From Office To Ocean

Lobster Fishing

Claire Elise is an old lobster boat with honest lines, a strong hull, and the kind of good looks that only working boats seem to earn over time. She’s not flashy, but she carries herself well, and everything about her suggests she was built to work, not pose for brochures. Our plan is to fish her part time, keep her in good shape, and enjoy the simple satisfaction of running a real boat that still knows her job.

More importantly, Claire Elise is my long-overdue excuse to spend time with my son. Back when I was busy working, meetings had a way of crowding out days like these, and “someday” kept getting pushed down the list. This boat is our correction plan. Whether we’re hauling traps, tracking down mysterious noises, or just sitting quietly pretending we know exactly what we’re doing, the real payoff isn’t the catch. It’s the time together—unhurried, unscheduled, and worth every scraped knuckle

A Few Facts & Figues about Claire Elise

Year Built -1987

Builder - Porter

Hull Material - Fiberglass

Style - Novi

Length - 35'

Beam - 14'

Engine - Cummins 6bt - Repowered in 2022

Splash Day 2026 for the Cliare Elise

Looking back at this video, one thing stands out more than anything else—my narration. Apparently, I sounded like a guy who had been awake since tax season... because I pretty much had.

Between wrapping up a 35-year career, an overseas business trip, and getting both boats ready for the season, spring finally caught up with me. I don't think I was actually asleep while recording, but after listening to it, I'm not completely convinced.

The Claire Elise had a busy winter too. After last fall's storm broke her free from her mooring, we repaired the cosmetic damage and decided it was the perfect time for a few upgrades. The biggest change was replacing the old wooden trap fence with a modern aluminum one. She came out looking better than ever—unfortunately, the same couldn't be said for the guy behind the camera.

Launch day was about as good as you could ask for. Blue skies, comfortable temperatures, and just enough chop leaving the mouth of the North River to remind us that the ocean always gets the final vote.

Despite the zombie commentary, the scenery more than makes up for it. Sit back, enjoy the ride, and welcome Claire Elise back to the water for another lobster season.

Quick video of a day on the water aboard the Claire Elise lobster fishing off the coast of Scituate Massachusetts

From Office To Ocean

A humorous & reflective blog chronicling the transition from a 35-year desk career to retirement focused on cruising, boat maintenance, & coastal living.