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Thursday, October 1, 2020

Don't Be Scared To Buy a Boat Sale

 



Our annual Don't Be Scared to Buy a Boat Sale is finally here at Hamlin's MarineJust like everything else this godforsaken year...things are a little different in the world of boating.
 
 First off, there simply aren't enough boats, motors, and trailers to meet the demand across the country.  Urban flight has taken hold and millions of people are choosing free time in the great outdoors over grueling commutes and over-priced lattes. 

There has never been a better time to buy a boat in the fall than right now, and we are offering great incentives to buy now:



 

 

Don't Be Scared to Buy a Boat now if you plan on being on the water in Maine next year.  Hamlin's has inventory now, as well as some excellent new options like Weldcraft hardcore aluminum fishing boats.

 


 

Or, check out Hurricane deck boats for family-friendly fun.

  


 
Want a deal? Check out these budget-friendly holdover hitlist packages:

New 2017 Alumacraft T-Pro 195 with Yamaha VMax 175 loaded with high-end electronics package.  Was $50,944 Now $36,500! 

 


New 2020 Stingray 225 SE with 6.2 L Mercruiser Was $61,240 Now $55,979!

 
 


New 2020 Scout 215 Dorado with Yamaha F150 Was $65,062 Now $62,995! 


New 2020 Leader 9.0 Walk Around with Twin Yamaha F250s Was $168,020 Now $154,975! 


New 2020 Mastercraft X22 Surf Boat Was $176,272 Now $154,968! 

 

New 2019 Chris Craft 28 GT Launch with Yamaha F425 Was $278,446 Now $195,495 !


 


 


 

 

Monday, August 10, 2020

Hamlin's Marine is Coming To Belfast!



 Belfast, Maine has long held a special place in my heart.  It was where I first fell in love with the ocean.  A special place where Main Street ends at the city boat launch.  

This is a city where boating of all forms collide...lobster boats, sail boats, tug boats, old money yachts, and recreational power boats.

Our first trip with the PenBay Explorers Cruising Club based in Hampden was destined for Belfast.  A decade ago, novice boaters ventured down the river from our marina in Hampden and had a luncheon on the back deck of Rollie's.  Our club ventured to the legendary and defunct Marshall Wharf to gorge on oysters and the finest brews.  

It's hard to imagine that Belfast was once known for it's dirty industry, chicken processing, and gritty living.  

Now Belfast is thriving with retail shops, festivals (pre-Covid), fine restaurants, and a beautiful harbor walk winding through a patchwork of shipyards, downtown, and open green space.

The green grass meets the ocean at the entrance of the harbor where Belfast Marina is expanding to meet the needs of increasing boat traffic.  


I'm excited to announce that Hamlin's Marine is now part of this bustling waterfront at 7 Front Street.  We have a small display of boats on the waterfront and are working hard to prepare to move into a showroom that will soon be filled with new boats from Scout, Jeanneau, Carolina Skiff, Sea Chaser, Weldcraft, and many other lines all powered by Yamaha.  


I was down at the facility this morning while the painters were finishing up the interior.  It won't be long until we can open the doors and be part of a new boating community.  I can't wait!


Saturday, July 11, 2020

July is Chris-Craft Month at Hamlin's Marina

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Hamlin's Marina is hosting not one, but two opportunities to test drive a Chris-Craft in the month of July.  In order to attend these sponsored events, you must pre-register.

Check out this video to understand why Chris-Craft has been America's boat builder since 1874...


Chris Craft Fleet, Boat
Chris Craft Fleet, Boat
Our first event will be hosted at Hamlin's Marina in Hampden.  Orono Brewing Company & McLaughlin's at the Marina will be sponsoring our weekly Hamlin's Happy Hour from 4 PM to 6 PM on Wednesday, July 22nd.  Click Here to register for the Chris-Craft Happy Hour.

The second event will be at The Village Inn & Tavern in Belgrade, Maine.  Sponsored by The Belgrade Lakes Association and the Village Inn & Tavern, this event will feature an elegant luncheon on the lawn on the shores of Great Pond.  Following lunch, registered guests will have the opportunity to pilot the world's most beautiful boats.  Click Here to register for the Great Pond Luncheon and Chris-Craft test drive event on Friday July, 24th from Noon until 4 P.M.!

