Southport Boats
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Boat manufacturing |
| Predecessor | Southport Boat Works |
| Founded | 2003 in North Carolina, United States |
| Headquarters | South Gardiner, Maine , United States |
Area served | United States and Puerto Rico |
| Products | Offshore fishing vessels |
Southport Boats is a U.S.-based manufacturer specializing in offshore fishing vessels, headquartered in South Gardiner, Maine. The hull design for Southport Boats was created by the naval architecture firm C. Raymond Hunt and Associates. Their boats are available through a network of dealerships located throughout the United States and Puerto Rico.
Notable design elements include a broad beam, a reverse transom, tumblehome at the stern, a distinctive clipper bow, and a deep-vee hull with a continuously variable deadrise beginning at 22 degrees near the transom.
Company history
Originally established in North Carolina in 2003 under the name Southport Boat Works, the company underwent ownership changes and moved to Augusta, Maine in 2011, adopting the name Southport Boats. In 2017, operations shifted to a purpose-built 50,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in South Gardiner, Maine. The product lineup grew with the launch of the 33 DC dual console model in 2018, followed by the 30 FE in 2019, which replaced the prior Southport 292 by offering updated interior layouts on an enlarged hull.
Construction
All Southport vessels are produced at their dedicated 50,000-square-foot manufacturing site located in South Gardiner, Maine.
The construction process centers on fiberglass as the primary material. Each hull starts with an outer gelcoat layer applied within a pre-made mold, succeeded by multiple fiberglass laminations. Internally, a one-piece grid structure—comprising longitudinal, transverse, and lateral beams—is adhered to the hull using methacrylate adhesive, providing superior rigidity compared to conventional stringer frameworks. Any unused cavities are filled with foam to improve flotation and minimize vibrations.
Electrical wiring, fuel tanks, and pumps are installed within this grid system to ensure neat integration. The cockpit liner or "main deck" is then bonded securely to both the hull and grid using methacrylate adhesive. Key components such as the helm console, captain’s seats, and leaning post are fabricated separately and installed afterward. To safeguard finished boats during transit, they are wrapped in protective plastic from the gunwale upward.