It doesn’t get much more traditional and Down East than this – an Ellis 28 “lobsteryacht” just launched in the company’s family-owned yard in Southwest Harbor, Maine. I’m pretty sure that it never crossed Don Ellis’ mind that he’d be building a red-hulled boat when he took over the Bunker and Ellis yard in the early ‘80s. He’s launched 300 boats since then, with the 28 as the most popular. (The Ellis line goes from 20 to 36 feet, and Ellis’ two sons are now running things.)
Ellis started out with traditional lobster boats and then turned to fishing and pleasure boats as well, while still maintaining the style and function of the original. With a semi-displacement hull, the 28 is known as a sea-kindly boat; powered by a 260-Yanmar diesel, it cruises easily in the 12-16 knot range.
This new eye-catching Ellis was built for an owner in Edgartown, Mass., who enjoys water sports and wanted the open cockpit to store his gear. He also wanted to go out in all kind of weather. The new 28 has a full shower, V-berth and enclosed head below, galley up and a creative fold-out table and rotating helm and mate chairs to make efficient use of space.
Specs: LOA: 28’4”; Beam: 9’4”; Draft: 3’0”; Disp.: 9,000 lbs.; Fuel: 100 gals.; Water: 37 gals.; Power: 1x 260-hp Yanmar diesel. Ellisboat.com
