I love boats, and lobsters too

Lobster Boat Speeding Underway

Lobster Boat Speeding UnderwayThe profile of a lobster boat/lobster yacht showing its sea-keeping abilities as it makes its way down the East Passage of Narragansett Bay against wind, tide and swells.

If you're a fan of lobster, you might have wondered how fast those boats that catch them can go. Well, the answer is not very fast for a speedboat, but pretty fast for a commercial vessel. Lobster boats are designed to be sturdy and stable, not speedy and sleek (but they possess graceful lines). They have to navigate through rough waters, rocky shores, and narrow channels, so they need to be able to maneuver well and withstand the elements. 
 

Lobster Boat Splitting Open Waves

Lobster Boat Splitting Open WavesThe profile of a lobster boat/lobster yacht showing its sea-keeping abilities as it makes its way down the East Passage of Narragansett Bay against wind, tide and swells.

Lobster boats typically have a top speed of around 15 to 20 knots, which is about 17 to 23 miles per hour. That might sound slow compared to other boats, but it's fast enough for the lobstermen to get to their traps and back in a reasonable time. Plus, speed is not the main priority for lobster fishing. The most important factors are safety, reliability, and efficiency.

Lobster Boat in Spray

Lobster Boat in SprayThe profile of a lobster boat/lobster yacht showing its sea-keeping abilities as it makes its way down the East Passage of Narragansett Bay against wind, tide and swells.

Lobster boats come in different shapes and sizes, depending on the region and the preference of the owner. Some are wooden, some are fiberglass, some are open, some are enclosed. But they all share some common features: a large deck for hauling and storing traps, a powerful engine for towing and cruising, and a distinctive bow shape that helps cut through the waves. Lobster boats are not only functional, but also iconic and beautiful. They are part of the culture and history of the coastal communities that depend on them.

Lobster Boat in Throwing Aside Wave

Lobster Boat in Throwing Aside WaveThe profile of a lobster boat/lobster yacht showing its sea-keeping abilities as it makes its way down the East Passage of Narragansett Bay against wind, tide and swells.

The functionality of lobster boats has also evolved into "lobster yachts" and "picnic boats" as we see here. They are great for fishing and operating in a significant sea. The bow throws aside spray well, and the soft curves provide for a good "comfort ratio" (yes, comfort is mathematically defined in yacht design). In the end, seeing a lobster boat in swells and chop is quite a spectacular show. 

Lobster Boat in Enveloped

Lobster Boat in EnvelopedThe profile of a lobster boat/lobster yacht showing its sea-keeping abilities as it makes its way down the East Passage of Narragansett Bay against wind, tide and swells.

Lobster Boat in Enveloped in Spray

Lobster Boat in Enveloped in SprayThe profile of a lobster boat/lobster yacht showing its sea-keeping abilities as it makes its way down the East Passage of Narragansett Bay against wind, tide and swells.

Lobster Boat in Riding Over Waves

Lobster Boat in Riding Over WavesThe profile of a lobster boat/lobster yacht showing its sea-keeping abilities as it makes its way down the East Passage of Narragansett Bay against wind, tide and swells.

Lobster Boat Slicing Waves

Lobster Boat Slicing WavesThe profile of a lobster boat/lobster yacht showing its sea-keeping abilities as it makes its way down the East Passage of Narragansett Bay against wind, tide and swells.

Lobster Boat in Wind and Spray

Lobster Boat in Wind and SprayThe profile of a lobster boat/lobster yacht showing its sea-keeping abilities as it makes its way down the East Passage of Narragansett Bay against wind, tide and swells.

Lobster Boat Emerging from Spray

Lobster Boat Emerging from SprayThe profile of a lobster boat/lobster yacht showing its sea-keeping abilities as it makes its way down the East Passage of Narragansett Bay against wind, tide and swells.

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