BACKGROUND
Patrick ’ s fishing journey began in his teenage years . At 16 , he learned the ropes from his father , Nelson , who himself has been a lifelong fisherman . Over the years , Patrick has engaged in various types of fishing around Nova Scotia , ultimately moving to focus specifically on lobster fishing . When his father ’ s health began to decline in 2019 , Patrick took over the family rig and worked to continue on the Ross family ’ s long fishing legacy .
THE NEED FOR A NEW BOAT
The decision to purchase a new boat was driven by necessity and foresight . In short , Patrick ’ s previous boat , a 45-year-old vessel , could no longer meet the demands of modern fishing . With aspirations of continuing his fishing career for another couple of decades , and acknowledging the changing nature of fishing that now requires fishermen like Patrick to venture farther offshore , Patrick realized he would need a more robust and capable boat .
CHOOSING WEST HEAD BOATBUILDERS
Patrick ’ s familiarity with West Head Boatbuilders and our reputation for quality craftsmanship made us a natural choice when it came time for him to invest in a new boat . Having known Andrew , West Head ’ s owner / operator , for most of his life , Patrick had already seen several of our boats in action prior to even conceptualizing his own . It was when Andrew introduced Patrick to the Freedom Hull , which perfectly matched his needs , that Patrick made his final decision to start building and to build with West Head .
THE BUILDING EXPERIENCE
The process of building the Ross Boys was smooth and collaborative . Patrick appreciated the constant communication and updates from our team . Andrew ensured that Patrick was informed about every step of the construction and encouraged him to be actively involved in the making of his prized vessel . The boat was built to Patrick ’ s specifications , with particular attention to size , and the end result was a grand 45 ’ x 24 ’ vessel , much larger than Patrick ’ s previous boat which was 39 ’ x 12 ’.
ENHANCEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE
The new Ross Boys boat has significantly improved Patrick ’ s fishing operations . The increased size and stability allow him to venture farther and haul more gear . Coming from his old boat where moving gear was a cumbersome task to say the least , Patrick is thrilled that with the Ross Boys , he can now move up to 100 pots at one time .
One standout feature that has thoroughly impressed Patrick is his ship ’ s bow thruster . The addition of this great gadget has made maneuvering the larger boat around the wharf much easier and allowed Patrick and his brother , Jeffrey , to manage tasks that previously required a larger crew . If you are unfamiliar with bow thrusters , they are specifically designed to provide lateral thrust and make vessels more maneuverable .
IMPACT ON FISHING OPERATIONS
The new 45-foot , bow-thrusted boat has not only improved fishing efficiency but also boosted crew morale . The comfort and stability of the Ross Boys provides a better working environment and helps get the crew eager and motivated to go out each day . Needless to say , the ability to fish in windier conditions and enjoy a warm ,
comfortable space after hauling gear has transformed Patrick and his crew ’ s fishing experience , and we hope they never look back .
A FAMILY LEGACY , CONTINUED
The Ross Boys boat is a testament to the Ross family ’ s enduring legacy in the fishing industry . Jeffrey appreciates the improved conditions and the sense of pride that comes with working aboard a state-of-theart vessel . And although Patrick hopes to steer his son , Wyatt , away from the fishing industry , the new boat stands as a symbol of their family ’ s hard work and dedication to it after all these years .
Patrick ’ s journey through building the Ross Boys speaks to the importance of quality craftsmanship and effective communication , and it highlights the impact modern technology is having on traditional industries . For anyone considering a new fishing boat , Patrick ’ s advice is clear : invest in modern features like a bow thruster and work with a team who knows what they ’ re doing and wants you to be a part of it . With his desire for a larger and more modern vessel coming to fruition with the Ross Boys , Patrick Ross found a reliable partnership with West Head , and we are grateful to have been a part of what will surely be a bright and prosperous fishing future .
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