AEWC Center Assists Boatbuilders in Gaining Funding for Innovative Projects
Contact: Roberta Laverty (207) 581-2110; David Munson (207) 581-3777
ORONO, Maine – The AEWC Center recently assisted five Maine boatbuilders in developing successful funding proposals for product research and development. AEWC is aggressively working to identify and assist innovative Maine companies with funding and technical assistance as part of its commitment to the North Star Alliance, the State of Maine’s workforce and economic development initiative targeting the boatbuilding, composites and marine trade industries.
The following companies were awarded seed grant funding for product development from the Maine Technology Institute and the North Star Alliance Technology Fund with assistance from AEWC:
The Hinckley Company in Trenton will work with the AEWC Center to optimize the design of resin-infused composite laminates used in the production of boat hulls and deck parts.
Maine Timberworks in Rome will work with AEWC to develop a glue-laminated (glulam) composite beam using locally grown wood.
Seaway Boats in Oxford will develop and test new composite materials lay-ups that will optimize their line of composite boats.
West Bay Boats of Steuben will work with the AEWC Center to design and develop a closed-molded, lightweight composite dashboard for their Down East-style custom cruising boats.
York Marine Inc. of Rockland is developing preliminary designs for a composite Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB) in anticipation of solicitations from the United States Coast Guard and Special Operations Forces for vessels of this type. Working with Chuck Paine Yacht Design to develop the initial plans for the vessel, the company will utilize expertise and equipment at the AEWC Center to develop and test a closed-molded laminate prototype of the vessel.