Hamlin's Marina will be showcasing four in-stock models at these events including both the 28 Launch GT & 25 Launch GT, the 26 Calypso, and the classic 27 Launch.

Last year, we featured the 28 Launch GT on Sebago Lake at Sportsman's Kitchen and Keg.  Check out the footage...


Our 25 Launch GT is stunning in Port Red with a custom painted Yamaha F300.

2020 Chris-Craft 25 GT Launch - Outboard - Port Red/Metallic Black
2020 25 Launch GT at the Boston Boat Show

Our 26 Calypso is a twin engine family day boat with a hard top and fishing features.




Finally, our 27 Launch resonates with timeless low slung lines and a powerful Mercruiser sterndrive.


Hamlin's Marina can't wait to see you at one of our events in July.  Make family history this month with a new Chris-Craft!!

Tuesday, July 7, 2020

I'm Too Sexy For My Boat Happy Hour

I'm Too Sexy R.S.F. Right Said Fred Sheet Music: R.S.F. Right Said ...
My Favorite One Hit Wonder..."I'm Too Sexy"


If "Right Said Fred" was ever in the market for a boat, you have to believe he would own a Scout.  He's the only one in the world that would actually be too sexy for a Scout.

This Wednesday from 4-6 we will have three Scouts in the water to sea-trial at our marina in Hampden.  Please Click Here to register for your free tickets to this event.  McLaughlin's at the Marina is sponsoring the event as always with refreshments.

Boat #1 is the Scout 195 Sport Fish featured in Midnight Blue with the Bimini top option powered by a Yamaha F115.   

2020 Scout 195 SF - Midnight Blue
Scout 195 Sport Fish

The Scout 195 SF is the perfect freshwater/saltwater trailer boat for families that want it all!  Tube, ski, fish...and look sexy doing it!

Boat #2 is the new for 2020 Scout 215 Dorado with frame-less glass windshield.  This boat actually might even be too sexy for Right Said Fred.  It's powered by a Yamaha F150.

2020 Scout 215 Dorado - White
Scout 215 Dorado

Finally, Boat #3 is the Murdered Out Black 255 LXF.  It's a big bad center console for coastal exploring and fishing backed up with a 300 horse power monster Yamaha.

2020 Scout 255 LXF - Black
Scout 255 Dorado
Can't wait to see all of you tomorrow at Happy Hour.  I will leave you with this to get you all fired up...


Monday, June 29, 2020

Jeanneau Powerboats Featured for This Week's Hamlin's Happy Hour

Captain Ella at the Helm of a Jeanneau NC895
Hamlin's Marine is introducing Jeanneau powerboats to Maine.   The NC and Leader series from Jeanneau are the perfect full-featured pocket yacht cruisers for Maine.  The NC models offer full pilot house enclosures for maximum protection from the elements, while the Leader series have a more open design for sun-lovers and serious fishing.

On Wednesday at our weekly Hamlin's Happy Hours Sponsored by McLaughlin's at the Marina, we will be demonstrating three models from Jeanneau...the NC695, the Leader 7.5 Center Console, and the Leader 9.0.

You can register to test drive a Jeanneau this Wednesday from 4-6 at Hamlin's Marina on the Penobscot River.  Just visit our Registration Page to sign up.

Here are some recent pictures of our adventures on Jeanneau power boats in Maine...

Mark Hansen at the Wheel of an NC795

My Family Enjoying the Cockpit of an NC895

Josh Cottrell Checking out the NC Series

Too Cool For School

Earlier this season, we took a Jeanneau out in a snow storm.  It gets kind of boring in the winter months in Maine...especially when the ski resorts are closed.



Monday, June 22, 2020

Hamlin's Happy Hours Sponsored By McLaughlin's at the Marina

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McLaughlin's at the Marina


What's Hamlin's Happy Hour? A chance for on-the-fence buyers to experience the boat of their dreams before they fully commit.

Our seasoned sales staff will be available to go over the benefits and features of our various brands and take you out on the Penobscot River to showcase our brands with you.


