About Goodhue Boat Company Located in ME, VA, & NH

Goodhue Boat Company History

Established in 1903 by Nathaniel Goodhue and Chester Hawkins, Goodhue & Hawkins Navy Yard (now Goodhue Boat Company) is the oldest marina on Lake Winnipesaukee and the finest boat dealer serving the New Hampshire Lakes Region. In 2004, the Pratt family acquired the marina and has successfully continued many of the traditions that distinguished Goodhue since its inception, while adding state of the art facilities and an emphasis on customer service that ensures our customers are able to maximize their time on the water. As a family-owned and operated business, we truly strive to treat our customers as we would like to be treated.

The year was 1903. The place was Sewall Road in Wolfeboro, NH Nathaniel H. Goodhue partnered with Chester E. Hawkins to begin what was to become the legendary marina they named Goodhue & Hawkins Navy Yard - although it had no connection to the U.S. Navy. Early on they were known for taking care of people's boats in the summer and winter. As early as 1904, Goodhue was renting boats. According to the local historian Q. David Bowers in his book "The History of Wolfeboro, NH, 1770-1994", "Goodhue and Hawkins are renting their new boat Cannon Ball for the fishing season; it has got the speed that should go with its name."

From the very beginning, the marina was known for making boats of all kinds from steamers to launches. In 1908, they began selling automobiles as well. Seems repairing cars and boats went hand-in-hand in those days. They became known for both The Lake Boat and the Ford Runabout which curiously referred to an automobile! By 1913 an advertisement stated that they specialized in "fine pleasure crafts, speed runabouts, express cruisers, marine railway, winter storage, automobile repairing and supplies, machine shop, isolated electric lights and plumbing plants for country homes, storage battery repairing, electrical starting systems installed."

In 1937, the business was bought by Nathaniel W. Goodhue (the nephew of the original Nathaniel H. Goodhue, who had passed away in 1932) along with the original partner Chester E. Hawkins and Daniel Crowley. By now, Goodhue no longer sold cars only boats and boating supplies. During World War II the firm was involved in defense work. By 1947 they resumed building wooden boats often as large as the 30-foot Lakers. A new boat design suited to Lake Winnipesaukee was designed and built by Nat Goodhue and Otto Pecunies that was "a good looking and practical design that went through the choppy waves".

1957 saw the retirement of Chester Hawkins and in 1959 work began on the large pier that exists today on the northwest side of the Navy Yard. 1959 through 1964 saw many new storage sheds built. In 1961, The Good Utility 21 wooden runabout was built. Several of these can be found in the area today. By 1964, the last wooden boat was built and in 1972 Captain Nat sold the Navy Yard to Peter Brown of Brookfield who ran it until 1976. It was during this time that fiberglass boats were introduced, namely the North American Offshore runabouts powered by OMC Stern Drive and Chrysler inboards. Rupp snowmobiles were also sold, giving Goodhue & Hawkins a winter presence as well.

The name Goodhue & Hawkins Navy Yard was again retained by new owners Earl Smith, Charles Smith and Richard Kourian in 1976, who pledged to build up the marina and proceeded to do so in different forms of ownership through 2004. Various brands of powerboats were sold including Chrysler, Glastron, Marathon, Charger, Donzi, Proline, Crestliner and SmokerCraft. SeaDoo personal watercraft were also offered. In addition to the OMC and Chrysler brand, the Navy Yard offered Mercruiser Sterndrives and Mercury outboards along with Evinrude outboards. Volvo Stern Drives also became important with their acclaimed Duo Prop.

Sailboats were introduced in 1977 by Charlie Rocknak who offered the Chrysler brand. These were continued by Sewall Road resident Earl Anthony until the sailing shop was purchased in 1984 by Steve Durgan. Durgan introduced the CAL line of sailboats and offered models from 22 through 33 feet. Point Jude daysailers were added in 1987. Durgan would continue as general manager of Goodhue & Hawkins Navy Yard until 1998.

Goodhue Meredith

Goodhue Boat Company in Meredith, NH was formerly operated as Shep Brown's Boat Basin for over 100 years - nestled into this 13-acre nook in the shoreline of Lake Winnipesaukee since 1919, and yes, was started by who else but local tradesman, Shep Brown.

Our Meredith location offers everything from sales to service and parts. We also offer valet service, storage, rentals, and lessons.

Goodhue Sunapee

The year was 1948 - John A. "Babe" Sargent founded Sargents Marina on Lake Sunapee with his wife, Priscilla Sargent. Running the marina was a family affair for the Sargents - Babe's children were a part of the daily operations every summer, including Babe and Priscilla's daughter, Dorieann. Dorieann grew up around the marina with her parents and took over operations when they were ready to retire. Dorieann and the Sargent family worked hard for decades to make the marina a place where families from near and far could come and enjoy the beautiful Lake Sunapee region.

In October of 2019, Sargents Marina was acquired by Brent and Cameron Pratt who own Goodhue Boat Company. The Pratt's have been in the marina business for decades, owning two of the largest and most successful marinas on Lake Winnipesaukee. Goodhue Boat Company of Wolfeboro, New Hampshire and Goodhue Boat Company at Shep Brown's in Meredith, New Hampshire, are full-service marinas offering rentals, boat sales, repairs, storage, and so much more. The Pratt's are excited to carry on the history and reputation for excellent experiences left behind by Dorieann and the Sargent Family.

The Marina Today

Current ownership began in 2004 when Charles Smith sold the marina to Brent and Cameron Pratt who retained the original Goodhue & Hawkins Navy Yard name until 2018, when they updated the name to Goodhue Boat Company. The Pratt Family removed some of the old structures, replacing them with state-of-the-art storage and service buildings that gave a new look to the old marina. Cobalt Boats were added in 2010 and soon became the top selling boat of its type in the area. In 2018, Boston Whaler was added to the sales floor along with MasterCraft surf boats!

Since 1904, Goodhue has been renting boats. Today that tradition continues with a large fleet of both runabouts and pontoon boats. Like the original Cannon Ball, these rental boats are well suited to the uniqueness that is Lake Winnipesaukee. The tradition of Goodhue is carried on in the staff that represents over 100 years of experience on The Big Lake.