Arey's Pond Boatyard: Stewards of Cape Cod's Maritime Heritage
Nestled in South Orleans, Massachusetts, Arey's Pond Boatyard stands as a testament to enduring craftsmanship and a deep-rooted connection to the unique maritime traditions of Cape Cod. Since its establishment in 1945, the boatyard has evolved from a local fixture to a builder renowned for its iconic catboats and bespoke shoal-draft vessels, embodying a blend of traditional boatbuilding artistry with modern innovation.
Arey's Pond Boatyard began its journey in 1945, establishing itself as a hub for boatbuilding on Pleasant Bay. While the initial founders are part of the yard's early history, the true legacy of the Arey's Pond Catboat began to take shape under its second owners. It was in 1972 that the first "Arey's Pond Cat" was launched, marking the inception of what would become the yard's signature offering. This pivotal moment set the course for the boatyard's future, aligning it firmly with the heritage of the catboat, a design intrinsically linked to the waters of Cape Cod.
History and Evolution
The boatyard's history is marked by a continuous commitment to quality and adaptability. In 1991, a significant transition occurred when Tony and Robin Davis acquired the yard, with Tony Davis stepping in as the third owner. Tony, a seasoned boatbuilder, small boat designer, and sailing instructor, brought a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective, while honoring the yard's foundational principles.
Under Davis's stewardship, Arey's Pond Boatyard embraced advancements in construction while maintaining its traditional ethos. They innovatively adopted a technique known as "cold moulding," which integrates classic wooden boatbuilding methods with a modern fiberglass layer, enhancing strength and durability. This approach allowed them to offer catboats with popular fiberglass hull options (for their 12', 14', and 16' models), alongside the timeless appeal of all-wooden construction, catering to a wider range of preferences. The boatyard also expanded its operational footprint, establishing a second industrial storage site in Orleans.
Design Philosophy and Identity
Arey's Pond Boatyard holds a distinguished reputation in the sailing world, primarily as the builder of the "world-renowned A.P.B.Y. catboat". These vessels are descendants of traditional wooden catboats that have graced Narragansett Bay for centuries, evolving into true natives of Cape Cod, cherished by both fishermen and recreational sailors. The yard is celebrated for its dedication to the catboat form, known for its distinctive gaff-rigged sail plan and shallow draft, making it ideal for the local coastal waters.
The builder's philosophy centers on quality construction and an exceptional customer experience. Their signature "cold moulding" technique is a testament to their innovative approach, merging the aesthetic and tactile benefits of wood with the resilience of modern materials. While specific collaborations with external famous naval architects are not prominently featured, Tony Davis, as President and Owner, is himself a small boat designer, suggesting a strong in-house design capability for their specialized vessels. Beyond catboats, Arey's Pond Boatyard also designs and builds various small shoal draft boats, including powerboats, demonstrating their versatility.
Iconic Models and Legacy
The enduring legacy of Arey's Pond Boatyard is most clearly seen in its iconic catboat models. Their product line includes the 12-foot, 14-foot, and 16-foot catboats, which remain highly sought-after designs. The 14-foot Catboat, in particular, showcases their blend of tradition and modernity, available with a fiberglass hull and deck, customizable with various finishes.
Among their notable achievements, the Arey's Pond XFC 14 was recognized as "boat of the year by Sail Magazine" in 2022, a testament to their continuous pursuit of performance and design excellence. In addition to their popular catboat range, the yard has produced other distinctive designs, including the 16' Cabin Lynx, 16' Open Cockpit Lynx, 18' Daysailer, and 19' Caracal. They have also undertaken special projects, such as a custom 22-foot wooden catboat design named "Gracie Anne," highlighting their capability for bespoke builds and their commitment to pushing design boundaries. The ambition to build "one of the fastest catboats that's ever sailed" underscores their dedication to performance within the catboat class.
The Builder Today
Today, Arey's Pond Boatyard continues to thrive under the dedicated ownership of Tony and Robin Davis. Situated at 45 Arey's Lane in South Orleans, MA, the boatyard maintains its focus on building and servicing high-quality boats. They appeal to discerning sailors who appreciate classic lines, robust construction, and the unique sailing experience offered by catboats and other shoal-draft designs.
The yard actively engages with its clientele, providing brokerage services for active service, storage, and mooring customers, as well as owners of custom-built Arey's model boats, fostering a strong and supportive owner community. Furthermore, Arey's Pond Boatyard operates as a "Green Boat Yard," demonstrating a commitment to environmentally responsible practices in their operations. This blend of heritage, innovation, and environmental consciousness ensures that Arey's Pond Boatyard remains a respected name in the marine industry, crafting vessels that embody the spirit of Cape Cod sailing for generations to come.