ROCKLAND — Whether you own a boat or are thinking about buying a boat, there are always questions about maintenance, materials, and ownership. Rockland’s Sail, Power, and Steam Museum will host a free morning “Boat Talk” with a panel of local experts to help answer questions and to think through decisions that must be made. “Boat Talk” will take place Saturday, Dec. 16, at 9 a.m. Registration is not required, and there is no charge for admission.

“The 2023 boating season may be over,” said museum founder, Jim Sharp, in a news release, “but we know that winter planning for spring projects or boat purchases never ends. We’ve put together a great panel of folks who love to talk boats, and this is the perfect time to come and start planning for the 2024 season. Having experts and other boat owners around to help work through these challenges is great way to get started.”

Boat owners and future boat owners are all welcome to attend this event with a panel of seasoned and licensed captains and boat surveyors. Attendees are invited to grab a cup of coffee, pull up a chair, and ask questions to help think through questions like “Should I purchase a wooden boat or a fiberglass boat?” “How do I keep my systems running smoothly?” or “Does it makes sense to install a composting toilet?”

“Boat Talk” will be moderated by museum employee Ben Diamond, who noted that this event will kick off a new series of talks to start after the new year.

“We’ll look at more specific topics next year, delving into systems and materials that challenge us all as boaters,” he said. “If you own a boat, are looking to buy a boat, or want to sell your vessel, this talk is for you! We want to provide an opportunity for folks to come have a cup of coffee, share ideas, and talk to experts in the field.”

Captains John Foss,. Keith Davie, Noah Barnes, Tyler Waterson, and marine surveyor and Capt. Mike McHenry will join the museum’s Capt. Jim Sharp and Ben Diamond in a lively morning discussion of “Boat Talk.” 

Reservations are not necessary. 

The museum is located at 75 Mechanic Street, Rockland, ME. 

FMI: www.sailpowersteam@gmail.com.