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Hamlin's Marina


Wednesday's
4:00 - 6:00 PM

6/24 | Scarab
7/1 | Jeanneau
7/8 | Scout

Events are free to attend but registration is required at our Eventbrite page listed below!


This Wednesday the 24th our first Hamlin's Happy Hour will feature Scarab Jet Boats. Come down and join us for some high-powered fun and talk boats! Here is a video preview of the Hamlin's crew on Great Pond last year ripping around on Scarabs!






Tuesday, April 14, 2020

Boating and the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse


Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse


In the Old Testament, the Book of Ezekiel describes four beings that ride out on white, red, black, and pale horses.  The beings represent "Sword, Famine, Wild Beasts, & Plague".   

Until I see this scene at Hamlin's Marina, I'm going to embrace every day I spend at my business keeping the machine running.  I am full of hope that we will all enjoy a very memorable boating season. 

I received a letter yesterday from Scout Boats stating that they were beginning production  again today after a two week shutdown.  Steve Potts, President and CEO of Scout, was quoted in that letter.  He reflected, "90% of people sense fear with apprehension, anxiety, and surrender.  10% sense fear as a challenge, fight and conquer.  I've always looked at opportunities and choose the 10% group."

Hamlin's Marina is doing our best to fight and conquer the challenges of operating in a safe and effective manner.  This past week, we reached the peak infection rate in Maine for the virus, and we dealt with two spring storms bringing a foot of snow, downed trees, and widespread power outages.   Yet, somehow our staff has continued to work to put our customers' boats in their yards and on their lakes.   Somehow our team continues to manufacture seat covers for Bennington Marine, Fiberglass parts for Hinckley Yachts, and custom painted Yamaha outboards for Back Cove.

Our Sales Team AKA "The Wolfpack" is working behind the scenes and making sure that families have something safe to do when the sun comes out.   Sales are being conducted via Text, Facetime, Web Chat, and Email.  Our Dockside Delivery Program has been expanded to include all new and used boats.  "The Wolfpack" has the Green Light to make any reasonable deal happen.

Last week, Mark Hansen, Josh Cottrell, and I thought we might actually see the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse.  We decided it would be best if we took one last boat ride during the blizzard.  Of course, we needed a boat big enough to maintain social distancing.  The boat ended up being the Jeanneau 895 which is available now for Dockside Delivery.  Check it out:







Tuesday, March 31, 2020

Mike Guerette...Unsung Hero at Hamlin's Marine

Mike's Day Off


Mike Guerette is our Shop Foreman in Waterville.  He's an independent-minded outdoorsman who also happens to be a cracker jack marine mechanic.  Mike takes his job very seriously which is part of the reason our shop was recently recognized by a Worker's Compensation auditor, as "the cleanest marine shop" he had ever seen.  I also give plenty of credit to our Waterville Operations Manager, Tim Dutton.

Mike has spent the past decade attending Marine Technician schools all over the country including Yamaha, Honda, Mercury, and Mastercraft.  Over the past year, Mike has continued to provide our customers with a first-hand look at how we maintain and repair boats and marine engine with his series of "Tech Talk" videos.  

At Hamlin's Marine, we see a lot of smashed props and gear cases.  So whenever I'm on an unfamiliar lake or harbor, I'm always worrying about striking a rock.  I've given our shop plenty of work over the years!  Here's a "Tech Talk" video showing a gearcase being rebuilt by one of our experienced technicians:



One of the things that makes my stomach turn is seeing fiberglass or gelcoat damage.  Often the damage is cosmetic, but it's a terrible thing to see spider cracks overcoming the surface of a beautiful boat.  Mike and Norman explain the process of repairing stress cracks on fiberglass boats in this video:


In normal times, Hamlin's gears up for the Boat Shows.  Did you know that Hamlin's Marine displays at the Boston Boat Show, the Portland Boat Show, the Augusta Boat Show, and the Bangor Boat Show?  Our crew also sets up displays for Sportsman's Shows and prepare boats for our Saturdaze on the Water series throughout the summer.  Mike Guerette captures the crew preparing for the Augusta Boat Show:



Mike Guerette is one of the reasons that Hamlin's Marine is the best marine service center in the State of Maine.  Mike works behind the scenes, but his work has never been more valuable than in times like these!  Thanks Mike...Can't wait to see more "Tech Talk".

