THE JOURNEY BACK TO SEA
Returning to the fishing industry was only the beginning for Ross , who quickly set his sights on creating a vessel that was uniquely his own . Enter the Major Headache , his newly designed fishing boat built in collaboration with West Head Boatbuilders . Ross chose West Head , not just for our craftsmanship but for the collaborative approach we offer to boatbuilding . Working closely with Steve and the team at West Head , Ross was involved in every step of the process , from designing the wheelhouse to customizing every feature to his specifications .
Ross ’ s vision for Major Headache was clear : he needed a boat that was practical and efficient for daily lobster fishing .
His focus was not on luxury or long-haul features but on functionality . This design philosophy was evident in his choices , from the front-facing table setup to the selection of comfortable yet practical seating . Ross even opted for gaming chairs , which are comfortably aligned with the boat ’ s dynamic interior design .
UNIQUE FEATURES OF MAJOR HEADACHE
The Major Headache stands out with several unique features , including a frontfacing table in the wheelhouse designed to improve visibility and comfort — an aspect Ross feels is lacking in many fishing boats . Many vessels in the industry have backward-facing seats , but Ross wanted a setup that allowed him and his crew to anticipate the waves and adjust their seating accordingly . By incorporating gaming chairs , he not only brought a modern touch to the boat but ensured comfort , an essential factor for the long hours spent on board .
The vessel also boasts an impressive 29 feet of deck space , which allows Ross and his crew to load and transport lobster traps quickly and efficiently . In fact , this spacious deck means they can carry all 250 lobster traps at once !
AN HONEST REVIEW FOR WEST HEAD
West Head Boatbuilders proved to be the ideal partners in bringing Ross ’ s vision to life . According to Ross , the team was always willing to listen , ensuring that his ideas were implemented without compromise . Communication was key throughout the process . Whenever there was uncertainty about a particular design choice , the West Head team would reach out to Ross for clarification , either by phone or by inviting him to our facility to ensure the details were correct .
Ross valued West Head ’ s respect for his vision , noting that we never imposed our ideas over his own . If we had concerns or suggestions , we would share our thoughts , but we would ultimately respect his decisions , ensuring he had the final say on everything .
Ross ’ s appreciation for West Head ’ s professionalism and commitment to quality has led him to plan future projects with the team . Although he hasn ’ t yet begun his next boat , he envisions refining and expanding upon the Major Headache ’ s design to make it even more efficient and suited to his evolving needs . The next vessel will build on lessons learned from the Major Headache , allowing Ross to implement minor improvements he ’ s identified since launching the boat .
ADVICE FOR ASPIRING CUSTOM BOAT OWNERS
When asked what advice he would offer to others looking to build or customize their fishing vessels , Ross emphasized the importance of finding a builder who listens . For Ross , West Head Boatbuilders epitomized this trait , accommodating his every request and even helping guide his decisions with expert insights when needed . He encourages prospective boat owners to work with builders who respect their ideas and who are willing to collaborate rather than dictate . For Ross , the final product reflects the success of this partnership : his vision , brought to life with skilled craftsmanship .
A FUTURE OF FISHING AND INNOVATION
As Ross looks toward the future , he feels confident that his relationship with West Head will continue to yield even greater innovations . The Major Headache may be his first custom boat with West Head , but it ’ s unlikely to be his last . Ross envisions that with each new project , he will continue to refine his ideas , creating boats that not only meet practical needs but also reflect his personal touch .
In a few years , Ross plans to launch another vessel . For now , though , he is focused on the upcoming lobster season , excited to put the Major Headache to work . With its unique design , spacious deck , and carefully planned layout , Ross is optimistic that this boat will serve him well as he navigates the waters and continues his family ’ s proud fishing legacy .
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