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Friday, September 20, 2013

Maine Shark Fishing

I realized a couple of dreams this past Wednesday.  I shot a T.V. episode with the guys from Trident Outdoors and caught a Blue Shark off Monhegan Island.  I got to share the moment with my friend and co-worker Mark Hansen.  Now, Mark has caught a few dozen sharks over the years, and he's told me what a rush it is to hook on to these beautiful ocean predators.  He also told me how important it is to release them unharmed.

I met the guys from Trident at Hamlin's Marina just south of Bangor on Wednesday, September 18th at 6:00 A.M..  The temperature had dropped overnight to a frosty 34 degrees which caused the river to generate a nice convection fog throughout the valley all the way to Penobscot Bay.  Normally when you have thick fog...it's bad enough.  But this ice cold mist was illuminated by the bright sunny sky above.  Bright white frozen mist for 20 miles...it's more than a little unnerving!
Minutes Before Departure Into the Frozen Mist

My Garmin 5212 with radar allowed for an instrument only cruise down the river.  Technology allows safe travel through zero visibility, but it won't prevent damage from the partially submerged logs common along our waterways.  My wife, Katie, had urged me to layer my clothing and I am glad I'd taken her advice.  My thermal long underwear, fleece middle layer, and outer shells were just the right combination to make this trip a comfortable one.  

The fog broke at Fort Knox near the Penobscot Narrows Bridge.  Flat calm seas urged me to drop the throttles all the way to Bayside.  James and Matt of Trident marveled at the ability of our Scout 275 LXF to fly across the bay north of 50 MPH.  I think the windchill dropped to about ten degrees!

Mark Hansen was waiting at the Bayside wharf with armful of gear and an eager look.  It was now 7:30 and it was time to go find some sharks.

Bayside Wharf with Mark Hansen
The Trident Outdoors and Hamlin's Marina team was armed to the teeth with fishing gear, chum buckets, tackle, and stories.  The first order of business was to catch some fresh mackerel.  Quick trip to Linconville and then out to the breakwater in Rockland.   The sounder showed plenty of activity but those pesky mackerel decided not to hit our jigs.  No matter...we had plenty of frozen mackerel and pogies; they just don't bleed as well.  I offered to cut my hand and drip blood behind the boat if necessary.  I thought fresh homo sapien blood would be more attractive to sharks anyway.  Plus I thought it would make for good T.V.!  Speaking of T.V., Trident Outdoors will feature this shark fishing trip on the Fox Channel starting this January.

From Rockland, we headed out...way out.  In fact we ended out about 100 miles from Hamlin's Marina.  Here's where we ended up trying to find Jaws.  (note:  On the previous Monday, a 15' Great White was tagged in this same area!)

Now it was time to fish!  The action started out slowly.  We had a nice chum slick going and it was starting to draw a lot of attention from Seagulls and other wacky looking birds.  We were in about 300 feet of water and marking huge schools of fish on the bottom.  We half thought about doing some ground fishing, if things got slow on the top water.  The first burst of excitement came from an 80-100 ft Finback Whale surfacing a few hundred yards from the boat.  Thar She Blows!  The Leviathan surfaced twice, and mercifully took an opposite course.

A full hour and a half passed while we drifted across an endless sea of wind driven chop.  Patience was wearing thin.  And then...the most beautiful sound of a reel in free spin.  Shark on!  I grabbed the rod and my clumsy hands tried to tame the beast.  I thought she was gone for a full minute.  No, she was swimming right at the boat...hadn't a clue she was hooked.  Tough mother!  She led me on a dance around the boat...twenty yards to starboard and then twenty yards to port.  Then, straight down!  As she tired, I tired.  On the surface she was a brilliant blue with a white belly.  Finally she fell into a death roll from sheer exhaustion.  I brought all six feet of her alongside the boat.  James told me to give her a pat on the nose.  Out of sheer excitement I complied and wondered if I had taken a terrible risk.  James assured me that the shark was no threat as her fins had cleared the water line.  James cut the steel leader and off she went back to the cold clear waters of the Gulf of Maine.  My veins filled with adrenaline as I laid exhausted in the bow.

