Where boats and pig slobber meet

I was so disgusted with myself for not noticing the smudge affecting all of these shots that I seriously debated not posting them. Then I thought, if you love boats or are at least interested, a little pig slobber smudge could only hurt my ego, and not keep you from getting the feeling I had, walking through some history and beauty at the Maine Boats, Homes and Harbors Show.

I'll confess right now, my favorite boats were / are the dorys, peapods, and Hamptons, but there was a whole lot of beautiful for competition.

"Beginning in the late 18th century, Maine lobstermen enjoyed the comforts of nothing more than a simple rowing Dory. Inexpensive to build or buy, these high-sided, flat bottomed boats were the preferred way for New England fishermen to reach their traps. However, Dory's had their deficiencies.

Another rowboat, the Peapod (named for its elongated and rounded shape, much like the vegetable) soon joined the Maine lobster fishing fleet. The Peapod had an advantage over the Dory - it was larger, and because of its shape, it could be rowed from either end.

But why row? The double-ended design of the Peapod was modified. The new boat, the Hampton fishing boat - so named because of its origin in Hampton, New Hampshire - had a keel, and spritsail rigged masts. Lobstermen could now call upon the power of wind in their fore-and-aft sails to make their expeditions more efficient.

Another modification, the Reach, was a cross between the Peapod and the Hampton boat. The Reach was approximately 14 feet long, with a keel and square sails, and was well suited for both sailing and rowing. In later years, the Reach's flattened stern, like that of the Hampton, would make it adaptable to the addition of an outboard motor."   From Grilling Lobster Tails and More...

And for now, that's all I have time to post! These wonderful, incredibly functional little boats are still being restored and even being built by a few companies, albeit as pleasure boats, today. Tradition...it should be a good thing!