Resolute, a Peter Kass 46'

Wheelhouse station. Awlgrip finish, custom stainless steel and brass hardware, heights for the wheel, platform and reach to equipment are all a custom laid out for the owner. Fishermen's Voice photo

Ryan Larrabee of Stonington launched a new lobster boat in May 2014. While its a new boat, it’s roots are deep in the long tradition of wood boat building. It was built by Peter Kass at Johns Bay Boat in South Bristol. It is Ryan’s second wood boat and Peter Kass’ 63rd.

Kass builds custom boats boats. They are heavily built vessels designed to work hard and last long. Ryan worked hand in hand with Kass on the overall length, the placement of the hauling station, the lobster tank, the heights of the controls, equipment, wash rails, bulkheads, bow and platform. It was designed to be what was most comfortable for Ryan to work on.

The hull design was based on past Kass boats and altered some for Ryan’s purposes. There were 18 inches added to the hull length to ease the way it goes through the water. Kass flattened out the bottom end at the wheel about an inch. It is built of white cedar on oak frames. The deck is vertical grain Douglas fir. Mahogany and clear pine trim in the wheel house and down below.

Bench opposite wheel house station and companionway. Cabinet grade wood finish is typical of Peter Kass boats. Fishermen's Voice photo

The length of Resolute is 46.2', beam is 15.3' and draft is 8.2'. The Tier 3, C18 CAT develops 803HP @ 2100RPM At the races in Stonington on July 26th the boat was clocked at 25.4 MPH. The gross weight is 38 tons and net weight is 31 tons.

Ryan has been fishing on his own for 15 years and says he is real happy with the boat. “Pete is a good man to work with. He’s true to his word,” said Ryan.