1963 Classic Beals Island Lobster Boat33ft

Flying Eagle, a Maine Lobster Boat, was designed and built by Vinal Beal and launched on Beals Island in 1963 where she earned her keep lobstering until the mid 1990s.  These stunning vessels with their low freeboard and graceful sheer are often referred to as a “Beals Islanders” or “Jonesporters,” a classic workboat with distinct beauty of purpose - perfectly adapted to their local Downeast Maine fishing conditions - world renowned for their efficient, seaworthy hull form, good turn of speed, rich history and great looks!

After many years of service, several owners and various name changes, FLYING EAGLE was purchased by the current owner in 2014.   Appreciating the rarity of finding a working boat in condition that could be saved and enjoyed, his aim was to restore and preserve her as authentically as possible.

At Artisan Boatworks in Rockport, ME, FLYING EAGLE was repowered with a new 383 Mercruiser V8 stroker engine, water-cooled exhaust manifolds, and carefully insulated dry stacks in the classic tradition.    The forefoot was replaced, and the interior cabin fitted out with a double bunk, marine head, and partially open engine enclosure – all with tasteful tongue-in-groove Douglass Fir bead board in keeping with the look and feel of a classic Downeast working boat.  She was also returned to her fishing setup – with new electrical and plumbing systems, an electric pot hauler and even a set of wooden round-top traps with hand-carved wooden buoys.

In 2015 FLYING EAGLE was trucked to the owner’s home on Orca’s Island in the San Juan Islands of the Pacific Northwest, where in 2017 she received extensive structural work at Emerald Marine in Anacortes.  This included refastening, reframing and new floors between the main bulkhead and transom, new garboard planks, and new planks at the turn of the bilge.   

Since then, the cabin sides have been replaced and today she resides in a covered slip at Stimson Marine in Seattle, WA.  FLYING EAGLE is part classic picnic yacht, part authentic lobster boat, and part hot rod – perfect for day trips and the occasional overnight.  The throaty rumble of her 350hp V8 engine roaring to life on an otherwise quiet foggy morning will always turn heads and surely bring a smile to the faces those like myself who appreciate such things.

You can read more about FLYING EAGLE by searching for the article, “A New England Eagle in the Pacific Northwest," and Emerald Marine's blog post (Jan. 2018), "Flying Eagle, Maine Lobster Boat, New Home on Orcas Island." 

Upgrades 2021:

-Serviced 4-man life raft & stowed in cockpit lobster car. -Added a custom AC circuit board. -Added (legal) 30A shore power inlet & power cord & isolation transformer. -Interfaced the two GARMIN GPS Map 741xs units (Radar/Plotter). -Installed GARMIN AIS 800 -Installed ICOM M506+ AIS VHF. -Replaced Co2 detector. -Insulated cooler disguised as bait barrel