Nestled on the shores of Mill Pond in Chatham’s Old Village, First Light Boatworks & Marine Railway is more than just a shipyard — it’s a living legacy. With roots tracing back to wooden-boat pioneers, First Light carries on a deep tradition of craftsmanship, restoration, and innovation, all while embracing sustainability.
A Historic Yard with Deep Roots
The site itself has a long and storied history. It once belonged to the Pease Brothers, and before that, was maintained by naval architect N.A. Spaulding Dunbar in the 1930s. Today, the yard continues that legacy under the leadership of Jim Donovan and Woody Metzger, who bought the business in 2016. Their passion for wooden boats is deeply personal — Donovan grew up around skiffs and traditional boatbuilding, while Metzger spent his youth around Town Cove, working on boats.
What First Light Does
At its core, First Light Boatworks is all about wooden boats; building them, restoring them, maintaining them, and sailing them. Their services are wide-ranging, offering:
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New builds (custom and semi-production)
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Restoration and refit of classic wooden boats
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Annual care and maintenance, including engine repairs, rigging, winterization, mooring service, storage, shrink wrap, and eco-friendly winter covers
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Waterfront services including a marine railway (haulouts), slips, and private moorings for clients
Signature Designs & Innovation
One of the standout aspects of First Light is its boat design: they lean heavily into lapstrake powerboats, especially in their 26-foot line. Their signature models include the Monomoy 26, the Tashmoo 26 runabout, and the Pocasset 26 wheelhouse version, all refined from classic hull lines to suit modern needs.
What makes these boats truly special is how they build them: using a seam-epoxied, monocoque construction method, which results in strong, lightweight hulls with no fasteners once they’re complete. Some of these 26-footers can hit speeds of up to 30 knots thanks to a 140 hp outboard mounted in a well, a clean, quiet, and efficient setup.
First Light is also forward-looking: their shop runs on 100% solar power, and they’re exploring electric propulsion options. Current work includes a repower project using an electric outboard tied to a battery and a very modern take on a classic yard.
Noteworthy Builds: The Finale
A stellar example of their craftsmanship is the Finale, hull #1 of their Pocasset 26 series. After launching in late 2019, the team delivered Finale from Cape Cod all the way to Florida, a testament to both their design and build quality.
Commitment to Quality & Care
First Light’s commitment to excellence isn’t just about building, they also deeply care about maintenance. Their annual care program offers full-service support for outboard and diesel engines, rigging, and systems work. They also offer indoor and outdoor storage, shrink wrapping, custom covers, and mooring services, ensuring that wooden vessels are cared for year round.
The Magic of the Marine Railway
One defining feature of the yard is its marine railway, one of the few remaining on the East Coast. This allows boats to be hauled out easily for maintenance, launching, or restoration — a vital tool for a boatworks that emphasizes craftsmanship and care.
A Legacy of Tradition + Innovation
What makes First Light Boatworks & Marine Railway special is how it bridges the old and the new. On one hand, it’s deeply rooted in Cape Cod’s wooden boat tradition; on the other, it’s modern and future-focused, with sustainability and innovation baked into its operations.
For lovers of wooden boats, maritime history, or just good craftsmanship, First Light is a gem — a place where every plank, seam, and curve is made with intention, respect, and passion.