Two more beauties were landed.  They were a bit smaller in size but bigger in fight!  Then, when we were all spent we made the hundred mile trip back to Hamlin's via Bayside to drop Mark off at the wharf.   One hundred miles in just over three hours!  That's what a Scout 275 with twin Yamaha F200s will do for you.

We finished off the day with a hearty meal at McLaughlin's at the Marina.  Twelve hours of fun, adventure, and companionship on the high seas isn't a bad way to spend a Wednesday!  
A Beautiful Maine Blue Shark 

James, Mark, Jim, and Matt Underway
James and Mark Stalking Fresh Mackerel 
Light Tackle, Heavy Tackle...Your Choice







Wednesday, August 28, 2013

Rare Puffins Spotted At Hamlin's Marina

One day, I jumped in one of our Scout fishing boats at Hamlin’s Marina and headed for Castine.  Before I left, I grabbed a massive quantity of fried clams from McLaughlin’s at the Marina.  The clams were so good that I ate until I passed out!



When I came to, I had drifted way off my course.  I was out past the Merchant Islands...past Isle au Haut even!  The seas had picked up, and I ended up crashing ashore some distant island.  Luckily the Scout was unharmed. 

A flock of exotic colorful birds came to my rescue and nursed me back to health.  I’d learn later that these beautiful orange, white, and black creatures were Puffins.


The Puffins fed me herring to nurse me back to health.   They told me not to eat any more fried clams as the raw herring was better for me. I regained strength and vowed if I ever made it home I’d return to honor the colony in some way.  Eventually Hamlin’s service manager, Reid Garrity, spotted me while he was out shark fishing and returned me to the Hampden docks. 

I immediately purchased the Puffin Dinghy company and transferred it to Hampden to honor my saviors. 
Yesterday, I piloted our flagship 1060 Puffin powered by a 2.5 HP Yamaha all the way to my distant Puffin colony. 


The King of all the Puffins greeted me on the rocky shore, and we discussed plans to grow distribution of Puffin Dinghies around the world. 



Learn more at:
www.puffindinghy.com

Thursday, August 22, 2013

Pen Bay Explorers Trip to The Celtic Festival in Belfast


Hamlin’s own Pen Bay Explorers recently joined up for a trip to Belfast during the annual Celtic Festival.

Hamlin’s Marina sponsored dock space in Belfast Harbor.  Six well-loaded boats successfully completed the trip. 

Our group was scheduled to depart Hamlin’s Marina on Saturday, July 20th at 10:30 A.M..  As with all of the Pen Bay Explorers trips, we were delayed with preparations and a captain’s meeting.  I think our motto should be “Pen Bay Explorers...Never on time!”

All boats were headed downriver at about 11:15 A.M. and we used 68 on the VHF as our common frequency.

There were a number of different sized vessels in the group, and we found that cruising around 26 MPH worked out best for everyone.  That was after one over loaded cruiser dumped crew onto other member vessels.  Situations like these make it convenient to be travelling in a group!

Cruising conditions were fair until we passed under the Penobscot Narrow Bridge.  Then, conditions became a little dicey.  The famous Penobscot chop was in fine form; it was a very bumpy, wet ride through the gut to Fort Point.  At one point, the screws on my roof hatch over my helm seat backed out and I had a piece of hardware crash down on my head.  I’ve had a number of concussions over the years, so I don’t think I did any additional damage!  Despite the conditions, the group pounded through finding that keeping up on plane was the better alternative to slowing down and going through the spin cycle.

Belfast Harbor was a welcome refuge from the seas, and the Belfast harbor staff helped us tie up and hook up power.  The staff in Belfast is top notch...professional and friendly!

The Pen Bay Explorers hung out on the docks for a few hours trying to beat the sweltering heat.  My crew decided to take a swim in the harbor.  The frigid water felt good even though we carried an aroma of diesel fuel the rest of the day!

Keeping the Pen Bay Explorers together at an Irish festival is like shooing chickens in a traffic jam.  Crews were spread out all over the waterfront from the music stage, to the Guinness tent, to the ice cream parlor. 

