"best" type of boat?
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Hello! I'm Jim from Connecticut, right in Greenwave's backyard. Been interested in regenerative ocean farming for a while now...only one problem...I need a boat to get on the water! I'm assuming the answer depends on many factors, but any insight into this piece of the puzzle is greatly appreciated.
@jim_capinera -You are correct, there are a number factors to consider when choosing the best boat for your operation. If you are just starting off I would suggest a smaller boat, under 21'. If your site allows I would opt for a flat bottom boat like an older whaler or Caroline Skiff, these boats have a good amount of work space for their size. Long Island Sound can get pretty choppy with short period wind waves, so if you have a long transit to your site I would suggest I boat with a more V-haul.
Good luck,
Dave
@jim_capinera -We get this question a lot! Check out the "Getting Started" course "Map Your Resources" lesson. There is a section dedicated to buying a boat: https://hub.greenwave.org/lms/...
@jim_capinera -
Hi Jim, thanks for posting this question. I am also a CT resident and have questions regarding the type of boat needed. I see a couple of helpful replies have already been posted and will look into them. If I find anything in addition, I'll let you know. Good luck!
-Ethan
@jim_capinera -
Hi Jim, as we all know boats can be very expensive. I start by thinking about your growing goals and work backwards. How large of a lease and how much kelp you want to grow. Also an important consideration is where your lease would be located. What kind of weather would you have to be operating in, a more exposed location would probably require a little bit larger vessel. A vessel doesn't have to be fancy though. In Alaska I use a 24ft open aluminum skiff and have harvested well over 500k pounds with it. Here is a greenwave write up with some photos.
https://www.greenwave.org/holdfast-blog/kelp-harvest-innovation-in-kodiak-alaska
@jim_capinera -I've been pondering this myself. I think there are different needs for planting out and maintenance vs harvest/transport. For harvest/transport, load carrying is obviously a benefit as is a stable platform to support a davit and winch. For planting and maintenance, a low freeboard as you will be working over the side would seem beneficial.
I have been looking at a variety of Garvey designs - essentially a semi-Vee skiff with a squared-off bow (rather than pointy). some examples:
https://www.dhylanboats.com/de...
https://devlinboat.com/lingcod... (Devlin has a series of similar designs ranging from 18' to 27')
@jim_capinera - Hi Jim - Where are you looking to farm? I'm in Guilford and would be glad to connect. Give me a shout @ jonathanmcgee@newenglandseafarms.com
Cheers!