Wednesday, March 25, 2020

Anti-Social Boating

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Ted Ross is a legend when it comes to selling boats at Hamlin's Marina.  He's at home with his family in Farmington, Maine but is available by phone or web chat available on our website http://www.hamlinsmarina.com.  Ted can answer your questions, negotiate a boat sale, and arrange delivery all without touching you.





Josh Cottrell is in a highly-secured office in Hampden, Maine.  Although you can't hug him or shake his hand right now, he is available to get you into the boat of your dreams.  Josh shot this video this past weekend of our awesome Do-It-Yourself Boat Show located at 100 Marina Road in Hampden located at the public launch for the Penobscot River (which is open for boating by the way!)



Our service departments in both Waterville and Hampden are open for business with some restrictions.  Check out this video, demonstrating our new policies at our Waterville service department.  Michael Guerette, our Lead Service Technician, has helped spear-head new safety and public health policies at Hamlin's.


It doesn't seem like there's much to do lately except worry, but you can definitely connect with Hamlin's Marina.  Let's all dream about the upcoming warm weather and being on the water!  In fact, with all the travel restrictions and social distancing, I can't think of anything better than wetting a line from a new boat.

Hope to see you all again soon!

Monday, March 23, 2020

Forget Pizza...Have a Fishing Boat Delivered!

Hamlin's Marine Fishing Team


If you have been paying much attention to the news lately, it's looking pretty grim.  I mean who would think that we'd need to contend with a deadly virus, government gridlock, and the G.O.A.T. leaving for sunny Florida all in the same month?  One might wonder if the Massachusetts lock-down today is a desperate attempt to keep Tom Brady in New England.

Yes...we have serious issues to contend with, but Maine's Governor Mills gave us all something to cheer about!  She has declared open water fishing early to encourage people to get outside and do something fun and productive.  You don't even need a fishing license from now until April 30th.  Follow this link for complete details:  https://bangordailynews.com/2020/03/20/outdoors/janet-mills-orders-all-inland-waters-to-open-for-fishing/

Hamlin's Marina can deliver a fishing boat right to your door if you live in Maine.  We have some incredible offers right now including extended warranties and some huge discounts on stock boats.  Check out these deals:
New 2018 Alumacraft MVT1546AW

This Alumacraft is set up to fish with pedestal fold down seats, modified V hull for stability, running lights, and is pre-wired for a Minnkota trolling motor.   Unique to this model is a 5" tunnel in the hull which allows you to run the Yamaha F25 in really shallow water.  The entire package with trailer is yours for just $7995 + tax delivered to your door!  Check out this link for more details: https://www.hamlinsmarina.com/boat-sales/alumacraft-boats/item/2517-2018-alumacraft-mvt1546awdd-camoflauge

New 2019 PolarKraft Frontier 179WT

Our most popular full-windshield model with canvas full enclosure to keep you warm and socially distant is the Polarkraft Frontier 179WT.  This beast is wide and deep and perfect for trolling for Salmon and Togue.   Have this fully loaded package with Yamaha VF115 and Ezloader trailer delivered to your door for only $29,995 + tax.

Please visit our website https://www.hamlinsmarina.com/ to see our full line of new and used boats.  You can contact our sales force, negotiate a deal, and pay over the phone.  We deliver!

Thursday, March 19, 2020

The Bangor Boat Show is Cursed



Nobody Likes Boating on Sesame Street


Last Year's Bangor Boat Show turned out to be a disaster for the local boating community because the Cross Center made the mistake of double-booking the venue during the Holy Day for boaters in Central and Northern Maine.   Sesame Street Live stole the show on Sunday, and boaters all over Maine went into mourning.

Naturally, all of us at Hamlin's Marina formed a strong distaste for any puppet or plush animal for quite awhile.  Life is unpredictable...I never thought something like Sesame Street Live could have such a negative impact on the boat business.  