My crew ended up at Three Tides feasting on oysters and appetizers and tasting unbelievable hand-crafted brews.  Our gastronomic bliss was broken up by a quick glance at my IPhone’s Doppler radar ap.  There was a very dark red blob on the screen about 20 minutes due west of Belfast.  That blob was a microburst storm carrying horizontal rain and extreme winds.

I bolted down to the boats like Paul Revere gathering the men, women, and children of the Pen Bay Explorers.  Then,  we made a mad dash across the waterfront through hordes of Gaelic minions to the shelter of my mother’s house.  The ominous, charcoal clouds unleashed a hell storm just as we reached the home. 

Others Pen Bay Explorers took shelter aboard their boats and listened to the sheets of rain pound their cabins.  A dinghy took flight and sailed past a porthole in the spirit of the Wizard of Oz.

But just as the storm blew in, it left...leaving cool, clean ocean air. 

The evening that followed delivered memories that will last for ever.  Our family of boaters wandered, relaxed, and hung out the way only boaters know.  The night was capped by a grand fireworks display over the harbor.

Sunday morning was a leisurely affair with fair, cool weather and favorable seas for our return voyage. 

I hung out with one new boating family, that hosted an impromptu breakfast of freshly grilled biscuits, bacon, and blueberry coffee from the Keurig machine.  I returned the favor by checking the fluids and bilge, as they were on their first leg of a journey to Cape Cod.  The following evening they were in Boothbay Harbor.

The remaining five boats left the docks promptly at 10:30 A.M. for a picture perfect cruise back to Hampden.

The Pen Bay Explorers proved our bravery and commitment to leisure once more.  Check out some of the photos!



 

Saturday, July 6, 2013

Scout's New 275 LXF Makes Time Travel Possible for Maine Family

I always admired the young Michael J. Fox in his role as Marty McFly in the movie, Back to the Future.   Marty's reckless youth never overshadowed his dedication to saving his mother from the lustful hands of Biff.

Ever since I watched Back to the Future in 1985, I've been working on reverse-engineering the Flex Capacitor developed by Emmett "Doc" Brown, so that I too could embark on an adventure through time and space.  I pawned off every thing of substance in my life to fund my obsession...my 1966 Mustang Coupe (just didn't compare to the tried and true Delorian), my Ricky Henderson rookie card, and my home brewing equipment.   I spent the last decade of my life experimenting with broken Nintendo consoles, lava lamps, Tesla coils, and Light Bright sets.  Every time I thought I was about to experience time travel, I would instead start a fire or release noxious gasses in my basement.

To the relief of my poor family, I finally threw in the towel.  I agreed to concentrate on my day job which is running Hamlin's Marina.  It has been a blast hanging out on the Penobscot River, eating fried clams at McLaughlin's, and being a crash test dummy for the most advanced recreational boats on the planet.  I was having a blast, but I was afraid my quest for time travel was over.

That was until the Fourth of July, 2013.  You see, Hamlin's was organizing the largest boat parade the Penobscot has ever seen.  Over 25 boats had arrived with crews hell bent on displaying their patriotism.

                                    
   
Hour by hour more supporters arrived at the marina including local celebrities, Todd Simcox and Deb Neuman, and a huge crowd of loud and proud camp counselors from the Wilderness Center at Camp Jordan.  This was going to be a day to remember, and my task was to pick out a capable watercraft to  carry the parade judges.  I needed an All-American boat with plenty of comfortable seating.  From our fleet of options, I chose the beautiful Scout 275 LXF.


                                           
     
                                      

From the moment I saw the 275 LXF hit the water, I re-lived the moment "Doc" Brown's Delorian manifested itself among flames in a 1980's mall parking lot.  Excitement pulsed through me as I fired up not one, but two new Yamaha F200 outboards.  

