The Mystery Owner Of Mattapoisett Boat Yard

The Mattapoisett Boatyard, located in Mattapoisett, Massachusetts, is a family-owned and operated business that has been serving the community since 1962. The boatyard is currently owned and operated by Ned Kaiser and his father, David Kaiser, who purchased the business from Ned's grandfather, Art McLean. It is the only yard right on the waterfront, offering convenient storage and mooring options for boats of various sizes. The business provides a range of services, from regular maintenance to complex repairs, and prides itself on its personal relationships with customers. In August 2022, the boatyard suffered a devastating fire that destroyed much of the site, but thanks to the support of the community and the dedication of its owners and employees, it was able to recover and resume operations.

Mattapoisett Boatyard's history

The Mattapoisett Boatyards is a family-owned and operated business that has been serving the community since 1962. Located in Mattapoisett Harbor, it is the only yard right on the waterfront, providing convenient storage and mooring facilities for boats of all sizes, from small daysailers to large 50-foot yachts. The boatyard offers a wide range of boating services, including regular maintenance, complex repairs, and fiberglass work, all at fair prices.

The history of the Mattapoisett Boatyards dates back over half a century. Established in 1962, it has become a cornerstone of the boating community in New England. The boatyard takes pride in its personal relationships with customers and its state-of-the-art facilities, ensuring that each boat is given the utmost care and attention.

In August 2022, the boatyard experienced a significant setback when a massive fire engulfed the site. The blaze was caused by an accidental explosion that occurred while a worker was replacing a boat's gas tank. The fire destroyed six buildings, 20 boats, approximately 40 cars, and all the tools on the property. Despite this devastating loss, the Kaiser family, who owns the boatyard, was determined to rebuild. Thanks to the support of the community and the dedication of their staff, they were able to resume operations just nine months later.

The Kaiser family has a long history with the Mattapoisett Boatyards. Ned Kaiser, the current owner, operates the business with his father, David Kaiser. They purchased the boatyard from Ned's grandfather, Art McLean, who had established it as a family business. The Kaisers' resilience and commitment to the boating community were evident in the wake of the fire. They worked tirelessly to get the business up and running again, and their efforts were met with overwhelming support from the town.

Today, the Mattapoisett Boatyards continues to thrive, busier than ever before. With a team of nearly 30 dedicated workers, they serve over 600 customers, offering a range of services from boat washing and buffing to launching and mooring rentals. The boatyard has become a beloved institution in the town, known for its excellent service and friendly staff. It has earned a reputation for quick and efficient repairs, making it a trusted destination for boaters in the area.

The 2022 fire

On 19 August 2022, a massive fire broke out at the Mattapoisett Boatyard on Ned's Point Road in Mattapoisett, Massachusetts. The fire started at about 1 pm or 2 pm and was finally extinguished around 6 pm. Over 100 firefighters responded to the blaze, which also saw fireboats pumping ocean water to try to control it.

The fire was preceded by a series of explosions, with one witness stating that they "just kept hearing bangs — explosion after explosion". The fire destroyed multiple buildings, several boats, and about two dozen cars. A heavy, thick plume of black smoke could be seen from miles away. The National Weather Service detected the smoke plume on its radar.

At least four people were injured in the fire, including three firefighters. The fire chief of Mattapoisett, Andrew Murray, said that the winds pushed the fire, contributing to its spread. The area of the fire was under a National Weather Service warning of elevated fire risk due to drought and high winds.

The boatyard is family-owned and has been serving the community since 1962. It is the only yard right on the waterfront, offering convenient storage and mooring for boats of various sizes. The fire caused significant disruption to their services, with customers reporting limited shore facilities in the aftermath.

The Kaiser family

In August 2022, the Mattapoisett Boatyard suffered a devastating accident when an explosion and subsequent fire destroyed the site. The Kaiser family, however, demonstrated remarkable resilience and received overwhelming support from the community. Within just nine months, they were back in business, busier than ever, with a dedicated team of nearly 30 workers. The community's response to the tragedy exemplified the strong bond the Kaiser family has forged with the town over the years.

Ned Kaiser expressed his gratitude for the outpouring of help and the swift recovery, stating, "It's a really good feeling to be in a small town in a small community that actually cares for one another." The Kaiser family's perseverance and commitment to their business and customers have solidified their place as a cornerstone of the Mattapoisett boating community.

In addition to their primary boatyard, the Kaisers have expanded their business by acquiring the Brandt Cove Marina in 2019, adding another 100 boats to their maintenance roster. They continuously strive to improve the facilities and services they offer, ensuring that their customers always come first. The Kaiser family's dedication, expertise, and community involvement have earned them a reputation as one of the most hospitable and highly recommended boatyards in the area.

The business's services

The Mattapoisett Boatyard, located at 32 Ned's Point Road in Mattapoisett, Massachusetts, is a family-owned and operated business that has been serving the community since 1962. The boatyard is situated right on the waterfront, offering convenient access for boat storage and mooring. They cater to a range of boats, from small daysailers to large 50-foot yachts, and pride themselves on providing quick and efficient services at fair prices.

The business offers a wide range of services for boating enthusiasts. These include hauling, storage, and launching facilities for boats of various sizes. They also provide mooring maintenance and gear, ensuring that boats are securely anchored. Additionally, they offer a harbour launch service, making it easy for customers to get out on the water.

One of their key strengths is their skilled team, who are equipped to handle regular maintenance, complex repairs, and fiberglass work. They service all types of boats, including sail and power vessels, and specialise in varnish, fiberglass repairs, detailing, cleaning, restoration, and repowering. The boatyard handles all makes and models of engines, including Yanmar, Westerbeke, Volvo, Cummins, Caterpillar, Universal, Beta, and Detroit, as well as various outboard and sterndrive engines.

The Mattapoisett Boatyard also provides seasonal mooring rentals with unlimited launch service and guest moorings for overnight stays or longer. They have the capacity to haul and store approximately 250 sail and power vessels during the off-season. Their goal is to make the most of the short New England boating season by providing exceptional service and accommodating the needs of their customers.

In addition to their comprehensive boat services, the Mattapoisett Boatyard prioritises building personal relationships with their customers. They take pride in understanding their customers' goals and ensuring that their boats are in the safest hands. The boatyard has established itself as a cornerstone of the boating community, with a rich history spanning over half a century.

Customer reviews

Mattapoisett Boatyard has received numerous positive reviews from customers, who commend the business for its excellent service, convenient location, and friendly staff.

One customer, Molly G., praised the boatyard for its professionalism and helpfulness, stating that they have been customers for over 45 years and have always been pleased with the service. Similarly, Robbin F. highlighted the staff's professionalism and helpfulness, noting that the harbour is a great place to moor boats.

The boatyard's launch service has also been recognised by several customers, including David P., who appreciated the timely and accommodating service, well-maintained moorings, and convenient parking. The launch service was also mentioned by Linda R., who found the staff very accommodating and knowledgeable.

The boatyard's location in Mattapoisett Harbour has been praised for its beauty and convenience by customers such as Wendy C. and Walter G. Walter G. also highlighted the nearby town as quiet and beautiful, making it a great location for exploring.

In addition to the positive reviews, there have been some minor complaints. Jeffrey b. mentioned the lack of a proper shower facility, describing it as rustic and in need of cleaning. Another customer, Benjamin H., noted that the launch driver was going too fast for their liking, creating some wake early in the morning.

Overall, Mattapoisett Boatyard is highly regarded by its customers, who appreciate the excellent service, convenient location, and friendly staff. The business has become a trusted destination for boating enthusiasts in the area.

Frequently asked questions