Enter 2020, and an invisible enemy is shaking every business to its core.  The Bangor Boat Show is cancelled this weekend.   First Sesame Street and now Corona Virus...the show is definitely cursed!



Better than Sesame Street

It's my mission right now to ensure that people can still look forward to boating in the coming months.  Our showrooms are open in Waterville and Hampden, and we have special incentives from the manufacturers to keep America rolling.  In Hampden, we have set up a Candock run with a huge selection of 2020 Bennington pontoon boats lined up in the marina parking lot located at 100 Marina Road, Hampden Maine next to McLaughlin's Restaurant.



New Lime Green Accent on Swingback Model
Benningtons Being Set Up for Display in Marina Parking Lot

Bennington Pontoons for Miles

Looking forward to seeing people again at Hamlin's Marina!  Things are getting better every day, and we can't wait to see the boats on the water again.


Monday, March 16, 2020

This Docking Might Make Your Boat Look Bad

About a decade ago, I was in Ireland and saw Candock for the first time on the Emerald Coast.  It looked like a long, flexible snake across a tidal flat.  I could see that it would be the ultimate solution for the 15 foot monster tidal conditions at Hamlin's Marina.

Fast forward until last fall, and I was in Sherbrooke, Quebec at the Candock plant.

Tyler Learning Installation of Docking integrated with a Jetslide
I've probably been on more plant tours than 99% of the world population, so I am not easily impressed.  After I put on the safety glasses and earplugs, I was prepared to be bored out of my mind.  Not so with Candock.  The plant and the people running the plant reminded me a scene from "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory".  The family that runs this plant goes all over the world to install custom on-water modular docks that look cool and add fun to the boating experience.  I've never met people so excited about docking, and it is contagious.  

Hamlin's Marina is now Maine's distributor of Candock Modular Floating Systems.  I never thought docking was that cool.  To me, it was always a necessary evil to get to your boat.  Docking was something I had to maintain when the Penobscot River ripped the fasteners out and snapped wooden boards during extreme tides, or when a discourteous yachtsman ignored the No Wake Zone. 

Check out this video demonstrating the flexibility and stability of Candock:



Hamlin's Marina is upgrading our marina with Candock this spring, and I know our slip customers will be as excited as I am.  We used the Candock for our display at the Augusta Boat Show, and people were amazed by the fact it can be customized for any waterfront.  The cool factor of the LED lights in the utility channel was lost on nobody. 

 

The best part about Candock is that is a more affordable solution to traditional aluminum and wooden docking systems available.   Contact us today for a quote on your custom docking solution:  https://www.hamlinsmarina.com/docks-for-sale




Saturday, March 14, 2020

Hamlin's Marina Welcomes Jeanneau Power Boats to Maine



A couple years ago, Josh Cottrell and I were down in Rhode Island at the Newport Boat Show.  The Newport Boat Show is an elegant affair, and I consider it the ultimate exhibition to people watch and gawk at power boats.

As we wandered around the docks, a certain boat caught our attention.  The handsome vessel carried a wide beam and had a pair of Yamaha F250s hanging off the transom.  I looked around for more information and learned that we were looking at a Jeanneau Leader 9.0.



Hmmm...

Instant confusion.

9.0?  Must be metric?  9 meters...huh...

Jeanneau?  French? Made in Poland... What?

Leader...a Walk Around, a Center Console, a Cruiser????

It seemed as though Josh's mind was being bent as well because we were suddenly at a loss for words.  If you know Josh and me...you know that we are never at a loss for words!  Finally we looked at each other, and we both came to same conclusion that we needed to get the Jeanneau line for Hamlin's Marina. 

Finally, a company that builds a boat for the Maine coast that provides both value and quality!  It took only about five minutes of us crawling around the Leader 9.0 to know that Jeanneau produces the perfect models for coastal cruising in Maine. 

Hamlin's Marina will be showcasing the most popular models from Jeanneau Power Boats in Portland, Maine at Fore Points Marina on May 15th & 16th.  Come take a test ride on an NC795, NC895, or Leader 9.0 at the newest marina on Casco Bay. 