As we headed up river toward Bangor, my duty was to weave and bob around all the boats in the parade so that our judges could be fair in assessing the efforts of all the wonderfully decorated boats on the river.  Because I had children on board, and because I couldn't risk the lives of the celebrity judges...I resisted the urge to hit the glistening throttles.  Oh, how those engines called to me!  Instead, I engaged in small-talk with my weather man, Todd Simcox.

                        

As the parade wound down, I knew it was my chance to finally experience time travel with my family and friends.  It was already 2 P.M. when we decided to embark on our journey to Penobscot Bay.  Over the course of the next ten hours we were able to compress an entire summer's worth of boating recreation.  Here's what we accomplished in ten hours with the Scout 275 LXF:

1.)  Search and positive identification of my Sister-in-Law in her new Stingray relaxing with her man, Tim.

2.) Sightseeing excursion of Fort Knox and the Penobscot Narrows Bridge.

                       

3.) Unsuccessful expedition to Stockton Springs Harbor to rendez-vous with the Cottrell family sailboat.  Instead we nearly convinced a man to climb up an old abandoned pier to perform a swan dive.  Although the man strongly considered the challenge, his attempt was thwarted by a very large osprey returning to his nest on the pier!

4.)  Belfast Harbor visit for our first round of oysters at Three Tides!

                        

5.)  Warp speed trip to Castine on a quest for Ice Cream at The Breezes waterfront cantina.

                                        


6.) Second round of Oysters of the day at Dennett's Wharf.  Deciding we don't want the day to end!

7.)  Fireworks in Castine!

                 



                    

8.)  Depart from Castine in the inky blackness of Penobscot Bay.  Learn to trust our electronics on a moonless night.


                    

9.)  Potty break in Bucksport.

10.)  Midnight return to Hamlin's Marina as Reid McLaughlin fires off one more Grand Finale of fireworks from the shorefront.  

To summarize...Bangor, Stockton Springs, Belfast, Castine, Bucksport, Hampden in 10 hours with a full crew.  Doc "Brown" eat your heart out!  We've just discovered time travel with the Scout 275 LXF.  



Tuesday, June 25, 2013

Sizzle...Sizzle

It's hot.  Steamy, sweaty, stinkin' hot.  Summer is here!  

Where do you want to be?  

Do you want to be in a stuffy office?  Would you like to be doing yard work?  How would you like to be sitting in traffic with no air conditioning?

How about going out on a boat? Yeah...that's the ticket! 


Here's a few reasons to drop what you are doing and get out on a boat...

1.)  Phone reception is terrible on a boat, so nobody can bother you on the water.  Even if you have reception...turn up the stereo and you'll have the same effect.

2.)  You can wakeboard into your 80's.  Even if you've earned yourself a big belly and you can barely strap on your bindings, it is so rewarding to surf the wake behind the boat.  Oh, the other fun part is simulated drowning.  They say that Waterboarding is inhumane...try Wakeboarding when you are out of shape.  It's the same thing!

3.)  People don't wear much in the way of clothing.  There is a lot of skin out there on the water.  Maybe you are ripped or curvy in a good way.  Maybe you are a little lumpy.  It just doesn't matter on a boat!

4.)  Beer tastes really, really  good on a boat.

5.)  You don't have to go anywhere.  Just turn the wheel to the left and give her the popcorn!  Spin around and around as fast as you can a dozen times!!!!  Now stop.  Now do it again!  I swear to God that I saw someone do this on Brewer Lake last Sunday.  If it was you, please call me and tell me what you were doing!  

6.)  You can get one nasty sunburn on a boat.  Then you can go in to work the next day and people will ask you why you didn't put on sunblock.  They are really just jealous because you were on a boat, and they were at home sticking to their pleather couch.

7.)  Download a bunch of Jimmy Buffett, Bob Marley, Jack Johnson, and Zac Brown Band.  Make sure you play it loud and you tap your fingers on the steering wheel.  This feels really good.

That's enough for now...I am going to go out on a boat.






Tuesday, June 11, 2013

Beating the Bad Weather Blues

The 2013 boating has lacked a little sunshine lately, but everyone at Hamlin's Marina on the Penobscot River seems to be making the most of it.  It seems as though every time the sun peaks out, the docks are mobbed with people.  When the rain pours down, everyone huddles together on the larger cruisers.

