New Boat, New Horizons

In 2022, I leveled up: I sold the Sea Pro and invested in a 2017 Sea Hunt Ultra 225 with low hours and a killer 6-speaker JBL sound system. The upgraded ride transformed the experience, especially in rougher conditions. Guests loved the added comfort and space, while I appreciated the smooth handling and sleek nature of the modern design.

It was also the year that tourism rebounded in Maine. People were ready to get outside again, and Casco Bay welcomed them. I connected with a local screen-printing shop to roll out our first Bird’s Eye Maine t-shirts and switched marketing agencies to improve outreach.

One unforgettable moment was spotting an American Oyster Catcher near Halfway Rock—an exciting sighting for the bird watchers aboard. I also got to be the chase boat for a wedding photoshoot, and chauffeured myself and my family to a few island weddings—arriving by boat never fails to feel opulent.

Guest feedback continued to pour in. William, 96 years old, from Massachusetts told me: "The close-up view of Portland Harbor was great fun... a lovely boat ride." That simple joy summed up the year perfectly.