If you’re from the Chesapeake Bay area, you may know the name Callinectes sapidus. It’s the Latin term for the famed Chesapeake Bay blue crab. It’s also the name that inspired Glen Shivel to christen a new family-run boatbuilding operation in 2007. That operation, Maine-based Callinectes Boatworks, is now turning its attention to the megayacht market with a handful of classic-styled, semicustom mahogany runabouts.
Shivel says that the megayacht market was always one of two demographics he and his team intended to target. The other, antique- and classic-boat enthusiasts, have already been learning about the 16-, 18- and newly started 22-foot models Callinectes Boatworks offers. Each of the boats combines elements of the famed launches from the likes of Chris-Craft, Dodge, and Riva from the early- to mid-20th century.
In fact, the Callinectes 22 (see 3D rendering at top) is inspired by the Riva Ariston. Next to the Aquarama, the Ariston series is easily Riva’s most well-known. It was produced from 1950 to 1974. As for the Callinectes 22, construction started this winter, via the cold molding process. She’ll have an ash and mahogany deck. Six people will be able to sit comfortably on two benchseats. One or two other guests can sun themselves on the recessed sunpad atop the engine box. If buyers will want to escape the sun, there’ll be a handy bimini, concealed behind the aft benchseat. The Callinectes 22 should be capable of speeds between 35 and 40 mph, powered by a gasoline inboard. A Steyr diesel inboard is optional. At 2,800 pounds (fully fueled) and being built to ISO standards, the boat should pose no problem for a yacht’s davit to lift.
Until the 22 is finished, megayacht owners and crews looking for a suitable tender can select the Callinectes 16 Tender (above). Built to both American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC) and ISO specifications, the boat has seating for five. Three deck lift points, bow and stern tie-downs, and interior courtesy lighting are other highlights. The seven-inch draft means the Callinectes 16 Tender can carry guests to and from shore in even the skinniest water. A 147-hp Weber MPE 750 Turbo engine can reportedly push the boat to 45-mph speeds.
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