Solutions for Every Vessel

A Rich Tradition of Fishing Boat Design

Gilbert Associates has a long history of designing commercial fishing vessels, dating back to the company’s founding in 1964 when it was our primary focus. Although much has changed since then, our commitment to providing the fishing industry with exceptional service and innovative designs remains as strong as ever.

Home » Fishing Vessel Portfolio

Featured Fishing Vessels

F/V Sea Watcher II

Built in 2017 and called the “most advanced clam vessel design in the U.S. fleet” by maritime advisor, Ashley Stone, the F/V Sea Watcher II is the first East Coast clam boat with an ABS classification certificate and load line assessment. With automatic catch-sorting equipment and 200 cages of powerful refrigerated storage, F/V Sea Watcher II brings scale and efficiency to the offshore clamming industry. Departing from convention, the aft pilot house allows for increased deck visibility while reducing accelerations experienced by resting crew.

F/V Blue Heron

The Blue Heron, formerly Fairtry, is an 85’ fishing support vessel currently operating on the Great Lakes. After operating in the commercial fishing industry, she was converted to a research vessel for the University of Minnesota Duluth. She was built in East Boothbay, ME by Goudy & Stevens Shipyard in 1985. The Blue Heron also has two sister vessels, Capt Sam 2 and Maria Jo-Ann.

F/V Sea Watcher I

The Sea Watcher I is a 130’ clam boat designed in 2004 by Gilbert Associates & Patti Shipbuilding. She operates out of New Bedford with her sister, Sea Watcher II.

F/V Jersey Pride

The F/V Jersey Pride, F/V Big Bob, and F/V Lady Brittany are three 116’ sister clam dredge vessels designed by Gilbert Associates and launched in February 2002. The design was modified to build a 122’ clammer, the F/V Starlight, launched in May 2004.

F/V Moragh K

Designed by Gilbert Associates in 1987, the 90’ LWL steel stern trawler Moragh K is homeported in New Bedford, MA, with her sisters F/V Jessica and F/V Shelly II.

F/V Polaris

This 88’-4″ LWL vessel is equipped with a 1,000hp engine, allowing her to tow two 14’-0” dredges. The Polaris is a sister to F/V Neskone, F/V Arcturus, F/V Wisdom, F/V Horizon, F/V Røst, & F/V Pyxis.

F/V Hannah Boden

Designed by Gilbert Associates, the Hannah Boden was built in 1986 by Eastern Shipbuilding. Originally intended for lobster fishing, the Hannah Boden’s deck arrangement has been transformed over the years for various fisheries. In October 1991, the Hannah Boden was struck by the “Perfect Storm” (aka the “No Name Storm”) while fishing Nova Scotia’s Grand Banks. Under the command of Captain Linda Greenlaw, the Hannah Boden survived the storm. The vessel was later used in filming the blockbuster picture, The Perfect Storm, cementing her place in history.

F/V Araho

The Araho is a 125’ LOA steel stern trawler designed by Gilbert Associates in 1976.

F/V Enterprise

The Enterprise was designed by Gilbert Associates in 1979 and built at Goudy & Stevens in East Boothbay, Maine. After nearly two decades of service on the U.S. East Coast, she underwent a midlife refit in 1996 in which she was sponsored and lengthened. After her refit, she transited the Panama Canal towards the Alaskan Coast, where she fishes to this day.

F/V Starlight

Launched in May 2004, the F/V Starlight is a 122’ clam dredge vessel with a design based on a modified version of Gilbert Associates’ 116’ clammers F/V Jersey Pride, F/V Big Bob, and F/V Lady Brittany.

F/V Sea Hawk

In 2013, Gilbert Associates designed this 92’-4” LWL Scalloper with a powerful CAT 3508 Main Engine delivering 1000hp at 1800 RPM.

F/V Pursuit

Originally designed by Gilbert Associates for scallop fishing service, this 85’ LOA vessel is a sister to the F/V Carolina Girl. Powered by a 650hp, Caterpillar 3412 engine, she has undergone improvements including updates to meet current subdivision standards, a larger aft deck house for plate freezers, and a shucking house with captain’s cutting table.

F/V Bountiful

The 92’-6” steel scalloper Bountiful was one of John W. Gilbert Associates’ earliest projects, with her initial design phase beginning in 1965. She was followed in 1981 by the 105’ scalloper Bountiful II.

F/V Generation

The F/V Generation is a fishing trawler designed by Gilbert Associates, currently operated by Eastern Fisheries, Inc.

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Contact the Fishing Boat Design Experts at Gilbert Associates Today

With over 60 years of experience designing vessels for the fishing industry, we have the expertise to meet any challenge you may face. Contact the trusted naval architects and marine engineers at Gilbert Associates to discuss your vision today.