About Ellis

Ellis Boat Company – A Bloodline of Boat Builders

 

Being part of a family business can be a joy and source of pride, especially when your job is to manufacture beautiful custom boats. In 1947, Ralph Ellis embarked on the legendary boat-building venture with Raymond Bunker in Southwest Harbor, Maine. The subsequent partnership of “Bunker and Ellis” established a remarkable legacy of building classic lobster yachts. Read more about Bunker and Ellis HERE. In the 1980’s, this legacy was passed on to Ralph’s son, Don Ellis, in the name of Ellis Boat Company. Fast-forward to today. There are over 300 custom Ellis Boats traversing the seas, all built with the pride that is inherent with a family-owned business. Don’s two sons, Shane and Anthony, have both settled on Mount Desert Island and maintain a close connection to Ellis Boat Company – Anthony spending time in production and Shane involved with Marketing/Sales. The youngest generation includes seven children, ages 1-9. Cedar Ellis, age 9, wants to be “a builder” when he grows up. Perhaps he will become the 4th generation of Ellis boat-builders?

Don and Wanda with sons Shane and AnthonyDon and Wanda with sons Shane and Anthony

Don Ellis with grandson Cedar EllisDon Ellis with grandson Cedar Ellis

If you own an Ellis, you can take pride in owning a vessel crafted in the USA by a family business that maintains an extraordinary legacy of fine craftsmanship. Please do visit us if you are ever in the area. We build our boats at 265 Seawall Road, Southwest Harbor, Maine.

More About Bunker & Ellis