Our Vessels
Hey there, folks! Welcome aboard TheLobsterGuy.com – your go-to spot for the freshest seafood straight from the coast of Maine! I'm Tim Handrigan, the proud owner and captain of the "F/V Courtney Elizabeth," as seen on Discovery Channel's Deadliest Catch Series, Lobstermen.
Courtney Elizabeth
--Captain Tim Handrigan
"The 'Courtney Elizabeth' was constructed in 1987 exclusively for offshore lobstering. She was built in Bayou La Batre, Alabama, the same city featured in the movie 'Forrest Gump.'
Captain Tim, known as The Lobster Guy, oversaw the vessel's construction, tailoring it to his precise specifications based on his extensive experience in the lobster industry. Year-round, the 'Courtney Elizabeth' navigates the offshore waters of New England, excelling in her primary pursuit: lobstering.
Affectionately referred to as 'Courtney' by her crew, the vessel typically carries a team of 4 to 5 lobstermen during the summer and fall seasons. These trips typically extend 3 to 4 days, with travel time adding an extra 5 to 7 days.
During periods between fishing expeditions, the crew remains tirelessly engaged in preparing the vessel for the next journey. This preparation involves oil changes, loading bait, supplies, and fuel, all handled with meticulous care. Furthermore, the vessel undergoes a thorough cleaning after each and every trip.
Captain Tim's exacting standards ensure that the 'Courtney' remains in pristine condition. Even today, her state mirrors that of her maiden voyage from the shipyard. Presently, she accommodates up to 2000 lobster traps, set in 50 trap trawls—a configuration wherein a continuous rope connects a series of lobster traps, spanning approximately 1 mile.
Our Lobster Gear is deployed at varying depths, reaching up to 200 fathoms in winter and as shallow as 20 fathoms in summer (1 fathom equals 6 feet). Each trap is secured to the string using 2-fathom pieces of rope, known as 'snoods.' The primary rope string is referred to as the 'ground line.' The traps, commonly called 'pots,' are predominantly constructed from vinyl-covered wire, with an average cost of $150 per trap. (Wooden traps are also still in use).
The average cost of outfitting a complete new trawl for the 'Courtney' amounts to around $6000.
Courtney Elizabeth Main Engine Specs & Onboard Equipment:
Main Engine: 3412 Caterpillar Diesel Generators | 2 (50 kilowatt power plants) | 30 ton complete RSW (refrigerated seawater system) | Length = 90 feet | Width = 23 feet | Draft = 11 1/2 feet | Gross Weight = 230 tons | Cruising Speed = 9 knots
Onboard Equipment: 2 Furuno Radars | 2 VHF radios | 1 SSB radio | 3 Loran-C Navigators | 2 GPS | 1 Weather Fax | 1 Sat phone | 1 Cellular Phone | 2 Depth Finder/Chromiscope | 2 EPIRB distress beacons | 1 Eight man offshore survival raft
Aces High
--Captain Teddy McCaffrey
Captain Teddy’s love for the sea and lobster fishing runs deep, stemming from his earliest memories working alongside his father, Ed. From the tender age of 8 and being being able to stand on deck, he absorbed the rhythms of the ocean and the craft of fishing. His apprenticeship began working with his Dad, learning the ropes of seamanship and mastering the nuances of catching lobsters from his Dad .
As Teddy matured, so did his skills and ambitions. He ventured into the offshore lobster fishery, seeking new challenges and experiences. Crewing on vessels like the F/V Monitor and the F/V Courtney Elizabeth provided invaluable lessons in seamanship and leadership under the watchful eye of Captain Tim. These formative years shaped Teddy into the capable and confident skipper he is today!
The culmination of Teddy's journey came when he acquired his own offshore lobsterboat, the F?V Aces High, a vessel that represented not just a purchase, but a manifestation of his dedication and passion. With painstaking attention to detail, he's transformed the Aces High into a vessel worthy of his aspirations, ready to navigate the demanding waters and brutal offshore lobster fishery with aplomb.
Captain Tim's admiration for Teddy's prowess is evident: 'He is one of the finest young skippers to emerge in a long, long time, and boy, can he catch lobsters!'
Indeed, Teddy's journey from deckhand to a top respected captain is a testament to his skill, determination, and unwavering love for the sea.
