THOMASTON — Lyman-Morse Boatbuilders, in Thomaston, launched in October a Hood 57, designed by CW Hood Yachts and Stephens Waring Yacht Design.

“Lyman-Morse has been working with the Hood family since we got into the business in 1978, and having recently finished Anna, another highly engineered build from Stephens Waring Yacht Design, Chris Hood knew we were up and running on what he wanted to do in terms of building this new powerboat,” said Drew Lyman, president of Lyman-Morse.

Chris Hood developed the yacht’s original design and concept and brought in Stephens Waring Yacht Design for, “their sharp and focused design pedigree, then brought the project to the world-renowned Lyman-Morse Boatbuilding Company for its execution of master-class craftsmanship,” the release said.

The owner outlined the Hood 57 LM’s mission simply: Pure enjoyment and lifestyle on the water.

The yacht is easily handled and can be docked single-handed, with the feel of luxury car performance and top speeds of 37.5 knots and cruise at 32 knots-- all within the comforts of the plush interior and its 360˚ views.

It is ideal for weekend cruising and entertaining. The Hood 57 LM features custom-designed, bead-blasted, stainless-steel hardware, including a spiral stairway leading to the flybridge. These elements were constructed at Lyman-Morse Fabrication. The yacht’s unique open-format cockpit, providing direct access to the water and dock, and well-founded accommodations for four will ensure fun times on the water for family and friends.

Distinctive form meets function throughout.

“With every project we look for a design element that will separate the project from the rest of the market,” said Paul Waring, of Stephens Waring Yacht Design. “In this case it is the cabin trunk. That line is echoed in the flybridge coaming, the bowrail, and aft windows.”

It’s not the only feature harkening back to the early 1960s powerboats. The Corvina Red custom Awlgrip hull color is eye-catching without being flashy.

“Project development with this owner was great fun,” said Chris Hood, who spearheaded the project. “He is a car guy, with a serious eye to sharp design. He also wanted a thoroughly modern yacht in terms of functionality. For instance, the windows are push-button, drop-down units. The aft table is a three-in-one, DaVinci-esque mechanism – a sun bed raises to a cocktail table which then raises to dining height. Electronics are state of the art intuitiveness. Everything you need to monitor is at your fingertips.”

The owner requested a forward seating area and the Hood team felt is should have the feel of an antique car’s rumble seat. Stephens Waring Yacht Design came up with an elegant way for it to appear from the flush deck.

Underway, the twin Volvo IPS 1350 pod drives will deliver speed and maneuverability for smooth owner-operation in any setting.

And what about that transom?

The transom’s varnished teak grates exhaust heat and noise from the engine room in its wake. And what about access to systems and engines? Chris Hood is a big fan of ease of access and made sure the separate systems room which can be entered through a hatch in the main saloon, will be a joy to work in. As for the engine room, basically the entire cockpit, is hinged and raised to expose the Volvo IPS in their entirety.

The interior accommodates four overnight guests. Painted raised panels in the cabins, with fabric headboards provide plush comfort. Granite sinks with mother of pearl inlay, basketweave tiles, towel warmers, and softer than a cloud bedding, will envelop overnight guests in pleasure. In the shared areas, the look is modernized Americana. Pewter counter tops, snappy checked flooring pop the galley. Custom designed leather furniture and molded dash show the expertise of Alfred’s Upholstery & Co. of Alfred.

For those looking for something a bit smaller, Chris Hood has partnered with Lyman-Morse to build the Hood 35 LM. Hull #1 is currently under construction in Thomaston.

For more information about Lyman-Morse go to lymanmorse.com; ;207-354-6904 or email info@lymanmorse.com