A Tour of Rhode Island's Marine Facilities

From the drawing board to the finishing touches, The Ocean State has plenty to offer boat owners.

November 27, 2012

In October, CW associate editor Jen Brett had a chance to join the Rhode Island Marine Trades Association for a tour of various marine facilities throughout the state. Our day began at Hall Spars in Bristol, R.I. where they design and manufacture custom high-performance spars and rigging.Jen Brett

Rhode Island's governor, Lincoln Chafee, was on hand to greet the members of the press on the tour.Jen Brett

President and founder of Hall Spars, Eric Hall, describes the process for fabricating a carbon-fiber mast.Jen Brett

Manufacturer of precision molds and tooling for the marine (and other) industries, mouldCAM is based in Australia, but has a location in Bristol, R.I. Here, mouldCAM's president John Barnitt explains to RIMTA's Wendy Mackie what their CNC machine can do.Jen Brett

The very cool five-axis CNC machine at mouldCAM Our final stop in Bristol was at Goetz Composites, builders of 10 America's Cup yachts (and a lot more!).Jen Brett

Hinckley Yachts' CEO Jim McManus welcomes the journalists to Hinckley's Portsmouth, R.I., service location, located in the Melville marina district.Jen Brett

Complete top-to-bottom refits are a Hinckley speciality.Jen Brett

Inside the HUGE paint shed at Hinckley Yachts.Jen Brett

The 100-slip marina at Hinckley Yachts.Jen Brett

Interior refits, such as new upholstery and cushions, can be handled at Hinckley as well.Jen Brett

Hunt Yachts president Peter Van Lancker takes the press on a tour of the facility, which is also in Portsmouth's Melville marina district. New England Boatworks, a full-service marina and custom composite boatbuilder, is also in this marine neighborhood.Jen Brett

Newport Shipyard is located in the heart of Newport, R.I.Jen Brett

The huge yachts on the hard at Newport Shipyard are just as impressive out of the water.Jen Brett

Newport Shipyard has a 70-ton, 100-ton, and 300-ton Travelifts, and next summer, they plan to add a 500(!)-ton lift.Jen Brett

Lady B is 146 feet long, and is a sight to see in the Travelift. The lift operator controls everything with a handheld remote.Jen Brett

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