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Fore Points Marina...Portland's New Waterfront Destination

Josh Cottrell and I would love to show you how Jeanneau is the perfect cruising boat for your family.  Please register for this event now, as availability is limited.  Get your free tickets by following this link:  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/jeanneau-demo-day-hamlins-marine-hosted-at-fore-points-marina-2020-tickets-98442491141

Friday, March 13, 2020

Boating Will Save the World


I'm 43 years young.  I have never experienced a week like this. 

On Sunday, we finished up at the Augusta Boat Show.  Hamlin's Marine broke an all-time record for boats sold. 

New Stingray 191 DC

Mark's Music Scaffold Audio/Video Display

PolarKraft 165 WT
On Monday, I had a meeting with the Hamlin's sales team.  They reminded me of weary soldiers collapsed on the battlefield.  Our groggy staff gulped our coffee and eagerly filled up our service boards with new boat scheduled deliveries.  At that time, we were well ahead of our sales forecasts, and to top that off...the weather was unusually warm.

Then...things got really weird.  I spoke with one of my boat reps over the phone, and he told me boat dealers and promoters were starting to panic.  The Governor of Massachusetts had declared a State of Emergency and decided to cancel boat shows.  At the time, I thought it was hysteria...unthinkable!  Then the following day, the panic came to Maine.

Living in Maine, I often feel blessed that we are removed from the mainstream.  People here are practical, hard working, and independent.  I like to think of myself that way.  But all the sudden, I was at Sam's Club with my wife wrestling for cases of toilet paper!

Anyway, they cancelled all three of our shows for the rest of the month.  The Orono Sportsman's Show, the Bangor Boat Show, and the Augusta Sportsman's Show are now all cancelled for the month of March.  Normally, we sell about 50 boats during the next couple of weeks.  

Hamlin's Marine will do our best to conduct business as usual from our showrooms in Hampden and Waterville.   Our 2020 model pontoons, sport boats, and fishing boats will be on display inside and on the lot (luckily there is no snow in the forecast).  Our manufacturers have extended us extra rebates and we are saving tens of thousands on show costs...so you will get an incredible deal on new and used boats in March.  

Come see us at our showrooms...we are being extra careful by disinfecting all of our work surfaces, and anyone that shows up with the sniffles will be sent home!  We can even launch boats in the Penobscot River!!

Monday, February 10, 2020

2020 Chris-Craft 23 Launch...Every Lake Should Have One

Low Profile with Traditional Teak Accents
Chris-Craft's 23 Launch is the perfect ride for any Maine lake.  Available in gelcoat or the exclusive custom paint finishes, the 23 Launch can be personalized to your taste.  This example is shown in Black Pearl Metallic paint with Heritage Teak Trim and Stone vinyl interior. 

Swim Platform with Stainless Swim Ladder
The Heritage Trim Package includes handcrafted teak platform, walkthrough, and combing rails.  The 23 Launch is available in a Full Heritage package as well which features a full teak floor.  Or, it is possible to order the boat in a standard version with no teak accents. 

Sunpad with Removable Panel for Walkthrough
The 23 Launch is easy to board from the dock by stepping on the swimplaform and utilizing the walkthrough over the engine compartment that conceals a powerful V8 engine.

Mahogany Wheel
 Features and details through the boat are crafted with the finest materials including custom gauges and a steering wheel to fit the most sophisticated captain.  Synthetic is not cool in a Chris-Craft.   Tradition bleeds through modern technology like push button start and active trim options.

Rear Bench Seat
 Diamond stitching and custom contrasted colors make for an inviting space.  Notice the stainless grab rails and convenient cupholders.  The key switch is actually concealed under the rear seats for a bit of added security from the neighbors or a curious sixteen year old looking for a date.

Forward Bow Seating 
 The front lounge seats sit deep and feature enough space for long legs.  More grab rails and cup holders for added security and liquid courage for when the captain decides to push the limits of a V8 marine engine.

Exclusive Chris-Craft Upholstery
The best seat on any Maine lake could be yours this summer.  The 2020 Chris-Craft 23 Launch starting as low as $89,495.  Contact us for details... dhiggins@hamlinsmarina.com

Watch Josh Cottrell give a tour of this beauty at the New England Boat Show: