Jarvis Newman and Ed Gray began collaborating on building Downeast style boats in the 1970s. Newman & Gray Boatyard specializes in building custom and semi-custom powerboats as well as restoring classic wooden and fiberglass boats. Drawing on the longstanding tradition of Downeast built boats, their projects exemplify the timeless style and craftsmanship of one of the world's largest boatbuilding
hubs: Mount Desert Island. Drawing on the traditional full keel lobster boat hull, Newman worked with designs by his father-in-law Raymond Bunker, Ralph Stanley, and Royal Lowell, to produce, at present, 257 fiberglass hulls in the 30' to 46' range. Newman hulls are reputable for both their seaworthiness, durability, and timeless Downeast aesthetic. Several of the custom boats Newman & Gray have produced over the years involve building new or refinishing these classic Newman hulls. The built-down hull design of the Newman boats is amenable to a commercial or a pleasure boat finish. Newman and Gray also has experience finishing off hulls from other Downeast builders. Several of Newman & Gray’s restoration projects have been on wooden powerboats originally built by Newman‘s father-in-law, Raymond Bunker, and his partner Ralph Ellis. While they restore and rebuild boats of all shapes and sizes, the renowned Bunker & Ellis wooden boats are a favorite. In addition to their new builds and restorations, Newman & Gray also offers a design service through Josh Gray, Ed Gray’s son. After graduating from Colby College in 2005, Josh earned a second degree in Yacht Design from the Landing School in 2008. Now partner in the yard, Josh provides 2-D designs and 3-D renderings to customers seeking custom interior layouts, systems, and hull designs. By commissioning a project through their Cranberry Island based boatyard, customers gain the advantage of working directly with their boat’s builder. While still a small, personable yard, Newman & Gray is equipped to handle projects of every scale from skiffs to cruising boats. They provide custom woodwork, painting and varnishing, canvas work, and electrical and mechanical systems upgrades. Newman & Gray offers both indoor and outdoor storage and currently stores more than 60 boats.
