The Cranberry Isles just off the coast of Mount Dessert Island in Maine has a long history of boat building stretching back many years and continues to this day. One of the boats that is still produced on he islands is the Western Way 19. This is a sweet little boat that I like the look of a lot. Available in a variety of configurations which you can see by clicking here. There is a Bass boat, lobster yacht, center console and gentleman's cruiser which are all built on the same hull.
One was on display at the Maine show this year and I remembered seeing it in the past and it catching my eye. What was interesting was that the boat that was on display this year was the same color as the one previously exhibited and I actually thought that it was the same boat. It was sitting on a trailer and from the front looked identical, it was only when I go closer that I saw that it was an inboard powered boat, the one on display last year was outboard powered. They also offer the boat with a stern drive and it seems their philosophy on any configuration with the boat is that if you want it and can pay for it we will do it or you providing it does no compromise the integrity and safety of the design.
Being a small builder each boat is made to order and modifications and upgrades are easily accomplished so no two boats to date have been identical.
I was surprised when I lifted up the engine box on the display boat to find a 4 cylinder gas engine rather than a diesel. This they explained to me was to keep the weight down in the boat, which is after all only 19 feet long, give a good power to weight ratio, (the boat tops out at 30 knots) and reduces the vibration a little. Having said that I think that I would go for a small three cylinder diesel if I were ordering the boat and sacrifice a little on the top end.
I have an invitation to visit the yard which I hope to do later this year when I can try the boat for myself.
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