This week we are having an in-water boat show.  The Hamlin's staff kicked it off Saturday evening with a wakeboard session on a new 2013 Stingray 208.  I've got to tell you that this boat is awesome!

With nine people on board, we had no problem pulling riders with the Mercruiser 220 HP I/O.   The weather was far from perfect, and it was a bit chilly for those without wetsuits! That didn't stop us from having a blast and coming in Monday morning with some sore body parts.  I think Reid Garrity is our staff pro, as he was the only one who pulled of Big Air on purpose.  Everyone else only pulled off Big Air during our wipeouts.

Josh at the Helm Ready to Hit It
 
 
Katie and Ella looking back at the Marina
 
 
Reid Hanging 10

 
 
 
Monday was a spectacular day...sunny and Mid-70s.  Plenty of folks came out to demo the boats on the docks including a Scout Dorado 210, the Stingray 208 (a crowd favorite), and some of big boy boats like the 262 Abaco and Eastern 248
 
Rain or shine, come down to Hamlin's Marina and try out that boat you've been drooling over!  We all know it's going to be hot and sticky soon, and you don't want to be watching from the shore.




Thursday, June 6, 2013

The Wonder Years at Hamlin's Marina

This year, we are celebrating our seventh year on the water at Hamlin's Marina on the Penobscot River.  When we started, my wife Katie and I were in our twenties with stars in our eyes.  We had all the energy and hope in the world...and zero experience. 
 
When I look back, we didn't have many responsibilities.  We had a destructive (and loveable) Golden Retriever named Max, dreams of grandeur, and a penchant for staying up late.
 
Here's what Hamlin's Marina looked like back then...

 
 
 
Things are different now, and better!  We've grown to a staff of sixteen this summer, with the addition of a showroom on Rt. 1A and Puffin Dinghy manufacturing.
 
This Saturday, Hamlin's Marina is celebrating National Marina Day.  Although the weather forecast calls for rain, I know our community of boaters and staff will come out to show our pride on the river. 
 
We're hosting our biggest sale of the year.  With seven boats in the water, this is an opportunity to drive the boat of your dreams.  Try a pontoon, a deckboat, a lobster boat, sport fish boat, or ski boat!
 
For our dock customers, we'll be hosting a Horseshoe tournament at 10:00 A.M.  I'm sure with all the new faces and veterans out on the docks, there will be stiff competition.  Make sure to check all your boats for a welcome package for the summer!
 
 
By the way, Jeromy Hamel is the dockmaster this year and will be keeping office hours on the waterfront Thursday-Sunday 10-4 for all your needs.  This year we'll have a ship store with charts, accessories, and equipment right on the water for convenience.
 
Here is our list of activities/events for the Marina this Summer:
 
Saturday, June 8th 10-4:                National Marina Day Celebration

Boat Demos and Sale, Horseshoe Tournament For Dock Stars, Welcome Bags, Food Specials & Live Music at McLaughlin’s.    

Sunday, June 16th 10 A.M.:           Dock Stars Badminton Tournament

Sunday, June 23rd 10 A.M.:           Dock Stars Obstacle Course

Sunday, June 30th 10 A.M.:           Dock Stars Scavenger Hunt

Thursday, July 4th 12:00- 2:          Boat Parade

                    Theme “America the Beautiful”
1st Place: $1000 Gift Certificate; 2nd Place: Big Mable Tube; 3rd Place: Pair of Anatomically Correct Mermaid Fenders     

Sunday, July 9th 10 A.M.:             Dock Stars Docking Contest

Fri. July 19th- Sun. July 21st:                    Flotilla

Maine Celtic Festival in Belfast

Sunday, July 20th 10 A.M.:            Dock Stars Bocce Tournament


Friday, May 31, 2013

National Marina Day- June 8, 2013 at Hamlin's Marina

In an effort to introduce more families to the boating lifestyle and the enjoyment of marina life, Discover Boating had started a national movement to recognize Saturday June 8th as National Marina Day!  To learn more about this national effort, please see this website:  http://www.nationalmarinaday.org/

Hamlin's Marina has grown from a small, backwater boat yard to a thriving center of the community in Hampden, Maine.  The marina has become a social gathering center, a base camp for adventures into Penobscot Bay, and manifested itself as an island of relaxation among the hustle and bustle of nearby Bangor.

