Bunker and Ellis Newly Restored

Bunker and Ellis of Southwest Harbor, Maine are credited with coining the term "Lobster Yacht" back in the 1950’s, and to this day their boats remain the epitome of the type - continuing to turn heads and garner recognition wherever they are found.  The quintessential Bunker & Ellis hull form with their gleaming varnished cabin sides has been copied by many Downeast boat builders over the years, but nothing outshines the original.  

35’ GRAYLING was built by Bunker & Ellis 1954, and brought to Johanson Boatworks in Rockport, Maine during the winter of 2013/14 for a complete restoration.  Highlights of the project include:

              -Complete refastening, replacement of frames, and topside seam splining

              -All paint and varnish (interior and exterior) stripped and refinished

              -New fiberglass/epoxy decks and housetop

              -New 2x 70 gallon custom fuel tanks below cockpit sole

              -New Yanmar 6BY3-260 diesel with Aqua Drive shaft bearing

              -Electric Anchor windless

-Teak swim platform

-New deck furniture including boarding steps, cockpit table, helm seats and deck boxes

              -Complete AC & DC rewiring with all lighting converted to LED

-All electronics and autopilot updated.

-New freshwater plumbing with addition of hot/cold shower.

-New head with ABYC compliant holding tank 

-New cushions and upholstery throughout

-New Seafront refrigeration and ENO propane stove with oven in galley

-Dickinson Newport P9000 propane heater

Performance-wise GRAYING cruises comfortably at 12-14 knots burning about 2.5 miles/gallon, with a range of about 350 miles.  Top speed is about 20.5 knots.

Headroom at the helm is about 6' 2"

“Our goal was to find a great looking boat that was safe and comfortable for day trips on Penobscot Bay with up to 6 people.  GRAYLING fulfilled that goat to a T, performing flawlessly in all conditions from perfect summer days up to 20 kts of breeze with steep chop. The newly refit systems never hesitated and our clients loved the positive attention we got in every harbor due to GRAYING’s fresh paint, varnish and great styling. I would highly recommend GRAYLING as one of the best Downeast cruisers we have had the privilege to operate."  Ben Davis Owner True Course Yachting, Inc.

Following her restoration GRAYLING won “Best Professionally Restored Powerboat" at Mystic Seaport's WoodenBoat Show,

Please inquire for a more details of GRAYLINGS's restoration, an article that was written about her in 2024, and a recent survey.