New 2008 Ellis Boats

About Ellis Boats

Before building custom boats Ralph Ellis made a living, as many did during the early 1900s on the coast of Maine, fishing and captaining boats for summer residents. But his life would change one night during a fateful game of pool at Jim's Place, in Southwest Harbor. Ralph Ellis and Raymond Bunker were at the pool table, passing time and conversing about small town issues. It is said that Raymond made the statement, "If I had a place to build a boat, I would do so instead of wasting my time playing pool." Ralph replied, "I have a shop, but I know very little about building a boat. If you wish, I will put my shop up against your know-how." That is all it took. As of that day in 1945, they were in a partnership that lasted for over 30 years.


Of the boats that were produced by Bunker and Ellis, most are still turning heads throughout the eastern seaboard. The beautiful lines and custom finish work in teak and mahogany are respected and copied by many custom boat builders. Building only a few boats a year, their work was immaculate. It is said that they were the first to use the term "Lobster Yacht" as a description of their boats.


Ralph Ellis spent much of his life in a boat shop not 40 feet away from the front door of his house in Southwest Harbor, Maine. That shop has since been expanded upon, torn down, and replaced by a new Ellis Boats custom fabrication shop. But the history and traditions of Ralph and Raymond still remain strong.


All of the knowledge and experience that Ralph Ellis acquired through his years as a master boat builder, he passed down to his son Don, now President of Ellis Boats. Today's Ellis boats continue to exemplify the style, craftsmanship and attention to detail that Bunker and Ellis are famous for.


Today's Ellis boats continue to advance the proven Downeast Lobster Yacht design by improving both speed and fuel efficiency while significantly reducing engine and vibration noise. Please feel free to contact us to arrange a visit and/or sea trial and experience first-hand the superb ride and superior construction of an Ellis boat!


Service

Since Bunker & Ellis was founded in 1945, boating enthusiasts from all over the world have trusted the men and women at Ellis Boats to store, service and repair their boats. Our experienced service department can refurbish or upgrade any boat to suit your lifestyle.


Innovations

We are very well known for our innovations. Some of them are, The seat-backs face in either direction, forward or aft. The seats also move up/down and forward/aft with the flip of a switch located on the sidearm. There are no legs– the seats fully suspend from the port/starboard bulkhead. The Ellis Boats Sidekick doubles as the backup engine, getting you home if your main engine fails. Ellis Boats has adopted the patented Integrated Exhaust Hull Structure (IEHS™) developed by respected marine engineer George VonWidmann.


The innovative Evolution Marine Shaft System (EMSS) is a long-running, low-maintenance, oil-lubricated shaft system that significantly improves speed, propeller efficiency, and fuel economy, while reducing hull vibration and associated noise levels.