Our family of boaters at the marina is very special to me and is a big part of our own business success.  We want to thank everyone of supporting us through the years and helping us realize our vision of a thriving waterfront.

Here are some pictures of the marina and different events...

                    
 
                        


 
Hamlin's Marina will be recognizing National Marina Day with special discounts on new boat packages, on water boat demos, live music, food and drink specials at McLaughlin's at the Marina.
 
Here are a few models we plan on having in the water for demos:
 
1.)  Hurricane 188 Deckboat
 
2.) Eastern 248 Islander
 
3.) Scout 262 Abaco
 
4.) Stingray 208LR
 
Hope to see you there!



Thursday, March 28, 2013

2013 Bangor Boat Show Preview


Today, Hamlin's is continuing to set up for the annual Bangor show set for this Friday the 29th through Sunday the 31st. Yes, the boat show will be open for Easter, so wolf down those Peeps and Cadbury Eggs and get on down to the Bangor Auditorium. This is probably the last event the old auditorium will ever host, and it's a good thing when you see the Cold War relic next to the shining new Cross Center! That old marvel of engineering with the "V"- shaped roof is ready to retire.

So why drag yourself out on a holiday weekend and brave the masses of water-addicted zombies?


Why?

Because Hamlin's is hosting the biggest boat buying party that has ever touched Maine soil. Try 35 new models on site with another 100 or so at our nearby stores. Early season buying frenzies have created a glut of trade-ins as well. We are chock full of used pontoons, fishing boats, and runabouts. All factory promotions including rebates and extended warranty programs expire on Sunday. So, if you want to be on the water this summer, put down the turkey leg or ham bone and get to the show.


Here are some highlights:

Stingray runabouts (5 models)
From high-powered Sport Decks from Hartsville, SC like the 208 and 198 to the budget friendly 195 RX, you'll be able to check out the most popular runabouts in Maine.

Polar Kraft aluminum fishing boats (12 models)
Serious fishing and hunting boats from Syracuse, IN with a reputation for lifetime toughness. Nice selection of family fish & ski models on hand as well.

Scout (6 models)
Fiberglass Sport Fishing models from Sommersville, SC. We have models in stock from 15'-27'. The crowd favorites are the 210 XSF and the 210 Dorado. The new 275 LXF in our Hampden showroom is a show stopper.

Rinker (3 models)
Big, wave-crashing fiberglass V-Hulls from Syracuse, IN perfect for Hamlin's Marina and Penobscot Bay. We'll feature both Sport bowriders and cuddies as well as a value packed 18' Fish and Ski model.

Sweetwater, Aqua Patio, and San Pan Pontoons (6 models)
Unbeatable construction, innovative designs, and the ultimate comfort make these pontoons from Elkhart, IN reign supreme in Maine. There are plenty of posers popping up on the market now, but nothing beats experience.

Hurricane (1 model)
The all liquid-terrain machine built in Elkhart, IN with seating for 10 and a trusty Yamaha outboard. Bar-none...best affordable family trailer boat on the market.

Skeeter (5 models)
The bass boats from Texas with serious swag. Yamaha 2 and 4 stroke power on display. SHO changes everything.

Eastern (2 models)
Locally made in Milton, NH. These Downeast beauties ride soft in the roughest Penobscot slop. Fuel efficient center consoles and cabin models are in stock now.

See you at the Bangor Show!

Monday, March 25, 2013

Escape to Reality With the Scout 275 LXF

Get out of Dodge. Fly the coup. Bust out. Run away.

You need an escape vehicle from our processed, dead-line driven reality. Too many commitments? No, life is short. Love your wife and kids.

Get out of the markets, and get into a 2013 Scout 275 LXF available now at Hamlin's Marina.



