything I have gotten out of her.
If you see the blue Norton on Rte 236 in Eliot. ME Please pause and salute her long and about to get longer life. She was built in Hampton, NH in 1972 hull # 14 of approx 50 boats built and is one of the models for all the Eastern boats you see on the water today.
Thank you USS Coalman for toting this fisherman through calm and high seas. I can't wait to get you back to your home water.
The Bayman
04-21-10
She has been a good friend to a lot of striper fisherman.
This is one of my favorites.
05-23-10
One down. Two to go.
On the way back from camp yesterday I stopped in to see how the USS Coalman has been progressing. I was not disappointed. Miliner Marine has done a great job. It is down now to cosmetics and a paint job.
Thanks Dave. You are right, I like the looks of my "new boat".
New deck and cuddy housing.
The transom is now four layers thick marine plywood with glass between each layer.
Rear view, The center hole in the cuddy is for my wheel house box. The other side is where my new cuddy door will be.
Give me another month and I will be OTW.
06-19-10
The USS Coalman came out of the body shop. One down two to go. Two being the mechanics, motor, control and helm. Three being cosmetics, fish finder, radio light, etc. I am really happy with the results.
New deck and transom.
New deck.
New wheel box for the helm and controls and new cuddy face.
New splash boards.
And a big pile of debris.
One down. Two to go.
I'll keep you posted.