Stanley 36 Lobster Boat “Zytanna” Rebuilt by Eaton’s Boat Shop in Deer Isle, Maine

A 40-year-old Stanley 36 lobster boat, named Zytanna, recently underwent a comprehensive rebuild at Eaton’s Boat Shop & Fiberglassing in Deer Isle, Maine. Owned for nearly seven years by a local fisherman, this classic working boat was stripped back to her bare hull and thoughtfully reconfigured to meet the demands of commercial fishing and coastal work.

Full-Scale Interior Rebuild and Practical Upgrades

The rebuild began with a complete gutting of the interior, allowing the shop to reassess structure, storage and systems from the hull up. A new rope locker was integrated into the bow to keep lines secure and out of the way, and dedicated compartments were added for buoys and toggles, improving on-deck organization and safety. These practical storage solutions reduce clutter and make daily operations more efficient for a working crew.

Engine Replacement and Power Improvements

One of the most significant upgrades was replacing the original 370-horsepower Volvo engine with a 440-horsepower Yanmar. The Yanmar engine, approximately ten years old, was sourced from a yacht at Hinckley and had around 1,900 hours on it when installed. Alongside the engine swap, Eaton’s crew fitted new fuel tanks as well as hydraulic tanks and lines, upgrading the boat’s systems to support the increased power and ensure reliable operation of deck hydraulics and steering.

Composite Work and Hull Finish

The Eaton team returned the vessel to Coosa composite construction throughout the 36-foot hull. When Zytanna arrived for the rebuild, her interior and structural areas featured a rough woven roving finish. Eaton’s craftsmen replaced that rough surface with a smooth Coosa finish, refining both the appearance and the long-term durability of the composite structure. This smoother finish also simplifies maintenance and minimizes places where debris can collect, helping extend the life of the boat in a harsh marine environment.

Why These Changes Matter for a Working Lobster Boat

Structural and systems upgrades on a vessel like the Stanley 36 have real, practical benefits. Increased engine power offers better performance in heavy seas and when running with full loads, while new fuel and hydraulic systems improve safety and reliability. Purpose-built storage — such as a dedicated rope locker and buoy compartments — reduces deck congestion, keeps critical gear accessible, and speeds routine tasks. Upgrading composite finishes enhances durability and lowers maintenance effort for an owner who relies on the boat daily.

Craftsmanship and Local Knowledge

Eaton’s Boat Shop & Fiberglassing brought years of local craft expertise to the project. Located in Deer Isle, Maine, the shop specializes in restoring and repairing wooden and composite workboats for fishermen and boat owners across the region. Bringing a 40-year-old lobster boat back into service requires careful attention to original design, practical improvements, and material selection to preserve the vessel’s character while making it safer and more functional for contemporary use.

Project Coverage and Further Reading

This rebuild is part of a larger pattern of restoration and boatbuilding work being done by small shops in coastal Maine. Coverage of this project and other recent builds from Eaton’s Boat Shop has appeared in industry reporting and regional boat publications, which highlight both the technical details and the human stories behind restoring working boats.

For owners considering similar upgrades, the Zytanna project illustrates key considerations: evaluate the hull and structure first, plan storage and deck layout for efficiency, choose power and systems that match intended use, and work with a shop experienced in both composite and traditional boatbuilding methods.