She's waiting for all of you with her alluring lines. The 275 LXF is the mantle piece of our Hampden showroom. You can't miss her.

A brand new marina slip is pining away for this lady, waiting for the 275 LXF to touch the Penobscot. The islands...Butter, Pond, and Isle Au Haut are all waiting for a glimpse of a dark blue ribbon stretched across the horizon on a steamy July day.



Here she is...27' fun wagon adorned with rocket launchers, stainless grill center, and Twin Yamaha F200XB outboards (merely 10 lbs heavier than Yamaha F150s).



Come in for a glimpse or possibly much, much more.



Wednesday, March 13, 2013

Stingray 250CS: Your Seagoing RV



Many families come to me every spring expressing their desire to own a cabin cruiser. These adventurous folks want to share the beauty and mystique of Maine waters with their loved ones; at night, they don't want to go home but rather stay on the water. Let the rolling tide lull them to sleep.

I can often see disappointment as I speak plainly of the cost of owning a cabin cruiser. Most are comparing the costs to with a bow rider a simple fishing boat. With a cabin cruiser you have a higher upfront cost, but the annual maintenance cost of seasonal layup for multiple engines, advanced systems, slips, fuel, and storage grows into the thousands.

Really when purchasing a cabin cruiser, it should be an alternative to a camp or an RV. The true joy of owning a cabin cruiser is the freedom experience of hopping from harbor to harbor every summer. There will always be new friends, abundant fish and wildlife, and new restaurants and shops.

Behold the 2013 Stingray 250 CS.

 

Stingray has built a truly remarkable and affordable cabin cruiser. With comfortable forward and rear cabin sleeping, a well appointed galley, and a patio-sized cockpit...the Stingray 250 CS is impressive. With Stingray's famous Z-Plane hull, this townhouse tops out at 50 mph with a single, fuel-friendly Mercruiser 350 MAG.



Built for lakes, rivers, and the ocean, you'll never run out of territory to explore. The high cockpit allows a great vantage for sightseeing, or sipping cocktails in the evening on your slip. Plenty if room in the 250CS for your friends and family to stretch out. Send your kids down to the cabin to eat popcorn and watch Madagascar, as you hold your girl in your arms and watch a low hung moon over the bay.



And the price...get ready for it...$69,995! No I'm not kidding. See what kind of waterfront real estate that will afford you these days.

  

Come to the Hampden showroom today to tour this beautiful Stingray and reserve your slip on the Penobscot. Make plans to spend this summer on the water at Hamlin's Marina.

 
 
 


 


 

Thursday, March 7, 2013

Cancel All Your Plans For The Weekend...You Are Buying a Boat


I heard that you were planning some lame ski weekend up at Sugarloaf with Ben Affleck and Jennifer Anniston. Well call them up, and take a raincheck! This is no time for rubbing elbows with celebs.

Why? Because Hamlin's Marine is at both the Augusta Boat Show and the Orono Sportsman's Show  all weekend long.

Hamlin's has 42 boats on the road marked down just for you. If you really want a deal ask about our secret Holdover Hitlist! If you are able to snag a Hitlist boat, you'll feel like you just robbed us. Don't worry though, we won't call the cops.



In Augusta, you'll find a treasure trove of deals on Sweetwater, Aqua Patio, and San Pan Pontoons. Quality fit and finish and rugged construction set our pontoons apart...but this weekend, buy quality for even less as we engage on the battlefield with warriors from across the state.

Now if you want the comfort of a pontoon boat with more performance...make sure you consider our Hurricane Deckboats. Your whole family can rock out on a Hurricane; maybe call Affleck and Anniston to come along.



In Orono, we'll be showing off heavy hardware capable of hunting down fish, ducks, and even lobster. Polar Kraft, Eastern, Scout, and Skeeter will be there waiting for their adoption papers.
Remember, all these boats are powered by the most powerful outboard in the universe, Yamaha!

Hope to see you at a show this weekend, and let us know if we can do anything to make this your year. Hey, why don't you bring Ben and Jennifer along...I'm sure we've got a boat for them too.